Auto Dealer Scam: Tools to Protect from Spot Delivery

The spot delivery scam is one of the most commonly used car scams in the car business today. Even though, it’s not necessarily always a car buying scam, it is still very exasperating and can lead to a cruel surprise.

• Remember that in case you have signed papers, you own the car, regardless of whether the vehicle has been financed.
• Your credit was normal or the dealer would not have given the car to you at the price you agreed to pay
• A finance document showing deposit, payments,  interest rate and other financial items is a binding contract, giving you specific legal rights.
• You own the car subject to making payments only. The dealer cannot change that once you take possession.
• Keep all copies of your documents and anything else connected with the sale (including calendars, photographs, advertisements). If the finance manager asks for your papers at any time for any reason, refuse! Keep these documents in a safe place, not the car.
• If you are called back to the dealership to sign additional documents , either do not go or do so in a different car than the one you bought.
• Have a friend or husband (wife) drive you and witness whatever is being told to you. This will prevent the dealer from taking your car as hostage, an all too common happening.
• If a argument arises with the dealer about the contract and the dealer demands the car is returned, park it in a garage or remote location until the matter is resolved, to prevent it from being taken against your wishes.
• Put together an entire timeline of everything that happened from the time you thought of purchasing the car until the car was taken away. Try to remember particular names of dealership staff and any statements that were made to you during conversations with the sales and finance staff.
• Keep track of all monies you had put into the purchase, including registration, insurance, down payment and trade. Never pay cash and always get a receipt!