Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Collecting Compensation for Auto Dealer Fraud
Used car dealer fraud occurs when a dealership attempts to take advantage of consumers through the use of deception and unfair practices. While both state and federal law protect consumers from this type of behavior by requiring dealerships that don’t comply with these rules to compensate wronged parties for their losses, filing a claim… Read More »
Odometer Fraud on the Rise
A used car dealer in Colorado was recently charged with scamming customers by selling vehicles with altered odometer readings. Unfortunately, this type of conduct is becoming more and more common in the used car industry, a trend that is largely attributable to the increasing use of digital odometers, which are much easier to replace… Read More »
Dealership Advertising Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law protects consumers from being defrauded by used car dealers by requiring dealerships to abide by certain advertising rules. Although dealers who fail to comply with these laws can be held liable for defrauding customers, filing these types of claims can be difficult, especially for those without legal representation, so if you were… Read More »
What Does it Mean to Purchase a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?
Many used car dealers, in an effort to put consumers at ease about the safety of their products, market their vehicles as being “Certified Pre-Owned.” This term is used to refer to vehicles that have been refurbished, but have also undergone and passed an inspection checklist. While this title gives many purchasers peace of… Read More »
Trade-in Scams
Although more and more consumers are becoming aware of the potential pitfalls of purchasing used vehicles, many remain unaware of a trend referred to as trade-in auto fraud. Trade-in scams are a form of used car fraud, and as such, are unlawful. As a result, dealers who engage in these types of practices can… Read More »
Tips for Buying a Used Car
Whether you’re looking to buy a used car for yourself or for a family member, it is important to keep in mind that buying a used vehicle is a much different process than buying a new one. For instance, used vehicles, unlike new cars, are protected by Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law. However, this doesn’t mean… Read More »
Do I Have an Auto Fraud Case?
With negotiable pricing, add-on options, upgrades, and varied financing plans, purchasing a used vehicle is no easy task. Unfortunately, this means that many consumers, even those who are careful and do their research, are at risk of being misled by unethical auto dealers. In an effort to combat this type of behavior, the Pennsylvania… Read More »
The Statute of Limitations in Used Car Fraud Cases
Consumers who purchase used vehicles from Pennsylvania dealerships and are defrauded during the process, can hold the at-fault parties liable for damages by filing a claim against them in court. Unfortunately, even those with valid claims could have their cases dismissed if they fail to file before a certain deadline, or to comply with… Read More »
Car Kiting: Dealers Selling Vehicles that They Don’t Actually Own
Most people have heard of the term check kiting, but few are aware that the same type of fraudulent scheme can be and is regularly used by car dealers across the country. Car kiting involves selling a vehicle that has been traded in before first paying off any outstanding liens. This type of activity… Read More »
Undisclosed Add-on Products
Under both Pennsylvania and federal law, used car dealers are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent sales practices when advertising or selling used vehicles. Unfortunately, many dealerships still attempt to get away with unscrupulous business practices, such as adding products and services to a buyer’s contract without being asked to do so. These products are… Read More »
