Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is VIN Cloning?
There are thousands of honest used car dealers who take great care to ensure that all of their vehicles are safe, undamaged, and fairly priced. Unfortunately, there are also more unscrupulous sellers who used underhanded practices when selling used vehicles. For instance, some dealerships may go so far as to place a different Vehicle… Read More »
Claims Filed Against Pennsylvania Used Car Dealers for Using Deceptive Advertising Practices
Two years ago, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office established its own Consumer Financial Protection Bureau unit and charged it with investigating violations of the state’s unfair and deceptive practices laws. Recently, investigations into auto dealer advertising fraud culminated in the filing of claims against more than 20 dealers who were charged with violating both… Read More »
Signs that You May Have a Cracked Engine Block
Used car buyers are protected under Pennsylvania law from purchasing a vehicle with certain problems, such as a damaged transmission, a bent or broken frame, or a cracked engine block. Unfortunately, despite the existence and enforcement of these rules, many used car dealers continue to sell defective vehicles to unsuspecting consumers, which can have… Read More »
Collecting Compensation for Auto Dealer Fraud
Used car dealer fraud occurs when a dealership attempts to take advantage of consumers through the use of deception and unfair practices. While both state and federal law protect consumers from this type of behavior by requiring dealerships that don’t comply with these rules to compensate wronged parties for their losses, filing a claim… Read More »
Odometer Fraud on the Rise
A used car dealer in Colorado was recently charged with scamming customers by selling vehicles with altered odometer readings. Unfortunately, this type of conduct is becoming more and more common in the used car industry, a trend that is largely attributable to the increasing use of digital odometers, which are much easier to replace… Read More »
Dealership Advertising Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law protects consumers from being defrauded by used car dealers by requiring dealerships to abide by certain advertising rules. Although dealers who fail to comply with these laws can be held liable for defrauding customers, filing these types of claims can be difficult, especially for those without legal representation, so if you were… Read More »
What Does it Mean to Purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?
Many used car dealers, in an effort to put consumers at ease about the safety of their products, market their vehicles as being “Certified Pre-Owned.” This term is used to refer to vehicles that have been refurbished, but have also undergone and passed an inspection checklist. While this title gives many purchasers peace of… Read More »
Trade-in Scams
Although more and more consumers are becoming aware of the potential pitfalls of purchasing used vehicles, many remain unaware of a trend referred to as trade-in auto fraud. Trade-in scams are a form of used car fraud, and as such, are unlawful. As a result, dealers who engage in these types of practices can… Read More »
Tips for Buying a Used Car
Whether you’re looking to buy a used car for yourself or for a family member, it is important to keep in mind that buying a used vehicle is a much different process than buying a new one. For instance, used vehicles, unlike new cars, are protected by Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law. However, this doesn’t mean… Read More »
Do I Have an Auto Fraud Case?
With negotiable pricing, add-on options, upgrades, and varied financing plans, purchasing a used vehicle is no easy task. Unfortunately, this means that many consumers, even those who are careful and do their research, are at risk of being misled by unethical auto dealers. In an effort to combat this type of behavior, the Pennsylvania… Read More »
