San Diego, CA asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Products Liability and Legal Malpractice for California

Q: Can I sue the place I bought my car from for falsifying the amount I paid for my down-payment?

I recently purchased a vehicle from a Chevrolet dealership in San Diego, CA. I had horrible credit at the time and was only able to be approved with a large down-payment, which I was able to make happen. The amount on the paperwork does not even closely reflect the $12,000 I put down. What can be done so I don't lose out on so much money?

2 Lawyer Answers
Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Los Altos, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If you can prove that you put down $12,000.00 just let them know and seek an adjustment to the documents. If they refuse to adjust, that's a problem for them. Good luck with it!

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Dear consumer,

Yes, dealerships have been known to falsify the amount of the down payment for their own benefit. This is fraud. Now that you've discovered it, you should attempt to correct it as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, rewriting the sales contract is another opportunity for a dishonest dealer to set a trap for the consumer. You should contact an attorney with experience with in this area before returning to the dealership.

Best regards,

Dan LeBel

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