Collector Car Fraud!!!

[Lynn]

Wanted to ad my 02 cents. Lots of valid points. Les, you are correct in many ways. However, even with a Camaro, it MAY be possible to prove fraud. It just takes some investigation and a little luck. VIN searches that are usually off limits are available for "investigation in anticipation of litigation". I was able to pinpoint the timeframe when a fake X33 tag was installed on a car. I realize it may not be that easy each time.

No, we can't stop every case, but I honestly believe we can stop the most blatant ones.

I have a case pending against a dealer in Southern Oklahoma. Email me if you want a copy of the Petition. It is a monster file in tif format, about 8.5mb. Frankly, I don't care if I have to hound the seller the rest of his life, as long as he quits committing this kind of fraud.

A judgment based on fraud is NOT dischargeable in Bankruptcy.

For those who believe it is "all" on the buyer to determine, I must respectfully disagree. Sure, diligence in having the car checked out thouroughly is great. However, if someone represents the trim tag info as correct and original KNOWING that it is a fake tag (especially when he put it on there) a novice buyer should be able to rely on that information. That isn't puffery. It is fraud. For those reading this who may have been burned by obvious fraud, and have sought help from private attorneys without luck, contact your state's Attorney General. Most states have consumer fraud divisions. You may need to do some of your own investigation, but it is another avenue worth pursuing.

Lastly, if you know anyone in your state legislature, request a meeting. Tell them about the rampant fraud being perpetrated with these fake (notice I did not call it a REPRODUCTION - IT DOES NOT REPRODUCE anything 99.9% of the time) trim tags, and ask if they will consider sponsoring a bill that will outlaw the sale of those tags "for use in the state of __________". I have just requested such a meeting, and hopefully by this time next year, it will be illegal to sell a fake tag for use in Oklahoma.

Will keep you posted.

Lynn Bilodeau