By: Robert J. Nahoum Buying a vehicle is one of the most significant purchases you will make. Unfortunately, not all car dealerships play fair. From bait-and-switch pricing tactics to hidden fees and misleading advertisements, some dealers resort to deceptive practices to lure buyers onto the lot. If you feel you have been misled by a dealer’s advertisement, you are not […]
Deceptive Car Sales: Understanding False Advertising Laws in New York
Leveling the Playing Field: How TILA Fee-Shifting Makes Justice Accessible in Auto Lending
By: Robert J. Nahoum When consumers shop for a new or used vehicle, the financing process can often feel overwhelming. Between confusing paperwork, add-on products, and complex interest rates, it is easy for hidden fees or deceptive practices to slip through the cracks. For most individuals, the thought of hiring an attorney to fight an auto finance dispute sounds far […]
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) in Auto Lending What You Need to Know
By: Robert J. Nahoum When you walk into a dealership to buy a car, the excitement of driving off the lot can sometimes overshadow the fine print of the financing paperwork. For most of us, an auto loan is one of the largest financial commitments we make. But did you know there is a powerful federal law designed to ensure […]
Long-Term Auto Loans: Why Dealers Push 6-, 7-, and 8-Year Financing
By: Robert J. Nahoum Long-Term Auto Loans Are a Growing Problem Auto dealers increasingly steer buyers into loans longer than five years because the monthly payment looks more affordable, even though the total cost is much higher. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that 42 percent of auto loans made in the prior year had terms of six years or […]
NY VTL 417: How New York Used Car Dealers Break the Law – And How a Consumer Auto Fraud Lawyer Can Help
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is NY VTL 417? New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 417 requires retail dealers selling second‑hand motor vehicles to provide a written certificate about the condition and safety of the car at the time of sale. This certificate must follow a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and is meant to ensure […]
Why the Finance & Insurance Office, Not the Sales Floor, Is Where Auto Dealers Rip Off Consumers
By: Robert J. Nahoum The Salesperson vs. the F&I Rep When you walk onto a dealership lot, the first face you see is usually the salesperson. Their job is to show you vehicles, run you through test drives, and negotiate a sticker price for the car. They may run a quick credit check and talk about “great financing,” but they’re mainly focused […]
What Is a Retail Installment Sales Contract? Understanding Your Auto Loan Rights
By: Robert J. Nahoum What Is a Retail Installment Sales Contract? A retail installment sales contract (often called a “RISC” or “RIC”) is the primary finance contract you sign when you buy a car on credit from a dealership instead of paying cash. In this deal, you agree to pay the dealer the price of the vehicle over time, with interest, and […]
Five Tips to Avoid Getting Ripped Off by an Auto Dealer — And What to Do If You Were
By: Robert J. Nahoum Buying a car should be exciting, not stressful. Unfortunately, some auto dealers take advantage of buyers through hidden markups, fake financing promises, or misleading disclosures. As a New York/ New Jersey consumer protection and auto fraud lawyer, I’ve helped many clients recover when they were deceived. Here are five tips to avoid getting ripped off by an […]
Why Car Dealers Want You “Back at the Dealership” After Discovering a Bad Car Deal
By: Robert J. Nahoum When your car deal doesn’t match what the dealer promised, you may discover an inflated price, hidden fees, or unwanted add‑ons buried in your Retail Installment Sales Contract. Dealers then push you to “come back to the dealership” to fix it—often to limit their exposure to Truth in Lending Act violations and auto fraud claims. When […]
Where the Real Car Dealer Rip-Offs Happen: Inside the Finance & Insurance Office
By: Robert J. Nahoum The Salesperson Isn’t the Real Problem When you walk into a dealership, the first person you meet is usually a smiling salesperson eager to get you behind the wheel. Sure, they might push for a quick sale or talk up a “great deal,” but the real trouble usually starts after you’ve agreed on a price. That’s […]