Automobile Fraud

A comprehensive guide to investigating and litigating auto fraud cases involving odometer tampering, undisclosed damage, lemon laundering, and predatory dealer practices.

Fraud Schemes, Laws & Remedies

• Covered Fraud Schemes: Undisclosed wreck, flood, or salvage history; odometer tampering; prior use and lemon-law buybacks; repaired damage on new cars; "yo-yo" sales; and gray market, cloned, or stolen vehicles.
• Statutory Frameworks: Federal and state title requirements (including electronic titling), odometer regulations, and a 50-state analysis of auto fraud laws.
• Remedies & Claims: Leveraging warranty, UDAP, tort, and statutory claims to obtain rescission, treble damages, $10,000 statutory damages, attorney fees, and large punitive damages awards.

Investigation & Litigation Techniques

• Follow the Title: Strategies for obtaining and analyzing vehicle title history.
• Follow the Metal: Physical inspection techniques to detect vehicle damage and defects.
• Follow the Money: Uncovering hidden dealer assets and pursuing liability for wholesalers, auto auctions, and floor planners, and from dealer bonds.
   

Praise

"The National Consumer Law Center has compiled a standard reference set that should make consumer law accessible and profitable for private lawyers. Written by the leading national experts in the field, it is a helpful balance of scholarly analysis and practice pointers." — Maryland Bar Journal