{"id":352639,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/lemon-law\/car-ads-reading-between-the-lines.html"},"modified":"2024-06-20T07:57:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T12:57:00","slug":"car-ads-reading-between-the-lines","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/car-ads-reading-between-the-lines.html","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding Car Advertising Scams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Avoiding Car Advertising Scams<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 20, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Buying the right car at a fair price can be challenging. Auto dealers know this, and some promote vehicles they want to sell with misleading or fraudulent advertisements. This can lead to car buyers facing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/how-to-get-out-of-a-car-purchase.html\">unexpected costs and disappointment<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Some car advertisements simply seem too good to be true. While some deals\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/buying-or-leasing-a-car-general-tips.html\">may work for you<\/a>, others can cost you more in the long run.<\/p>\r\n<p>This page will help you recognize and avoid common car advertising scams. You&#8217;ll also find:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Misleading and fraudulent car ad examples and what they really mean<\/li>\r\n<li>How to report fraudulent and misleading sales tactics<\/li>\r\n<li>Consumer protection laws that promote fair business practices and restrict false advertising<\/li>\r\n<li>Other information<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Misleading Financing Information<\/h2>\r\n<p><i>&quot;Zero Money Down! Zero Percent Financing!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p><i>&quot;Buy It Now for $200 per Month! Bad Credit or No Credit Accepted!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>These kinds of claims seem to promise you a car for no down payment and a non-existent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/glossary-financing-terms.html\">interest rate<\/a>. But what you don&#8217;t pay upfront will likely come back to you in higher interest payments later.<\/p>\r\n<p>Zero percent financing is usually only available with an excellent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/credit-score-information-how-to-manage-your-credit-score.html\">credit rating<\/a>. Even then, it usually only lasts a few months. After that, the interest rate usually increases to more than you might have paid without the promotion.<\/p>\r\n<p>This problem is compounded if you choose to pay no money down. This is because you&#8217;ll pay interest on more of the car&#8217;s purchase price. Be sure to review any loan documents you sign carefully. In particular, look for the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/glossary-financing-terms.html\">capitalized cost<\/a>\u00a0or the expected total cost of payment after the car loan is repaid.<\/p>\r\n<p>Compare that number with estimates from other\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/personal-finance.html\">banks or credit unions<\/a>. You may spend less overall if you opt for a deal with fewer gimmicks.<\/p>\r\n<p>Again, these claims will likely mean higher interest rates for you or a longer payment period. Lenders can alter loan terms to set monthly payments at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/understanding-vehicle-financing.html\">attractively low amounts<\/a>. But this means that the loan is drawn out over a longer period of time. Similarly, dealerships offering financing to buyers with bad or no credit will charge a higher interest rate as the price for taking on a borrower\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/rebuilding-credit-faqs.html\">with higher risk<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>You may still be able to take advantage of these deals by comparing the vehicle&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/look-before-you-lease.html\">capitalized cost<\/a>\u00a0under several different financing plans. Also, check for any penalty fees for repaying the loan early. If you can pay off your car loan within the first few months, you can avoid paying the bulk of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/glossary-financing-terms.html\">finance charges<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Hidden Fees and Junk Fees<\/h2>\r\n<p><i>\u201cBuy a New Compact Car for Less Than $20,000!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>Some dealer ads may not disclose all the fees associated with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/buying-a-car.html\">vehicle purchase<\/a>. These hidden fees, or junk fees, are often unnecessary or excessive. They can also significantly increase the overall cost of the car.<\/p>\r\n<p>Sometimes, buyers find out about these additional costs only after they decide to buy the car. They can include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Documentation fees<\/li>\r\n<li>Reconditioning fees (often used in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/dealer-used-car-sales-and-warranties.html\">used car purchases<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Dealer preparation fees<\/li>\r\n<li>Delivery charges<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Car sellers will also likely offer add-ons (like an extended warranty or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/glossary-automobile-insurance-terms.html\">gap insurance<\/a>) at an additional price. These are optional and will inflate the total cost of your vehicle purchase if you decide to add. Review your personal auto insurance policy and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/automobile-warranties-and-other-buyer-protections.html\">manufacturer&#8217;s warranty terms<\/a>\u00a0to determine if these are worth the extra cost.<\/p>\r\n<p>Also, review the fine print of your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contracts-and-the-law.html\">purchase agreement<\/a>\u00a0before you sign. Ask about any fees you didn&#8217;t explicitly agree to. Most dealers won&#8217;t tell you that you may be able to negotiate some of these fees.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Misrepresentation of Vehicle Trade-In Terms<\/h2>\r\n<p><i>&quot;We&#8217;ll Pay You $5,000 for Your Clunker!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p><i>\u201cWe&#8217;ll Pay What You Owe on Your Car!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>These types of ads seem to offer a great deal for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/tips-for-buying-a-used-car.html\">your trade-in<\/a>\u00a0and a cost-effective solution for offloading your old vehicle. However, car dealerships may not simply deduct your trade-in from your new car&#8217;s cost. Instead, they may cover the difference between the actual value of your car and what they paid you for it by adding it to the price of the vehicle you&#8217;re buying.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, a dealership offers you $5,000 toward a new car if you trade in your vehicle. Your current car&#8217;s actual worth is $1,000. You want to buy a car worth $30,000. Under normal circumstances, the dealership will appraise your vehicle at $1,000 and then offer you the new vehicle for $29,000 plus the trade-in. However, since the dealership has this promotion, they might increase the starting price of the new car to $35,000\u2014meaning you end up paying $30,000.<\/p>\r\n<p>The best way to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/how-to-sue-a-car-dealer-for-misrepresentation-.html\">avoid losing money<\/a>\u00a0on these kinds of promotions is to look up the worth of your car and the car you want to buy on sites like:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.kbb.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kelly Blue Book<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.edmunds.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Edmunds<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nada.org\/nada\/consumer-vehicle-values\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Auto Dealers Association (NADA)<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>You can then negotiate a fair price for both vehicles regardless of the promotion.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Inflating the Invoice Price<\/h2>\r\n<p><i>&quot;Buy It for Below Invoice Price!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p>This type of ad implies you&#8217;ll buy a car for less than the dealership paid\u2014and well below consumer prices. However, no dealership willingly takes a loss on their stock. The dealer will likely get a manufacturer&#8217;s rebate or some other incentive from the manufacturer for selling the car at the offering price.<\/p>\r\n<p>Again, accurately price out the vehicle you&#8217;re interested in. Knowing the actual price the vehicle retails for will help you determine if you&#8217;re actually\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/auto-dealer-fraud-faq.html\">getting a good deal<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Bait-and-Switch Tactics<\/h2>\r\n<p><i>\u201cThis Weekend Only: Brand-New Current Model Year Honda CR-V Starting at Just $23,999!&quot;<\/i><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/auto-dealer-fraud.html\">Bait-and-switch<\/a>\u00a0advertising occurs when a car dealer lures buyers to the dealership by advertising a particular vehicle at a low price. Then, the dealer tells customers the vehicle is no longer available or quickly sold out. At that point, they steer customers towards more expensive vehicles or an upgraded variant of the advertised vehicle.<\/p>\r\n<p>Bait-and-switch advertising tactics are illegal in most states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has determined that bait-and-switch tactics constitute unfair or deceptive trade practices that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/enforcement\/penalty-offenses\/bait-switch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">violate the FTC Act<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>The next section details how to report bait-and-switch advertising and other\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/auto-dealer-fraud-enforcing-your-rights.html\">deceptive sales practices<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Reporting and Combating Auto Retail Scams<\/h2>\r\n<p>Car sellers use various methods to advertise to customers. Today, dealers can circulate misleading ads via direct mail, email, and even social media and text messages. Scammers also post misleading or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/fraud.html\">fraudulent ads<\/a>\u00a0on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.<\/p>\r\n<p>It&#8217;s a good idea to review recent\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/consumer-alerts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consumer alerts<\/a>\u00a0from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) before you visit a dealership. This resource calls out recent consumer scams. It also provides tips and best practices for avoiding scams.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/reportfraud.ftc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">report fraud<\/a>\u00a0or a misleading car advertisement to the FTC. You can also make a complaint with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/what-consumer-protection-agencies-do.html\">your state&#8217;s Attorney General&#8217;s office<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How the CARS Rule Helps Fight Scams<\/h2>\r\n<p>The FTC finalized a new rule in December 2023 that further protects consumers from automotive scams and deceptive car sales. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/news-events\/news\/press-releases\/2023\/12\/ftc-announces-cars-rule-fight-scams-vehicle-shopping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) rule<\/a>\u00a0specifically restricts predatory junk fees and bait-and-switch tactics.<\/p>\r\n<p>This new rule also provides more comprehensive protections for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/military\/family-employment-housing.html\">military families and servicemembers<\/a>. Under the new rule, dealers cannot:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Lie about whether a servicemember can transport the vehicle out of state after purchase<\/li>\r\n<li>Misrepresent vehicle repossession laws that apply to servicemembers and their families<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Falsely claim the dealership is affiliated with the military,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.defense.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Department of Defense<\/a>, or another governmental agency<\/p>\r\n<h2>Get Legal Help With an Auto Fraud Issue<\/h2>\r\n<p>Buying a vehicle is a significant purchase. These transactions involve sales, warranty, and financing contracts. Dealers must follow contract and consumer laws, but some car sellers use tactics outside the law.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you suspect you&#8217;ve purchased a vehicle from a scammer or were subject to an unlawful advertisement, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consumer protection attorney<\/a>\u00a0can help. An experienced attorney can review the contracts, advertisements, and applicable laws. They will offer you legal options that make sense for your situation and help protect your rights.<\/p>\r\n<p>Contact a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consumer protection attorney<\/a>\u00a0in your area today to learn how they can help you.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney&#8217;s support\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You can hire an attorney to enforce your rights for safe products, fair transactions, and legal credit, banking and related financial matters\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Legal cases for identity theft, scams, or the Equal Credit Opportunity Act can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:0803\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law.html\">\n                        Lemon Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams.html\">\n                        Online Scams\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights.html\">\n                        Rights to Travel\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/auto-dealer-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Protection Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/credit-repair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Credit Repair Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/debtor-creditor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Debtor and Creditor Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/lemon-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lemon Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/professional-malpractice-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professional Malpractice Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Auto dealers constantly flood the media with ads in an attempt to lure customers to their showrooms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352630,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2732],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352639","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-consumer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352639\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352639"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352639"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}