When buying a new or used vehicle, you do not want to find yourself wrapped up in a yo-yo or bait and switch scam. Buying a car should be an exciting experience, right? The last thing on your mind is whether or not the salesperson or dealership is trying to swindle you. Unfortunately, cases like these happen too often. You’re probably wondering, “How do I protect myself from these scams?” At our firm, yo-yo scams are one of the most common consumer protection cases that we handle, usually on a class action basis, and our Cleveland Consumer Protection Lawyers are here to help!
How a Bait and Switch Scam Works
Let’s paint a picture of how these scams work. You go into the car dealership and give them the down payment. You trade in your car, fill out all the paperwork, and take your new vehicle home. A couple weeks later, you get a phone call from the car dealership. They something along the lines of, “Hey there, by the way, there’s a couple more documents we need you to sign. Can you stop by today to get those signed?” So, you head to the dealership and sign. Then, all of a sudden, your interest rate is higher, they want more of a down payment, or they want a co-signer.
Another scenario that happens is when you suspect something is up, so you don’t go back when they call. Something doesn’t seem right to you. Then, the car dealership starts to call you every day. The next thing you know, they tell you something like, “I will call the police and report your car stolen if you do not return this vehicle immediately.” Both scenarios are illegal.
Truth in Lending Act
If you aren’t familiar with the Truth in Lending Act, it helps protect you from inaccurate and unfair credit billing and credit card practices. TILA requires disclosures of what the terms of the loan are up front. Car dealerships involved in bait and switch scams try to find a way around it. One very important detail in protecting yourself from these scams is to not sign an arbitration agreement. If you do, you could be giving up your right to pursue a case.
Contact an Attorney to Learn How to Avoid a Cleveland Yo-Yo Scam
If you or any friends and family have fallen victim to car dealership yo-yo schemes, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our consumer protection lawyers have experience and success handling these cases. Tittle & Perlmuter is here to protect Cleveland consumers. Remember to:
- Never sign an arbitration agreement when buying a car
- Contact a Cleveland attorney at any sign of a yo-yo scam
Call to schedule a free case consultation today.