Auto Dealer Fraud - Enforcing Your Rights
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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If you believe that you may be a victim of auto dealer fraud, there are a number of steps you can take to enforce your legal rights. Following is a discussion of three options: contacting the dealer, filing a complaint with a state agency, and getting an attorney's help.
Contacting the Dealer
In many states, if you believe that auto dealer fraud was committed, you are required to contact the dealer and give them an opportunity to correct the problem before you take any legal action (such as filing a lawsuit). This contact can be initiated by you personally, or it can be made by your attorney, but it should be in writing and should clearly illustrate both the problem (i.e. the dealer's failure to disclose certain financing charges), and what steps you would like the dealer to take to resolve the problem (i.e. a partial refund of the vehicle purchase price).
Filing a State Agency Complaint
If you believe that you may have been a victim of auto dealer fraud, you may want to file a complaint with a state agency that protects consumers' rights in connection with vehicle purchases. In some states, that agency may be a consumer protection division of the state attorney general's office, or may be an agency specifically designated to handle complaints regarding auto dealers. For example, consumers in Wisconsin can file a complaint about an auto dealer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Dealer Section, and Texas citizens would contact the Texas Motor Vehicle Division's Enforcement Section.
Getting an Attorney's Help
If you recently purchased a vehicle and you suspect that the dealer may have committed fraud during the sales process, you may want to speak with an experienced Auto Dealer Fraud Attorney. An Auto Dealer Fraud attorney will evaluate all aspects of your case and explain all options available to you -- including what you can expect if you decide to file a lawsuit against an auto dealer -- and will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Remember that in some states, you are required to contact the dealer and give them an opportunity to correct the problem before you take any legal action.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified consumer attorney to assist in your lemon law or dealer fraud matter.