Effective Fixes for Common Used Car Scams

Questionable practices surrounding the sale of used cars are almost as old as the automobile itself.  Unscrupulous sellers have been saying “caveat emptor” since the days when buyers knew what that meant.  When people buy cars under shady circumstances, it is usually not because of a lack of caution, but rather because of a lack of funds.  If you had the money to get approved for a loan that would enable you to buy a certified pre-owned car from a reputable dealership, that is what you should do.  In your financial situation, though, all you can do is buy a car you can afford and hope for the best.  The good news is that, even if you cannot afford to buy a car that is in mint condition, you can be wise to the underhanded tactics that sellers use to get you to pay more for a car than it is worth.  If the car that you bought to make your commute to work less expensive and reduce your dependence on rides from other people is only making your financial stress worse, contact a Philadelphia used car fraud lawyer.

Informal Sector Sale of Lemons

Say what you will about buying cars from sleazy used car dealerships, but as long as you are buying a car from a dealership, there is enough written documentation for you to use as evidence in a legal dispute.  The riskier option is to buy a car from an individual outside the context of the dealership.  In this case, your only choice is to take the seller at his or her word about the history and condition of the car.  People contact each other on Craigslist or Facebook Messenger, exchange the money and hand off the car at a designated meetup point, and then whatever happens next happens.  Buyers know that they are taking a risk when they do this; the seller may know little about the car or may not be telling the truth, but the buyer has no other feasible options.

What is worse is when used car dealerships try to ditch their lemons by posing online as individuals looking to sell their old clunkers.  They advertise the cars on classified ad websites and meet buyers in parking lots and street corners, never letting on that they are associated with a dealership.  If you buy a car under these circumstances, ask the seller to send you the VIN number before you buy, so you can research the car’s history.  Test drive the car when you meet the seller in person.

Tampering With Odometers and VIN Labels

Even though odometers have gotten more sophisticated, it is still possible for sellers to tamper with them.  VIN numbers are still on stickers, and unscrupulous sellers can replace them.  Your best defense is to ask for an original title to the car before you buy it, not a copy.

Contact CONSUMERLAWPA.com About Avoiding Used Car Fraud

A Philadelphia consumer law attorney can help you avoid getting scammed if you are buying a car on a shoestring budget.  Contact CONSUMERLAWPA.com to set up a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/used-car-scams/