For most consumers, the car buying process can be overwhelming and exhausting. When you finally agree to a vehicle and a purchase price after negotiating with a dealership, your guard may be down. At that point, you likely think that the difficult part of the car buying process is over. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some salespeople commit auto fraud in the way they handle add-on costs during the car buying process.
How Add-On Concealment Auto Fraud Typically Works
Add-on concealment occurs when a salesperson or dealership charges a consumer for optional add-ons without being up front about their inclusion or their associated costs. Examples of common add-on features include extended warranties and prepaid service or maintenance programs. Typically, the process works as follows:
- You decide to purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealer.
- After picking out a vehicle, you negotiate the monthly payment you will have to make with the salesperson.
- After you agree upon the monthly payment, the salesperson conceals the fact that he included certain optional add-ons, like gap insurance into the final vehicle price, telling you that these came with the montly payment you agreed to when, in fact, these were optional items, without which your monthly payment would be much lower.
- Even if the salesperson did not conceal the inclusion of these add-ons, the salesperson may have concealed the true cost of the add-ons.
Why do some salespeople and dealerships commit auto fraud by concealing the price or inclusion of optional add-ons? These add-ons are very profitable for the dealership and the profit margin on the add ons is mich higher than on the vehicle itself. If you were a victim of add-on concealment auto fraud, it is important to seek legal assistance. We strongly encourage you to contact us today at 804-282-7900.
| Related Links: |