Aggressive Southern California Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyer
During a high-pressure sale situation, consumers may feel pushed into options they might not have otherwise taken if they had time and information on their side. When we purchase a vehicle from what appears to be a reputable dealership, we may dismiss the idea of auto dealer fraud or unfair practices, putting our trust where it may not belong.
At the Law Office of Robert L. Starr, we have been helping victims of unfair dealer practices achieve justice and successful outcomes for over 10 years. Passionate about cars and committed to protecting the rights of consumers, attorney Robert Starr and his team of in-house experts in vehicle inspection and repair help clients throughout Southern California in cases involving unfair dealer practices.
If you have been the victim of unfair auto dealer practices, contact our office for a free initial consultation.
The High-Pressure Sale
When you reach the point of sale and financing on a vehicle, dealerships often try to tack on additional items or services (add-ons) you may not want or need. They may practice payment packing, also known as deal packing, where they ask what kind of payment you can afford. You may sign off on entire add-on packages without ever being aware that "no" is even an option!
Add-on packages may include:
- Alarms
- LoJack security systems
- Scotchguard protection
- Paint protection
- Upgraded tires and rims
- Extended warranties
Under the law, dealers must supply an addendum to the purchase agreement that lists the price of each add-on, item by item. If the dealer fails to do this, it is fraud.
Why Is This Auto Dealer Fraud?
Payment or deal packing is fraud because of the uneven bargaining power in the exchange. You are not given the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether each add-on item is something you really wanted. You often end up paying more than a package is worth, because you are not given the price of each item and allowed to comparison shop.
Many add-ons are not covered under the manufacturer's warranty. If things go wrong, you're out of luck. To make things worse, add-ons might even void parts of your vehicle's original warranty!
Finally, the dealer may not have given you a required supplemental lemon law disclosure, telling you the add-on's aren't covered under traditional lemon law.
Other Unfair Dealer Practices
Besides payment packing or deal packing, dealers can engage in a number of other unfair or fraudulent practices:
- Foreign language: If you negotiate in a foreign language, contracts have to be in that language.
- Bait-and-switch: Occurs when dealers refuse to show you the advertised vehicle, even though they have it on the lot.
- Misrepresentation in advertising: Occurs when dealers refuse to sell at the advertised price.
Let Us Help You Get Justice
If you have been a victim of auto dealer fraud, we will take action against the dealer to unwind the deal and get your money back. We will demand that the dealer repurchase or replace the vehicle, as well as make a demand for attorney's fees. If they refuse or will not make a fair settlement offer, we will pursue litigation on your behalf.
If you have been the victim of any type of auto dealer fraud or unfair practice, we can help. Call 818-224-7691 or contact us online.
Our office in Woodland Hills is open 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with other times available by appointment. We are conveniently located by the 101 Freeway, off the Woodlake Avenue exit (northbound 101) or the Valley Circle exit (southbound 101). Off-site appointments are also available.
Spanish language services available / Se habla Español
