Car buyers in Orange County face serious threats from dishonest dealers who use deceptive practices to steal your hard-earned money.
These fraudulent schemes can destroy your financial security and leave you trapped in contracts that favor the dealership while putting you at risk.
When car dealerships intentionally misrepresent vehicles, hide critical information, or manipulate financing terms, they commit crimes that can cost you thousands of dollars.
The burden of proof falls on you as the victim, but without proper legal representation, dealers often escape consequences while you suffer the financial damage.
Many consumers don’t realize they’ve been targeted until it’s too late, and by then, the dealer has already moved on to their next victim.
Consumer Action Law Group serves as your shield against these predatory practices across California.
Our legal team understands the common forms of auto fraud that plague Orange County consumers and knows exactly how to fight back.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients recover money from dealers who thought they could get away with deceptive practices.
Our law offices have extensive experience handling fraud cases where dealers hide frame damage, manipulate interest rates, or fail to disclose critical vehicle defects.
When you become a victim of auto fraud, our auto fraud attorneys build a strong case to hold dealerships accountable and get your money back.
We Handle All Types of Auto Fraud Cases In Orange County, Including:
Undisclosed Vehicle Damage
Car dealerships often hide significant damage to vehicles they’re selling to unsuspecting buyers.
This includes frame damage from accidents, flood damage, or other structural problems that make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Financing Fraud
Dealers manipulate financing terms to increase their profits while putting consumers in impossible financial situations.
They may forge signatures, add unauthorized charges, or misrepresent interest rates to get you to sign contracts.
Bait and Switch Tactics
Dealerships advertise vehicles at attractive prices but then claim those cars are unavailable when you arrive to purchase.
They pressure you into buying more expensive vehicles or add costly extended warranties you never requested.
Odometer Fraud
Some dealers roll back odometers to make vehicles appear to have lower mileage than they actually do.
This deception allows them to charge higher prices for vehicles worth significantly less money.
Title Fraud
Dealers sometimes sell vehicles without proper titles or with liens that weren’t disclosed during the sale.
This leaves you unable to legally register the vehicle or obtain proper insurance coverage.
Common Types of Auto Fraud In Orange
Yo-Yo Financing Scams
Orange County dealerships often use yo-yo financing to trap consumers in unfavorable loan terms after they’ve already taken the vehicle home.
The dealer calls you days or weeks later claiming your financing fell through and demands you return to sign new paperwork with higher interest rates.
This bait-and-switch tactic leaves you vulnerable to losing your transportation and paying thousands more than originally agreed.
Many consumers don’t realize they have legal rights when dealers attempt these manipulative financing schemes.
The stress and financial burden can devastate families who depend on their vehicle for work and daily life.
Spot Delivery Fraud
Dealers allow you to drive off the lot before your financing is actually approved, creating a dangerous situation where you’re not the legal owner.
When the dealer claims your loan was rejected, they demand the vehicle back or force you into predatory financing terms.
This practice particularly targets consumers with credit challenges who may not understand their legal protections.
The emotional manipulation of threatening to take away your transportation gives dealers enormous leverage in these situations.
Victims often agree to terrible terms rather than lose their vehicle and face the embarrassment of returning it.
Inflated Payment Schemes
Orange County dealers routinely quote monthly payments that seem affordable but hide the true cost through extended loan terms.
They may stretch a loan to seven or eight years, dramatically increasing the total amount you’ll pay while making payments appear manageable.
Some dealers add unnecessary products like extended warranties or gap insurance without your knowledge to increase profit margins.
These deceptive practices can result in you paying twice the vehicle’s actual value over the life of the loan.
The financial damage becomes apparent only when you try to trade in or sell the vehicle years later.
Identity Theft and Credit Fraud
Dishonest dealers may use your personal information to apply for credit without your permission or knowledge.
They might open multiple credit applications to find the worst terms that generate the highest dealer profits.
Some dealers alter your credit application information to make you appear to qualify for financing you can’t actually afford.
This type of fraud can damage your credit score and create long-term financial problems that extend far beyond the vehicle purchase.
The complexity of auto financing makes it easy for dealers to hide these fraudulent practices from unsuspecting consumers.
Recent Settlements We Have Won For Clients!
Testimonials
We Serve All Orange County Clients
FAQs About Auto Fraud Cases In Orange County
What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of auto fraud?
Contact our law office immediately for a free consultation to review your case. Don’t continue making payments on a fraudulent contract while we investigate your situation. Stop all communication with the dealer until you speak with our attorneys about your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a legal claim against a car dealer?
California law provides specific time limits for different types of fraud claims. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to recover money from fraudulent dealers.
Can I get my money back if the dealer lied about the vehicle’s condition?
Yes, California law allows victims of auto fraud to recover their money and cancel fraudulent contracts. Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions for clients who were deceived by dealers. We can often get you a full refund plus compensation for your damages and legal costs.
What evidence do I need to prove auto fraud?
We help gather all necessary evidence including contracts, communications with the dealer, and vehicle inspection reports. Our legal team knows exactly what evidence is needed to build a strong case. Save all paperwork, emails, text messages, and document any problems with the vehicle immediately.
How long does an auto fraud case take to resolve?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and the dealer’s willingness to settle. We work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery. Many cases settle within months, but we’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Can dealers be held criminally liable for fraud?
Yes, auto fraud can result in criminal charges, but our focus is on recovering your money through civil court. We coordinate with prosecutors when appropriate but prioritize getting you the compensation you deserve. Criminal cases can take years, while civil cases often resolve much faster.
What if the dealer says they can’t be sued because I signed a contract?
Fraudulent contracts are not legally binding, and you have the right to cancel them. California law protects consumers from being trapped by contracts obtained through deception. Our attorneys know how to invalidate fraudulent contracts and get you out of bad deals.
Can I sue if the dealer added products I didn’t want?
Yes, adding unauthorized products to your contract without your knowledge is fraud. Many dealers secretly add gap insurance, extended warranties, or other products to increase their profits. We can help you recover money for any products you didn’t agree to purchase.
What happens if I already traded in my old vehicle?
You can still pursue legal action even if you’ve already traded in your previous vehicle. We can help you recover the value of your trade-in plus additional compensation for the fraud. Dealers often undervalue trade-ins as part of their deceptive practices.
How do I know if my interest rate is fraudulent?
If your interest rate is significantly higher than what was quoted or what you qualify for, it may be fraud. Dealers sometimes inflate interest rates to increase their profits at your expense. We can review your financing documents to determine if you were charged illegal rates.
What if the dealer threatens to report my vehicle as stolen?
Dealers cannot legally report a vehicle as stolen if you’re making payments according to your contract. This is a common intimidation tactic used to pressure consumers into accepting unfavorable terms. Contact our attorneys immediately if a dealer makes this threat against you.
Can I get compensation for emotional distress caused by auto fraud?
Yes, California law allows victims to recover damages for emotional distress in fraud cases. Auto fraud can cause significant stress, anxiety, and financial hardship for victims and their families. We factor in all damages when calculating your potential recovery.
What if the dealer went out of business after defrauding me?
You may still have legal options even if the dealer is no longer operating. We can pursue claims against the dealer’s insurance company, bonding company, or parent corporation. Our attorneys know how to track down assets and find ways to recover your money.
Contact Us Now to Fight Back Against Auto Fraud
Time is critical when dealing with auto fraud because evidence disappears and legal deadlines approach quickly.
Every day you wait gives the dealer more time to hide evidence or transfer assets to avoid paying you.
Consumer Action Law Group has the extensive experience needed to take on powerful dealerships and win.
Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars for victims of auto fraud across California.
Don’t let dishonest dealers keep your money while you suffer the consequences of their crimes.
Contact Consumer Action Law Group today at (818) 254-8413 for your free consultation.
