What to Do If You’ve
Been Cheated at the Dealership

Many clients don’t realize a car dealership has taken advantage of them until weeks — or even months — after the sale.

Common signs of auto fraud:

• The vehicle has hidden damage or was in a prior wreck

• You were told your financing was “approved,” but later asked to sign new terms

• You signed a deal based on one price, but the loan reflects another

• You never received the title, or it shows the car is salvage or rebuilt

Steps to take before calling us:

• Contact your lender and explain the situation.

• Gather all purchase paperwork

• Take photos of damage or mechanical issues

• If you can, get a vehicle history report

Auto fraud FAQs:

What if I already signed the paperwork — is it too late to take legal action?

• No, it’s not too late. Many auto fraud cases involve signed contracts. Fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of consumer protection law can still make the contract unenforceable or give rise to damages, even after you’ve taken the vehicle home.

I bought the car “as-is.” Does that mean I have no legal rights?

• Not necessarily. “As-is” clauses don’t excuse dealers from disclosing known defects, prior wrecks, or title issues. If you were misled or material information was hidden, you may still have a strong legal claim.

What if I traded in my car and now realize there was fraud?

• If your trade-in was taken based on fraudulent terms, we may be able to help recover it or seek compensation. This is especially true in “yo-yo financing” cases where your original deal was canceled or changed after the trade-in.

Helpful resources:
- NACA Auto Fraud Toolkit: Auto Issues - NACA
- NMVTIS Title Lookup: Home | Vehicle History