attorney general complaint for fraud when buying a used car

Consumers who believe they may have been taken advantage of while in the process of purchasing a used car can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint. # # #

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint about a used car purchase?

Consumers who believe they may have been taken advantage of while in the process of purchasing a used car can file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint.

How do I file a lemon law complaint against a car company?

Many car contracts have mandatory arbitration clauses to settle disputes. Get the rules from your state attorney general or consumer protection office. Also, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) AUTO LINE. This lemon law complaint program covers car warranty issues against participating manufacturers.

What happens when a car dealer files for bankruptcy?

The Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation (CMVRC) has a Consumer Recovery Fund to help consumers when a licensed dealer files for bankruptcy or goes out of business. If the CMVRC approves your claim, you may be entitled to reimbursement for any economic losses that resulted from the dealer’s failure to honor the terms of your sales contract.

How to file a complaint against a car rental company?

1 Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission . 2 Auto repair shops — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency. 3 Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. More items...

What can you do if you get scammed by a car dealership?

If the dealership is creating false or deceptive advertisements, you'll want to file your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or FTC. However, for issues such as errors in your auto-loan or contract agreement, you'll want to file your complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau instead.

What is it called when a car dealer lied to you?

It is unlawful and is known as fraud or misrepresentation. You are protected under consumer law and can choose to file a lawsuit with the help of an auto fraud attorney. This doesn't apply just to used cars.

What happens when a car salesman lies?

You might be tempted to contact the salesperson to address the issue. Don't do that! If he or she lied to you once, they will likely lie again. Instead, contact a knowledgeable attorney that will assess your case for free and then, if your case is viable, represent you in your case for no out-of-pocket cost to you.

How do you handle a car dealer dispute?

If you would like to report a problem or dispute you have with a motor vehicle dealer, contact the DMV, Division of Investigations, or file a complaint online. DMV Record of Complaint Form.

What happens if you buy a stolen car from a dealership?

If you accidentally purchased the stolen car, then either your vehicle will be seized from you, or you might end up facing legal issues. Your car and money invested in the car are gone. You have to prove to the police about the purchase of a used car genuinely.

Are all car dealers crooks?

Most of the people you meet in car sales are honest, decent people just trying to make a living. But that doesn't mean there aren't any crooks out there. Bad guys are sprinkled throughout the world of sales like raisins in oatmeal-cookie batter.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman“I really love this car” ... “I don't know that much about cars” ... “My trade-in is outside” ... “I don't want to get taken to the cleaners” ... “My credit isn't that good” ... “I'm paying cash” ... “I need to buy a car today” ... “I need a monthly payment under $350”More items...•

What tricks do car salesmen use?

10 Clever Tricks Car Salesmen Use That You Should Know How to HandleClever wordplay.Playing coy with prices.Long loan terms.Low-balling your trade-in.Too-good-to-be-true deals.Unnecessary upgrades.Interest rate shenanigans.Yo-yo financing.More items...•

What happens if a dealer lied about mileage?

Federal law permits consumers to obtain treble (triple) damages in court or $1,500, whichever is greater. The Secretary of Transportation's office can pursue a criminal warrant for odometer fraud and a fine of up to $100,000 on your behalf.

What are my consumer rights when buying a used car?

If you've bought a used car that turns out to be faulty, then you are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This means that you are entitled to a full refund if you take the car back to the dealer within 30 days of purchase if you can prove that the fault was already there when you purchased the car.

Can you return a used car if it has problems?

There has to be a proven defect in the car or the buyer must prove that the vehicle was sold to him which was not fit for the purpose for which he bought it. The onus will be on the buyer to provide evidence of such defect. The buyer has the option of requesting a repair, replacement or refund.

What are the 3 things you should look for when it comes to the terms of the car loan?

Three major factors that determine your monthly car loan payment are your loan amount, the interest rate and the loan term. There are steps you can take — like making a down payment, improving your credit or choosing a different loan term — that can help reduce the amount you pay each month.

How to file a complaint against a car dealer?

If you have a complaint about your car, file it with the dealer, lender, or manufacturer. If you don't get results, you can contact a state or federal government agency. If your complaint is about: 1 Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission . 2 Auto repair shops — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency. 3 Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission. 4 Auto loans or payments — File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 5 Car warranty — Contact your state's attorney general. But, if you bought a used car from a private owner, the warranty may not be valid. 6 Safety of your car, child car seats, or tires — File a complaint with the Department of Transportation.

What to do if you are being deceived by car dealers?

Deceptive car ads or dealers — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission .

What agency to file a complaint with about car rentals?

Car rentals — File a complaint with your state consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade Commission.

Why do some agencies investigate complaints?

Some agencies will investigate your complaint. Others accept complaints so that they can file a case against the company in the future.

Can you get a car warranty if you bought a used car?

Car warranty — Contact your state's attorney general. But, if you bought a used car from a private owner, the warranty may not be valid. Safety of your car, child car seats, or tires — File a complaint with the Department of Transportation. Some agencies will investigate your complaint.

What to do if a salesperson changes the language?

If the salesperson has made written changes and you agree to them, make sure you both initial the new language.

How to finance a car?

If you are financing the car, make sure you understand: 1 how much you will pay and how often; 2 how many payments you must make in total; 3 how much you will have paid in total; and 4 what the annual interest rate is.

What does "as is" mean on a car window form?

This buyer's guide, or window form, should state either: "AS IS" -- the vehicle does not have a warranty and the seller is under no obligation for repairs; or. "WARRANTY" -- the vehicle has a warranty, and the window form must list exactly what parts and services are covered and for how long.

What does a car dealer offer?

The car dealer may offer you many assorted products, such as extended warranties, nitrogen filled tires, window tinting, interior or exterior protection packages and other products. These products will affect the price of the vehicle and you may decide that you don’t want or need the product or service.

How to find the price of a used car in Texas?

Don’t forget to look up rebates and other incentives that may be available on a new car purchase. There are multiple online resources such as the "Blue Books" used by dealers to determine price ranges for used cars. Many people sell their used cars themselves. Buying from the owner often means paying a lower price than you can get from a dealer. And buying from the owner means you can ask the car's complete repair history. Dealers’ used vehicles may cost more, but, may offer services such as financing or warranties, and may also be able to provide vehicle history.

How long do you have to cancel a car purchase in Texas?

After the Sale. Under Texas Law, you do not have 3 days to cancel the purchase like you may with some transactions the dealer is required to register and title the vehicle in your name within 30 days, regardless of if you owe money on the vehicle to the dealer or another financier.

What happens if a buyer's credit is not approved?

What happens? The buyer's credit is not approved, the monthly payment will be significantly higher and the trade-in has already been sold. The buyer is stuck with the new car at the higher payment or no car at all.

How to find the value of a vehicle?

Know the value of the vehicle by checking vehicle pricing guides, newspaper ads, the Internet, or by comparison shopping. Popular publications include the National Automobile Dealers Association's (NADA) Guides, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports. Some may charge for this information.

What is the lemon law in California?

The Lemon Law applies to most vehicles purchased or leased in California that are still under a manufacturer’s new car warranty. Members of the Armed Forces, who are stationed in or are residents of California, are protected by the Lemon Law even if their vehicles were purchased or registered outside of California.

What do dealers need to give you?

Dealers must give you an itemized price list for optional “add-on” items such as service contracts, insurance, anti-theft devices, or other products. Credit Score Disclosures. If you are obtaining financing from the dealer, the dealer must provide you with your credit score and a written explanation of how it is used.

What is a certified used car?

Certified Used Cars. Used cars advertised as “certified” must meet specific requirements. Dealers must perform a complete vehicle inspection and give you a copy of the inspection report.

How to find out if a vehicle has a recall?

Find out if a vehicle has a safety recall notice and whether it has been repaired by checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Center for Auto Safety websites.

How long does it take to cancel a used car?

When buying a used car or vehicle, you have the right to buy a two-day cancellation option (there are certain limited exceptions to this right). A cancellation option allows you to test drive the vehicle or have it checked out by a mechanic, with the right to a full refund within two days – for any reason.

How to report a repair shop?

To report a problem you are having with your repair shop or to file an online complaint, visit the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. CBAR will investigate your complaint and may be able to help you by negotiating with the repair shop on your behalf.

What to do if a dealership does not have the vehicle?

If the dealership does not have the vehicle with the options you desire on its lot, consider ordering your new car to avoid paying extra for unwanted options. However, because dealers also want to sell their current inventory quickly, you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car will meet your needs.

When buying a used car, do you check the Buyer's Guide?

When buying a used car, check the Buyer’s Guide. Federal law requires dealers to affix a Buyer's Guide sticker on the window of each used car.

How to save money when buying a used car?

You may save money by buying a used car from a private individual, such as through the Classified section of your local newspaper or online. However, you should be aware that private sellers do not have to provide you with the Buyer's Guide required by the Federal Trade Commission’s Used Vehicle Rule, and do not provide implied warranties under state law. Therefore, it may be even more important to obtain warranty promises in writing and to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic prior to purchase.

How to negotiate a good deal with a dealership?

Armed with knowledge about what you want and how much you can expect to spend, you will be in a stronger position to shop around or to consult car-buying or broker services to obtain the best available deal. If the dealership does not have the vehicle with the options you desire on its lot, consider ordering your new car to avoid paying extra for unwanted options. However, because dealers also want to sell their current inventory quickly, you may be able to negotiate a good deal if an in-stock car will meet your needs.

Why do dealers sell service contracts?

The dealer is likely to try to sell you a service contract to provide for repair of specified parts or problems. These service contracts may overlap the initial warranty coverage included by the vehicle manufacturer in the price of the car.

How long do you have to repay a car loan?

You may be required to repay the loan in a shorter period of time, such as 24 months; You may be required to purchase additional options or you may be asked to sign over a manufacturer’s rebate to the dealer; or.

Where to file a complaint in Florida?

You may also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which acts as the State's consumer complaint clearinghouse, at www.floridaconsumerhelp.com.

How to find out if a car has been recalled?

Call the Vehicle Safety Hotline (800-424-9393) to learn whether a specific car model has ever been recalled. Costs. The real cost of a car includes more than its purchase price. Consider the vehicle's reliability.

Do private sellers have to provide a buyer's guide?

However, you should be aware that private sellers do not have to provide you with a Buyer's Guide, and do not provide implied warranties under state law. Therefore, it may be even more important to obtain warranty promises in writing and to obtain an independent inspection prior to purchase.

Can a dealer sell you an extended service contract?

The dealer may try to sell you an extended service contract. You should consider the extent to which the same repairs are already covered under the dealer's warranty. The value of a service contract is determined by whether its price is likely to be greater or less than the cost of repairs to the car. Private Sales.