You drove off the lot feeling good about your new car. The paperwork was signed, the keys were in your hand, and you thought the deal was done. Then, days or weeks later, your phone rings. The dealer is calling to say there’s a “problem with your financing” and you need to come back in […]
Auto Fraud
Wrongful Repossession in California: Defenses, The 15-Day Letter, and Getting Your Car Back
Your car is gone. If it was taken without following the law, you might be able to get it back and hold the lender accountable. California law gives you real protections against improper repossession tactics, but you need to act fast and understand your rights. What Makes a Repossession “Wrongful” in California? Not every repossession […]
Odometer Fraud in 2025: Digital Dash Tactics and How We Prove Mileage Rollbacks
The days of coat hangers and drills are over, but odometer fraud isn’t dead — it’s just gone digital. Today’s scammers use sophisticated software to manipulate electronic dashboards, making rolled-back mileage harder to spot than ever before. If you’re buying a used car or think you’ve been scammed, you need to know what you’re up […]
Dealer Fees in California: Which Are Illegal, Which Are Negotiable, and How to Fight Them
Quick Answer In California, only tax, title, registration and a documentation fee capped at 85 dollars are unavoidable. Everything else, including VIN etching, nitrogen tires, paint protection, dealer prep and market adjustments, is optional or negotiable. Any fee added to your contract without your written agreement may be unlawful and refundable. You’ve negotiated a great […]
Dealer “As-Is” Sales in California: What Rights You Still Have
Quick Answer As-is means the car comes with no warranty, so the dealer will not pay for repairs after the sale. It does not waive your other rights. California dealers must still provide a valid smog certificate, keep required safety equipment working, and disclose known material defects. As-is never protects a dealer who committed fraud. […]
What to Do If a Car Dealer Sold You an Undisclosed Frame Damage Car
Used cars are all sold with an odometer reading higher than zero, some wear and tear on the exterior and under the hood, and most car buyers are aware that they aren’t purchasing a brand new vehicle. The dealership doesn’t have to tell you if the car has been in a very small accident that […]
Salvage Title Fraud: Everything You Need to Know
Imagine driving off the lot in what you believe is your dream car, only to discover months later that it was previously totaled in a devastating accident. This nightmare scenario plays out for thousands of California consumers every year who fall victim to salvage title fraud. Unfortunately, unscrupulous dealers and private sellers sometimes engage in […]
What to Do If You Purchased a Vehicle With Hidden Frame Damage
Quick Answer Usually not. Frame or unibody damage weakens the structure that protects you in a crash and can affect alignment, tire wear and airbag timing. Have it inspected before driving further. If a dealer knew about the damage and concealed it, that is fraud under California law and you may be able to undo […]
What to Do If a Car Dealership Forged Your Signature
Discovering that a car dealership has forged your signature on important documents can be both shocking and overwhelming. This fraudulent practice represents a serious violation of your rights as a consumer and can lead to significant financial and legal consequences if left unaddressed. Understanding your options and taking swift action is crucial to protecting yourself […]
Auto Smog Certificate Fraud: The Ultimate Guide
Purchasing a vehicle should be an exciting milestone, but discovering that your new car doesn’t meet emissions standards can quickly turn that excitement into frustration and financial stress. Smog certificate fraud represents one of the most deceptive practices in the automotive industry, leaving innocent buyers to deal with hefty fines, unexpected repair costs, and the […]
