One of the newest areas of auto fraud is the bogus certification of used cars that are worth far less than they’re sold for. All major auto manufacturers have a certified used car program in which dealers pay extra money to the manufacturer to provide a used car “certification” to customers. The “certification” is sometimes less than worthless, it’s dangerous.

Such cars are typically provided with a promise that the car has passed a detailed inspection proving that the car is in excellent, or even factory, condition. This promise is powerful, as it means a lot to a customer purchasing a used car, one of the most important financial transactions in his or her life.

The promise is expensive: we have represented consumers who purchased “certified” used cars that were actually rebuilt wrecks (even vehicles previously salvaged by an insurance company after being totaled!).

Cars like this are obviously worth a lot less than anyone would pay for them and if an auto dealer actually did the inspections required, it would certainly have discovered evidence of significant damage or title issues, not to mention that these vehicles are frequently unsafe to even drive! This kind of behavior may be a violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, in addition to violating the Uniform Commercial Code and Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Consumers who have been duped into purchasing improperly "certified" used cars are entitled to sue for their damages or to return the car and get their money back. I represent consumers who purchased rebuilt wrecks and new lemons.

For a free confidential consultation please call (312) 638-0819.

Fax collection letters, loan documents, or other documentary evidence of illegal business activity to us at (312) 638-9136 or email to jason@shanfieldlawfirm.com.

The Shanfield Law Firm represents people in individual and class actions in several types of cases. You understand that sending a fax or email the Shanfield Law Firm, Ltd. does not contractually obligate our firm to represent you. We can only serve as your attorney if both you and our firm agree, in writing, that we will do so.