When purchasing a new car, the last thought you want to have is that a car dealership is attempting to deceive you. Unfortunately, there are some car dealerships that may use fraudulent tactics to get you to purchase a vehicle with options or features that you did not request. Deceptive car dealerships will use various types of schemes to slip an option or feature scam right by an unsuspecting buyer. If you or a family member was a victim of car dealership fraud, you should contact an experienced Maryland dealership option fraud attorney.
The car dealership fraud attorneys at Whitney, LLP can help you file a claim against a car dealership that deceived you. Car dealership scams are becoming more prevalent across the State of Maryland. That is why it is important to learn to spot the many signs of dealership fraud. To schedule a consultation to discuss your fraud case, call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000.
Added Options Car Dealership Scams
Dealership added options scams typically occur when a car dealer attempts to frivolously add to the price of the car by installing overpriced options. An added option to a vehicle is an item that was installed by a car dealer and not the vehicle manufacturer. These additional options do not require prior approval from a manufacturer and usually are not covered by a manufacturer warranty. This means that the car dealer will have the discretion to install any options they want to a vehicle and the discretion to choose the cost of the options.
An added option can take many different forms:
- Pin-stripe
- Vin-etching
- Chrome wheels
- Wheel locks
- Sunroofs
- Reinforced bumpers
- Rear-view cameras
Many car dealers will attempt to lure in potential buyers by adding options to a popular vehicle that many potential buyers will be drawn to purchase. However, the price of the added features will not be clearly reflected on a vehicle’s window sticker. The price will typically `be hidden on an addendum sticker in an inconspicuous spot on the car’s windshield.
Once an unsuspecting customer decides to purchase a vehicle with added options, they will discover that the price of the vehicle will increase by several hundred or even a thousand dollars. This scam will earn the dealership and the individual dealer a larger amount of money on the deal.
There are also other forms of car dealership option fraud. One tactic is to advertise a low price for a vehicle to lure in potential buyers. Once the buyer decides to purchase the vehicle, the dealer will inform them of the actual price of the car which is higher than the advertisement. The dealer can get away with this because they issued a disclaimer in the fine print of the advertisement that did not include the cost of added features.
To learn more about dealership feature fraud, you should continue reading and consider speaking with an experienced Maryland consumer protection attorney.
When to Sue for Dealership Feature Fraud in Maryland
If you were a victim of dealership feature fraud, you should file your case as soon as possible. In Maryland, lawsuits for fraud have a three-year statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file their case in a particular state. This means that a plaintiff has three years to file their fraud case with the court. If the case is not filed within three years, the plaintiff risks having the court bar their claim.
Despite the three-year filing deadline, there are several reasons to file your fraud case as soon as possible. For example, it will be easier to gather evidence for your case if you do not delay in filing. Evidence necessary for your case can be misplaced or destroyed before you file your case. This will make it difficult to prove fraud against a deceptive car dealership. Additionally, the sooner you file your case, the quicker you will be able to claim compensation if you prevail in your case.
Our Maryland Car Dealership Add-on Fraud Lawyers are Ready to Work with You
If a car dealership committed option or feature add-on fraud when you purchased a vehicle, contact an experienced Maryland feature add-on fraud lawyer. The dedicated lawyers at Whitney, LLP understand the frustration of being a victim of dealership fraud, and we are here to stand with you. Add-on fraud is an easily concealed scam, and you should not feel embarrassed about being a victim of these deceptive tactics. You do not have to deal with a car dealership add-on scam alone, call Whitney, LLP at (410) 583-8000 for a free legal consultation, or contact us online.