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Have you been scammed by an auto dealer? Click here to fill out our survey  Click here for a summary of consumer stories

- Read Our Report - 
Rip-Off Nation:
Auto Dealers' Swindling of America

Car-dealer fraud is plaguing our country. The tactics being used are so sly that even informed consumers who do their homework are being taken for hundreds, and often thousands, of dollars.

These scams add many millions of dollars each year to the profits of car dealers at the expense of consumers. While some profit is necessary, consumers are being ripped off beyond reasonable need through the sale of useless add-on products and services, the unnecessary markup of vehicle prices, the hidden inflation of loan terms and by other means described in our report.

Evidence from recent litigation, industry insiders and consumer complaints show that these practices are not restricted to a few areas or dealerships. Further, it is very likely that deceitful trends are spreading as more and more dealerships become part of major conglomerates.

Public Citizen does not believe that graft is necessary for auto dealers, as an industry, to remain economically viable. We also do not belive that that all -- or even most -- dealerships are corrupt. Dealers should work with law enforcement to root out corruption where it exists and should commit to creating a transparent, accountable and consumer-friendly sales and financing process.

   Join our listserv on auto dealer fraud - click here

Contact Us

• Send us your comments on auto fraud  - click here
• Suggest remedies to auto dealer fraud - click here
• Industry insiders - click here
• Law enforcement authorities - click here

News

• Click here to read our listserv messages
• Consumers in Arizona, represented by attorneys C. Brian Meadors and Kevin L. Hickey, recently filed suit against a fraudulent auto dealership.  Click here to read the full complaint.
• Public Citizen urges support for consumer protection bill - read more here
• Public Citizen sends letters to five states with most complaints - read more here
• North Carolina Attorney General's Office announces investigation into Sonic Automotive Group

Consumer Information

• To read Public Citizen's fact sheet Auto Purchasers’ Top Five Defenses Against Yo-yo Financing Cons and Other Dealer Scams, click here
• Visit Remar Sutton's www.autoissues.org to learn more about mandatory arbitration and buyers tips
• Visit www.consumersunion.org for more information on vehicle reliability and shopper education
• Visit the Center Auto Safety www.autosafety.org to learn about lemon laws and vehicle defects
• To get hints on purchasing a new or used vehicle, visit the State Driving Law website

Additional Information

• To read the Truth in Lending Act, click here
• To read the Fair Credit Reporting Act, click here
• Visit the National Whistleblower center at www.whistleblowers.org to learn more about whistleblower protection laws

Because Public Citizen does not accept funds from corporations, professional associations or government agencies, we can remain independent and follow the truth wherever it may lead. But that means we depend on the generosity of concerned citizens like you for the resources to fight on behalf of the public interest. If you would like to help us in our fight, click here.