• Keep in mind that in case you have papers with your signature, you own the car, regardless of whether the vehicle has been financed.

• A finance document presenting payments, deposit, 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.

After Hurricane Katrina thousands of flood damaged cars ended in the car auctions and dealerships lots across the country. Thus there is even more risk for car buyers to purchase a car with flood damage, without even knowing it and become a victim of auto dealer fraud.

If you think that you are a victim of car dealer fraud, there are a number of things you can do in order to protect you consumer rights. There are three options: contacting the dealer, filing a complaint with a state agency, and getting an attorney’s help.