ES
Buying a car should be a straightforward process, but some buyers face deception from dishonest dealers. Dealers may use lies and misrepresentations to increase profits or push unwanted vehicles. This can include false advertising, loan or price packing, warranty fraud, and misrepresentation of vehicle certifications.
The Problem with Lies and Unkept Promises
Dealers may use various tactics to mislead buyers, including:
- False advertising: Advertising a car with features, mileage, or prices that don’t match the actual vehicle.
- Loan packing: Adding unnecessary products or fees to your financing agreement without your knowledge.
- Price packing: Inflating the advertised price or hiding extra costs in the sales contract, like a so-called “included warranty”.
- Misrepresentation: Providing inaccurate information about the car’s condition, history, or features.
- Warranty fraud: Selling or advertising warranties that don’t actually cover the promised repairs.
These lies can have serious consequences:
- Overpaying for the vehicle: You may pay more than the car is worth due to hidden fees or inflated prices.
- Unauthorized obligations: Loan packing can result in extra costs for products or services you didn’t agree to.
- Legal and financial issues: Misrepresented warranties or false advertising can create problems with repairs, claims, and resale.
- Safety and reliability risks: Misrepresentation about the car’s condition can put you and your family at risk.
Lying About Used Car Certification
One of the most serious dealer lies involves the certification of used cars. Dealers may claim a used vehicle is “certified” when it is not, or misrepresent what the certification covers. Certified cars are supposed to meet strict standards, have passed inspections, and often come with extended warranties.
When dealers lie about certification, buyers may face:
- Hidden mechanical issues: Cars marketed as certified may not meet safety or performance standards.
- False sense of security: Buyers may rely on a certification that doesn’t exist, thinking the car is thoroughly inspected.
- Unexpected repair costs: Without a true certification, repairs that should have been covered may become your responsibility.
- Reduced resale value: A falsely certified car may be worth less if buyers later discover it was misrepresented.
If a dealer lied about certification, you may be entitled to compensation under California law for fraud, misrepresentation, and damages.
The Car Dealer Lied. What Happens Now?
If a dealer has misled you, you may be able to sue for auto fraud. Remedies can include:
- Refunds or rescission: You may be able to return the car and recover your purchase price.
- Compensation for losses: This includes overpayments, unauthorized fees, and repair costs.
- Punitive damages: If the dealer intentionally lied or misrepresented the car, courts may award extra damages to punish the misconduct.
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs: California law may allow you to recover legal fees from a dealer who committed fraud. Refer to the FAQ section below for more information on legal fees.
Proving a dealer’s lies can involve reviewing contracts, advertisements, and communications, as well as obtaining expert inspections and vehicle history reports. Experienced legal representation is critical to maximize your chances of success.
Why Choose Auto Fraud Legal Center?
At Auto Fraud Legal Center, we specialize in auto fraud cases, including all forms of dealer deception. Here’s why buyers trust us:
- Extensive experience: We’ve successfully handled thousands of auto fraud cases, helping clients recover millions in damages.
- High success rate: Since 2020, we’ve maintained a 96% win rate, reflecting our dedication and expertise.
- Client-focused approach: Clients appreciate our clear communication, personalized attention, and prompt responsiveness.
- Comprehensive support: From investigation and document review to negotiation and trial, we manage every step of your case.
With our team, you can challenge dealer lies, hold them accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loan packing occurs when a dealer adds extra products, warranties, or fees to your financing agreement without your knowledge or consent.
Price packing is when a dealer inflates the advertised price or hides costs in the sales contract, causing you to pay more than expected.
Yes. California law protects buyers from misrepresentation, giving you the right to seek compensation for damages.
Signs include missing inspection reports, limited or counterfeit warranties, or dealer claims that do not match manufacturer certification standards. Our team can investigate and confirm if certification was misrepresented.
California law generally allows three years from the date of purchase to file a claim for auto fraud. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
No. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. In nearly all cases, the dealer is responsible for our legal fees and costs. The contingency fee we charge on your refund is far lower than what’s typically seen in personal injury matters
Compensation may include refunds, repayment of unauthorized fees, repair costs, punitive damages, and attorney fees. Each case is unique, and we work to maximize your recovery.
Contact Us for a Free Case Review
If a dealer has misled you through false advertising, loan or price packing, misrepresentation, warranty fraud, or false certification, you don’t have to face it alone. Auto Fraud Legal Center can investigate, gather evidence, and help you recover compensation for your losses. With thousands of cases handled and a 96% win rate, our team has the experience and dedication to fight for your rights.
Contact Auto Fraud Legal Center today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding a dishonest dealer accountable.
