Buying a car in California should be exciting, but unfortunately, some dealerships use shady tactics to take advantage of buyers. At Consumer Action Law Group, we’ve seen it all – from hidden fees to selling damaged cars without telling the buyer. That’s why our auto fraud lawyers are committed to helping consumers fight back against these unfair practices.

You might be a victim of auto fraud if:

• The price you paid was higher than advertised, thanks to sneaky fees or bait-and-switch tricks
• Your new car broke down soon after purchase, hinting that the dealership knew about existing problems
• You found out your car had been in an accident or had serious damage that wasn’t disclosed
• The dealership won’t honor your warranty, using tricky contract language to deny repairs

These situations aren’t just frustrating – they’re often illegal. If any of this sounds familiar, don’t let the dealership get away with it. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you get justice and potentially recover your losses.

“Everyone that helped prep and present my case was thorough and answered all my questions.  Their response time is absolutely amazing.  Very knowledgeable and a great strong team.”  -Lisa J

Common Auto Fraud Tactics and How We Can Help

Car dealerships can be sneaky, using all sorts of tricks to take advantage of buyers. Here are some of the most common auto fraud tactics we’ve seen:

• Bait-and-switch pricing: Advertising one price, then charging more at purchase
• Hiding accident history: Not telling you the car was in a crash
• Rental car cover-up: Failing to mention the car was a heavily-used rental
• Concealing damage: Keeping quiet about frame damage or major engine problems
• Surprise add-ons: Tacking on extras you didn’t ask for
• Deferred down payments: Asking for part of the down payment later (often illegal)
• Unfair repossessions: Taking back cars soon after purchase without proper cause

If you’ve fallen victim to any of these scams, don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Our experienced lawyers can help you:

• Get your money back
• Return the car and cancel the contract
• Keep the car but make the dealer pay for repairs or damages they hid

Remember, you have rights as a consumer. If something feels off about your car purchase, it probably is. Give us a call, and we’ll help you understand your options and fight back against unfair dealership practices. Don’t let them get away with it – let’s work together to hold dishonest dealers accountable.

“I contacted this group in regard to an issue involving my vehicle. I felt very lost, frustrated and confused. I feel this group was able to help me find clarity as well as gather information in regard to my legal rights. They provided me with support to feel comfortable in making the decisions that best helped gather my situation together.” – Nelson G.

The Hidden Costs of Auto Dealer Fraud

Auto dealer fraud is a bigger problem than most people realize. It’s not just about a few bad apples – it’s a widespread issue that’s costing car buyers millions each year. As the economy recovers and more people buy cars, we’re seeing fraud cases in both new and used car sales go up.

The tricky part? Most folks don’t even know they’ve been scammed until it’s too late. By then, they’re stuck with a lemon, an unfair contract, or a big financial headache. This isn’t just bad luck – it’s often a calculated move by salespeople and finance teams looking to squeeze more profit out of each sale.

One sneaky tactic we see a lot is predatory car loans. Dealers might rush you through paperwork, hiding the real terms of your contract. Before you know it, you’re driving off in a car with a loan that’s way worse than you thought.

Another common trick is lying about the car itself. Some dealers, especially in the used car market, will swear up and down that a car is in “excellent condition” with a “clean history,” even when they know that’s not true. They might hide damage, downplay mechanical issues, or fudge the numbers on pricing and financing.

Here’s the good news: In California, the law is on your side. If a dealer lies about a car’s condition or history, you can take them to court. Our legal team knows how to gather evidence and build a strong case against fraudulent dealers.

Remember, just because this kind of fraud is common doesn’t mean it’s okay. If you think you’ve been a victim of auto dealer fraud, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you understand your rights and fight back against these unfair practices.

New Car Scams: Uncovering Dealership Tricks

Think you’re safe from scams when buying a new car? Think again. In recent years, we’ve seen a worrying increase in shady practices at both new and used car dealerships. Even though there are strict rules in place, some dealers are bending or breaking them to make more money – often at your expense.

These scams can start small, like lowballing your trade-in value or using bait-and-switch tactics on the car’s price. But they don’t always stop there. By law, dealers have to be clear about things like the car’s condition and actual price in the contract. But some try to hide or twist this information to their advantage.

Watch out for confusing contracts too. Some dealers lump all the fees together, making it hard to see what you’re really paying for. Or they might give you one big document instead of several smaller ones, claiming it’s simpler – but really, they’re just making it harder for you to understand the deal you’re getting.

Other tricks we’ve seen include:

• Backdating contracts
• Passing off used cars as new
• Selling “lemons” (defective cars) without telling you
• Ignoring the 10-day cancellation policy

All of these can leave you stuck with a car that costs way more than you bargained for, both now and down the road.

At Consumer Action Law Group, we’re committed to fighting these unfair practices. If you think you’ve been caught in one of these scams, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you understand your rights and get the fair deal you deserve.

Used Car Fraud Dangers You Need to Know

We’ve all heard jokes about shady used car salesmen, right? While many dealers are honest, some care more about their commission than your safety. Lately, we’ve seen a spike in used car scams that aren’t just illegal – they’re downright dangerous.

One of the scariest tricks? Selling cars that have failed safety checks or been in unreported accidents. These aren’t just lemons – they’re potential death traps. It’s a pain, but digging into a car’s history is crucial. Check ownership records, auction reports, recall notices, and accident history before you buy. It might save your life.

Then there’s odometer fraud. Some dishonest dealers roll back the miles to make a car seem less worn out than it really is. This isn’t just about paying too much – it’s about buying a car that might break down way sooner than you expect.

Watch out for warranty scams too. Some dealers might swear a car still has coverage when the warranty’s long gone. Imagine thinking you’re protected, only to get slapped with a massive repair bill down the road.

Remember, buying a used car doesn’t have to be a gamble. If something feels off, trust your gut and ask questions. And if you think you’ve been scammed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re here to fight for your rights and keep you safe on the road.

Fight Back Against Dishonest Car Dealers

Been tricked by a car dealership? Don’t just get mad – get even. At Consumer Action Law Group, we’re ready to help you seek justice. Our team of auto fraud attorneys has a track record of success, with hundreds of wins against dishonest dealers under our belts.

Think you might have a case? Don’t sit on it. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your position. Here’s why time matters:

• Evidence stays fresh
• Witnesses remember details better
• Legal deadlines don’t slip by

We make it easy to get started. Just give us a call and share your story. We’ll listen carefully, explain your rights in plain English, and lay out your options. And don’t worry about cost – your initial consultation is free and comes with no strings attached.

Remember, car dealers have lawyers on their side. Shouldn’t you? Let’s level the playing field. Get in touch today, and let’s talk about how we can fight for the fair treatment you deserve. You don’t have to face this alone – we’re here to stand up for your rights and hold dishonest dealers accountable.