Philadelphia Used Car Fraud Lawyer
Pennsylvania Consumer Protection Lawyer Serving Clients Harmed By Used Car Fraud in Philadelphia
Used car fraud is a serious problem in Pennsylvania, and it can result in financial harm to consumers throughout the Philadelphia. There are many different forms of used car fraud, from drawing up deceptive contracts with unsuspecting consumers to attempting to sell vehicles that have had odometers altered. In other words, fraud can occur at nearly every stage of the used car buying process: from looking at potential used cars to purchase to signing a contract. According to a recent report from ABC News, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office recognizes the financial injuries associated with used car fraud, and it has begun cracking down on used car dealerships throughout the state. The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office urges used car buyers to seek a Carfax report prior to making a purchase, and always having a used car inspected by your own mechanic before signing any contract.
If you lost money or purchased a car that was not what you expected, you may be eligible to file a claim. You should discuss your options with a Philadelphia used car fraud lawyer as soon as possible.
How Does Pennsylvania Define Used Car Fraud?
Under Pennsylvania law, a used car is defined as a “motor vehicle . . .
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Which has been sold, bargained, exchanged, or given away;
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Which has had title transferred from the person who first acquired it from the manufacturer or dealer; or
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Which has an odometer reading of 500 miles or more, not including mileage incurred in delivery from the manufacturer or in transporting the vehicle between dealers for sale.
The law cites many situations that may be considered fraudulent, including but not limited to:
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Use of different size, style, location, sound, lighting or color, so as to obscure or make misleading a material fact in an advertisement or sales presentation;
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Misrepresentation in any way of the size, inventory or nature of the business of the advertiser or seller;
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Showing, demonstrating or delivering advertised goods or services which are obviously defective, unusable or unsuitable for the purpose represented or implied in the advertisement or sales presentation;
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Accepting a deposit for advertised goods or services, then switching the purchaser to higher priced goods or services;
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Failure or refusal to sell a motor vehicle . . . under terms or conditions, including price or warranty, which a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer or repair shop has advertised or otherwise represented; and
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Making . . . a statement of fact in an advertisement or sales presentation if the advertiser or salesperson knows or should know that the representation or statement is false and misleading, or if the advertiser or salesperson does not have sufficient information upon which a reasonable belief in the truth of the representation could be based.
Used car dealers can also be held liable for fraud if they fail to disclose certain information about the vehicle’s condition, such as a bent frame, cracked engine block, vehicle condition that makes it unable to pass State inspection, damaged transmission, flood-related damage, and other types of damage or defects.
Don’t be a victim of used car fraud!
Ideally, consumers can research and inspect used car lots and repair shops before using their services. However, there are many in the car sales and repair industry that are experts at not selling or repairing a vehicle as advertised. Used car dealers have a legal obligation to inform you about the condition of the car. Know your rights before walking blind into a situation that could leave you financially out and emotionally drained! Lemon Laws are designed to protect the consumers rights. Under the Lemon Law Act you have legal rights which may permit you to obtain one of the following: a new car, a full refund, or a partial refund for your defective car. Contact our Philadelphia used car fraud lawyer today.
If you are purchasing a used car, look out for these warning signs:
- Language you do not understand in the loan contracts;
- Hidden fees that keep popping up as you get into negotiations;
- If possible, have the car inspected by a secondary party; and
- Have all legal paperwork reviewed by legal counsel before you sign anything.
For help with used car fraud and prevention, call Louis S. Schwartz and his team at ConsumerLawPa.com at 215-790-1800 today.
