Have you been sold a lemon that your car dealer refuses to repair or replace or a car with undisclosed defects that the dealership knew about or should have known about at the time or purchase?

After purchasing a vehicle, did the dealer later ask you to come back to the dealership and sign a new contact with a higher interest rate or larger down payment?

In both examples, the car dealer is likely engaging in fraud or likely committing violations under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. For new cars, the Texas lemon law may be applicable. The Deese Law Firm’s auto fraud practice is committed to holding car dealers and third-party creditors accountable for auto sales fraud.

State and federal law both protect consumers from auto fraud. Even when complying with the law, car dealers may stack the deck in their favor. Consumers should be aware of some of the common tricks and traps before purchasing a new or used vehicle, and Lubbock auto sales fraud attorney Kyle S. Deese is here to help when violations of the law have been committed by unscrupulous car dealers.

Yo-yo Financing

Have you purchased a car and driven it away from the dealership only to be told that the financing was denied and you needed to come back and sign a new contract? If so, you may be the victim of yo-yo financing. In a typical yo-yo transaction, you are asked to sign a new contact with a higher interest rate or eventually asked to make a larger down payment.

After you have purchased the vehicle, the car dealer basically decides that the terms need to be re-written and the new terms generally never favor the Texas consumer. Even worse, the dealer may tell you that your trade-in vehicle has already been sold. These sales tactics almost always violate Texas law. To protect yourself, make sure that any contracts you sign are final and seek independent legal advice before signing any contract.

You should contact Lubbock auto sales fraud lawyer Kyle S. Deese if you believe you have been the victim of a yo-yo transaction.

Damaged Car Fraud

Car dealers have been known to purchase damaged and wrecked vehicles at auction. Recycled wrecks or flood damaged cars may look great but only be partially repaired before being re-sold to unsuspecting Texas consumers.

Failure to disclose the adverse history of a vehicle is likely both fraudulent conduct and also a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Texas consumers should always have a qualified mechanic and reputable body shop inspect a used vehicle before buying it.

Odometer Fraud

Car dealers may also try to hide the true mileage history of a vehicle to maximize their profits. The federal Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act prohibits car dealers from tampering with odometers. Federal law also requires dealers to disclose the odometer reading and indicate whether the reading is accurate.

Violations of this federal law may allow you to recover three times your actual damages or $10,000, whichever is greater, plus the reimbursement of your costs and your attorney’s fees. Rolling back the odometer is also a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (the “DTPA”).

Consumers should be aware that Carfax is not always reliable. To help prevent odometer or title fraud, our Lubbock auto sales fraud attorney Kyle S. Deese recommends that consumers visit www.vehiclehistory.gov for vehicle history information prior to buying their next vehicle.

Dealer Forgeries

Car dealers sometimes decide to re-write the deal after you have signed the sales contract in order to increase their profits. Car dealers have been known to sell phony extended warranties and GAP, life, or even disability insurance coverage. These actions may constitute fraud and may also result in a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. You may be able to hold the car dealer liable for your damages suffered and recover your costs and attorney’s fees.

If you believe that a car dealership has engaged in fraud or unfair trade practices, contact The Deese Law Firm today at 806.475.0150 to schedule a complimentary telephone consultation with our auto sales fraud lawyer. Lubbock consumer fraud attorney Kyle S. Deese may be able to help if you have been sold an unsafe or defective vehicle.

Even if your vehicle was sold “AS IS,” a car dealer may still be liable for fraud or for violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Kyle S. Deese will review your potential auto fraud case at no cost to you. Kyle encourages all Texas consumers to contact The Deese Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.

How Much Will It Cost To Hire Our Lubbock Auto Dealer Fraud Attorney?

For auto fraud matters, our Lubbock auto fraud attorney accepts cases on a contingency fee basis and most cases will require no out-of-pocket costs. But, in select cases, Kyle S. Deese may charge an initial retainer to get started on your auto fraud case.

Aside from this possible initial retainer, it generally costs the consumer nothing to hire Kyle S. Deese, unless there is a recovery in your case. If there is a recovery in your case, Kyle will be reimbursed for any advanced costs and then paid a percentage of the total recovery.

If you believe you have been a victim of auto fraud or have been sold a defective vehicle, contact The Deese Law Firm today at 806.475.0150 to schedule a free telephone consultation with Lubbock auto sales fraud lawyer Kyle S. Deese. Kyle will do his best to protect your rights and will work hard to hold the fraudsters accountable!