Q: Can I sue a car dealership that lied to a lender on my application in order to get it approved?
I went to a car dealership to co-sign for my partner for him to get a vehicle. We got approved and went through the process. Almost 2 years later we go to another dealership to trade it in and while we are going through the process, we find out that the first dealership placed me on the application by myself. We were shocked. I will say that I did not take my time to read what I was signing but I was not working at the time so we couldn’t understand how they got me approved by myself. We did later find out that they lied and said I was self-employed, I never once told them that nor did they mention anything about how they would put that on my application.
A:
If a car dealership falsified your income or employment status on a loan application without your knowledge or consent, this may constitute fraud and you may have grounds to sue. In California, the legal system takes allegations of fraud seriously, especially when they lead to financial harm or a contract entered under false pretenses. You should gather all relevant documents, including the loan application and any communication with the dealership.
It’s recommended to consult with an attorney who has experience with consumer fraud and auto finance laws to evaluate the strength of your case and to understand the potential remedies, which may include rescinding the contract or receiving monetary damages. An attorney can also advise on whether any state or federal consumer protection laws were violated, which could strengthen your case. It's important to act promptly, as there are time limits for bringing fraud claims.
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