When you buy a car, truck, or motorcycle, most consumers would like to believe that all dealers are going to handle the transaction with integrity and honesty. Unfortunately, however, that is not always the case. Some dealers utilize fraudulent and deceptive tactics during the vehicle purchasing process. Consumers who fall victim to auto fraud must take action in order to protect their legal rights.
3 Times During the Car Purchasing Process When Auto Fraud Can Occur
Auto fraud can occur at virtually any point in the car buying process. Common stages at which auto fraud occurs include the following:
- Advertising
- Negotiation of the vehicle price
- Negotiation of the financial terms for the purchase or lease
Auto fraud also comes in many different forms. Some of the more common techniques used in an auto dealer fraud scam include the following:
- Bait and switch advertising practices
- Deceptive inflation of a vehicle’s price
- Failing to disclose information about a vehicle
- Misrepresentation about the interest rate you were approved for by the lender the dealer "shopped" your proposal to
Some consumers confuse auto fraud matters with violations of Virginia’s lemon law. The two are not the same, however. While both auto fraud cases and lemon law cases involve automobiles, auto fraud cases involved improper tactics used by a car dealer during the vehicle sale process. Lemon law cases pertain to defects or problems with the vehicle itself.
If you believe you may have been a victim of auto fraud, it is important to take action in order to protect your legal rights. We are here to provide guidance. We encourage you to contact us today for more information at 804-282-7900.
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