Auto Fraud Attorney Anaheim

Auto Fraud Cases We Handle In Anaheim

Vehicle History Fraud

Dealerships sometimes sell cars with undisclosed accidents, flood damage, or other serious problems that affect the vehicle’s value and safety.

When dealers hide this information, they commit fraud by misrepresenting the true condition of the vehicle you’re purchasing.

Financing Fraud

Some dealerships engage in illegal practices by charging higher interest rates than advertised or adding unauthorized fees to your loan.

This type of fraud can result in you paying thousands more than the agreed-upon price for your vehicle.

Odometer Fraud

Rolling back odometers to show fewer miles is a serious crime that affects the vehicle’s value and your safety.

Dealerships that engage in this deceptive practice are violating federal and California law.

Bait and Switch Tactics

Dealers may advertise one vehicle at a low price but then try to sell you a different, more expensive car when you arrive.

This illegal activity wastes your time and can pressure you into making a purchase you didn’t intend to make.

Spot Delivery Fraud

Some dealers let you take the car home before your financing is approved, then call you back demanding different terms or more money.

This practice puts you in a vulnerable position and can result in you losing money or being stuck with unfavorable loan terms.

Common Types of Fraud By Car Dealerships in Anaheim

Hidden Damage and Accident History

Dealerships frequently sell vehicles with undisclosed accident damage, flood damage, or structural problems that significantly reduce the car’s value and safety.

These dealers often obtain vehicles from auctions or trade-ins knowing about previous damage but fail to inform buyers about the vehicle’s true history.

The consequences of purchasing a damaged vehicle can include costly repairs, safety risks, and difficulty reselling the car later.

When dealers hide this information, they commit fraud by deliberately misrepresenting the vehicle’s condition to secure a sale.

Financing Manipulation and Rate Fraud

Car dealers sometimes manipulate financing terms by charging higher interest rates than advertised or adding unauthorized fees to your loan agreement.

This type of fraud can result in you paying thousands more than the agreed-upon price for your vehicle over the life of the loan.

Dealers may also engage in “yo-yo financing” where they approve your loan initially but later claim the financing fell through and demand new terms.

These deceptive practices take advantage of buyers who trust that dealers are providing accurate financing information.

Title Washing and Salvage Vehicle Fraud

Some dealers engage in title washing, which involves moving salvage or flood-damaged vehicles between states to hide their damaged history.

This illegal activity allows dealers to sell severely damaged vehicles as if they were in good condition, putting buyers at serious risk.

Salvage vehicles often have hidden structural damage that can make them dangerous to drive and nearly impossible to insure properly.

Buyers who discover they purchased a salvage vehicle often find themselves stuck with a car worth far less than what they paid.

Odometer Tampering and Mileage Fraud

Rolling back odometers to show fewer miles is a federal crime that affects both the vehicle’s value and your safety as a driver.

High-mileage vehicles often have more wear and tear, requiring expensive repairs that buyers wouldn’t expect from a supposedly low-mileage car.

Dealers who engage in this deceptive practice violate both federal and California law, making them liable for significant damages.

The harm from odometer fraud extends beyond financial loss, as it can leave you with a vehicle that’s more likely to break down unexpectedly.

Bait and Switch Advertising

Dealers may advertise specific vehicles at attractive prices but then claim those cars are unavailable when you arrive to purchase them.

Instead, they try to pressure you into buying a different, more expensive vehicle, often using high-pressure sales tactics.

This illegal activity wastes your time and can result in you making a purchase you didn’t intend to make under pressure.

The deception involved in bait and switch tactics violates consumer protection laws and can be grounds for a fraud lawsuit.

Spot Delivery Scams

Some dealers let you take the car home before your financing is completely approved, then call you back demanding different terms or more money.

This practice puts you in a vulnerable position where you may feel forced to accept unfavorable terms because you’ve already taken possession of the vehicle.

Spot delivery fraud often targets buyers with credit challenges who may not realize they have rights in these situations.

The emotional and financial stress of having to return a car you thought you owned can be devastating for families who need reliable transportation.