Buying a car should be exciting, not stressful. You find the perfect ride, agree on the terms, and sign the contract. But what if you later discover the dealer changed those terms without your knowledge? It might sound unbelievable, but this happens more often than you’d think. So, can a dealer change the contract after signing? Let’s dive into this important question.
Sometimes, contract changes happen for legitimate reasons, like adjustments in financing. In these cases, the dealer should inform you right away. However, not all changes are above board. Some dealers make unauthorized alterations that can cost you a lot of money. If you suspect your contract has been changed without your consent, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek legal advice.
At Consumer Action Law Group, we’ve seen many cases of financial scams. These situations often hinge on the details in the paperwork. While it’s helpful to have your contract and other documents ready when you reach out to us, don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. The most important thing is to get in touch as soon as possible so we can guide you on your next steps.
Three Ways Dealers Might Illegally Alter Your Contract
You might wonder how a dealer can change a contract after you’ve signed it. After all, isn’t a contract supposed to be set in stone? Unfortunately, some dishonest dealers have found ways to manipulate agreements. Here are three common tactics we’ve seen:
- Forgery: In some cases, dealers have gone as far as forging customer signatures to make unauthorized changes.
- Switching finance companies: Some dealers have been caught changing the finance company from an agreed-upon third party to their own in-house financing, often with less favorable terms.
- Altering numbers: It might seem small, but changing a single digit (like turning a 0 into an 8 in your interest rate) can cost you thousands over the life of your loan.
Keep in mind, these are just a few examples. Unscrupulous dealers are always coming up with new ways to manipulate contracts. If you’ve noticed any changes to your agreement, even if they’re not listed here, it’s worth looking into. At Consumer Action Law Group, we’re happy to review your documents and advise you on whether you might have a case – and we’ll do it at no cost to you.
How We Can Help With Your Auto Fraud Case
At Consumer Action Law Group, we’re committed to helping consumers who’ve been victims of auto dealer fraud. We understand that dealing with contract changes can be stressful and confusing. That’s why we offer free consultations to review your situation.
If we believe you have a strong case, we may be able to represent you on a contingency basis. This means you pay little to no upfront costs for our services. We only get paid if we win your case.
When you reach out to us, it’s helpful to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and any relevant paperwork on hand. But don’t worry if you can’t find everything right away – the most important thing is to get in touch as soon as possible.
Remember, if you’re wondering if a dealer can change the contract after you sign, the answer is generally no – not without your knowledge and consent. If this has happened to you, our auto fraud lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you seek the fair treatment you deserve.
