One of the last suburbs that you go through before crossing the Wilson Bridge is Fort Washington, Maryland. The area has changed dramatically since the National Harbor was built early in the century. Fort Washington and neighboring Oxon Hill were part of the same city until they were separated in 1980. It is the next town over on the Capital Beltway after Camp Springs and Joint Base Andrews.
There are numerous car dealerships in the Fort Washington, Largo and Suitland areas, selling Chevrolets, Nissan, BMW, Toyota and many other makes and models.
Car buyers need to be on the lookout for illegal business practices such as:
- forgery,
- odometer fraud,
- false online price advertising,
- spot delivery violations, including keeping down payments and selling trade-ins when financing is not approved,
- stealing GAP and extended warranty payments, and
- running hard credit checks without permission.
These are not the only forms of auto fraud, as dealers have numerous tricks up their sleeves. The attorneys at Whitney, LLP sue car dealerships and help car buyers unwind bad deals and recover compensation for unfair selling and financing practices.
Here are reviews from what some of our past clients have said about us, and here are some of our past settlement results in claims and lawsuits against car dealerships. We offer legal consultations. Call us at (410) 583-8000 or use our online form to request your free initial consultation today.
Forging Contract Signatures at Car Dealerships
Even worse than overcharging is when dealers engage in forgery to change a sales, finance or lease contract that you signed to take more of your money. Clients often tell us, “The dealer has been forging my signature.” Victims of fraud may see forged initials as well.
Red Flags for Car Contract Forgery Include:
- monthly payment is different than what you agreed to;
- the term, loan amount or interest rate is higher or lower than what you agreed to; and
- you do not receive coverage, like GAP, pre-paid maintenance or an extended warranty you paid for.
Here is a recent case Whitney, LLP resolved for $50,000 involving alleged forgery and fraud at Sheehy Hyundai in Waldorf. Of course, all cases are different and past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Auto Fraud Schemes in Fort Washington, MD
Fort Washington, Oxon Hill and Suitland car dealers may commit auto fraud in a number of different ways.
There is odometer fraud, which happens when they disable, roll back or otherwise manipulate the odometer to make the mileage appear less than it actually is. Not only is this a federal crime, but it can also be grounds for receiving substantial compensation when suing a car dealership.
False online advertising – Dealers may also tell you that a car in their online advertising has features, such as Navigation, that it does not. They might advertise a low online price that increases once you arrive at the dealership.
Spot Delivery Violation – Fort Washington, Largo and Camp Springs car dealers might let a customer drive off the lot in their new car before financing has been approved. If financing is not approved within 4 days, the dealer must return 100% of the down payment, and must return your trade in. They are not allowed to sell your trade or keep your down payment if financing is not approved.
A dishonest dealer may run a credit check on you without your permission. This is illegal under federal law, and the dealer can be sued for checking your credit without your permission because it hurts your credit score. Whitney, LLP can help remove unauthorized credit inquiries.
Rental car or commercial use history – Dealers have to disclose to car buyers if a used car was a rental or used commercially before selling it. If they do not, consumers can recover compensation.
Attorney for Car Dealership Fraud Near Me
Car dealers do not have an unlimited license to commit fraud and take your money. They do not have the right to lie to you and make various misrepresentations about the vehicle to make you pay more or convince you to buy a car where everything does not meet the eye.
The lawyers at Whitney, LLP help car buyers unwind bad deal and recover compensation for unfair treatment. We help buyers who need a lawyer to sue a car dealership. Call us today at (410) 583-8000, or contact us online to request your free initial consultation.