How to Spot Auto Dealer Fraud Before You Buy

You walk into a dealership ready to make a smart decision. You’ve done your research. You’ve checked the prices. Maybe you’ve even run a Carfax. But the paperwork takes hours, the numbers don’t quite add up, and by the time you leave, something doesn’t sit right.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. At Connor Law, PC, we help South Carolina buyers who’ve been lied to or misled by dealerships. Here’s what to watch for—and what to do if it’s already happened to you.

Spotting the Red Flags: Signs of Auto Dealer Fraud

Most auto dealer fraud cases start with one thing: misrepresentation. The deal you're promised isn’t the deal you end up with. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

1. Fudged Vehicle History: Dealers might tell you the car was never in an accident when it was. Some will roll back odometers or hide salvage titles. Always ask for a third-party inspection—and trust your gut if something feels off.

2. Sneaky Fees and “Add-Ons”: You agree on a price, but when the paperwork prints, suddenly there are extra fees: window etching, nitrogen in the tires, extended warranties you didn’t ask for. These padded charges are often where the dealership makes its real money.

3. Bait-and-Switch Financing: You’re told you’re approved, but a few days later the dealership calls to say the financing “fell through” and you’ll need to sign new papers—at a higher rate. That’s called a yo-yo scam, and it’s illegal.

4. False Promises: Verbal guarantees don’t mean anything unless they’re in writing. If a dealer says, “We’ll fix that after the sale” or “Don’t worry, it’s under warranty,” and you don’t see it in your contract, you’re likely out of luck.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed by a Dealership

Auto fraud isn’t just frustrating—it can wreck your finances and credit. If you suspect a dealership tricked you:

Gather everything. Keep a copy of the sales contract, advertisements, emails, and texts. Take notes on what you were told.

Don't go back to the dealership without legal help. They’re trained to talk circles around you.

Talk to a lawyer who handles this stuff. At Connor Law, we investigate fraud, not just paperwork errors. We dig into what you were told, what’s in writing, and what’s legal.

Why Work With Connor Law, PC

Most dealerships count on one thing: you not fighting back. That’s where we come in.

We take these cases on contingency. That means if we don’t win, you don’t pay. We’ll deal directly with the dealership or their lawyers. And if they won’t do what’s right, we take it to court.

This isn’t about principle. It’s about holding the people who lied to you accountable—and getting your money back when the deal was a scam from the start.

Talk to a South Carolina Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyer Today

You’re not the first person this happened to, and you won’t be the last. But you can be the one who pushes back.

If you bought a car from a dealership in South Carolina and something doesn’t feel right—call us. The consultation is free, and we’ll tell you straight up if you have a case worth pursuing.

No runaround. No pressure. Just real legal help when you need it. Contact us today for help.