Automotive Fraud and Car Scams
With top notch technical knowledge, unbeatable experience and expertise in cases involving civil fraud and in particular automotive fraud and car scams, we are regularly instructed in complex and high value cases both in the UK and internationally.
Civil fraud, unlike criminal fraud under the Fraud Act 2006, does not come neatly packaged as single claim or course of action, but covers a multitude of claims arising from a virtually infinite number of scams and wrongdoing.
Some of the most encountered car scams involve the legal claims of fraudulent misrepresentation or deceit, inducing a breach of contract, wrongful and fraudulent trading, consumer protection from unfair trading and negligent misstatement.
If you’ve found yourself on the wrong end of a civil fraud, bought a car with a hidden history or been scammed by a dodgy seller or car dealer, call us for first free advice.
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Automotive Fraud
An absence of knowledge, regulation and enforcement has allowed automotive fraud and car scams to become commonplace throughout the United Kingdom amongst private individuals, car dealers, vehicle exporters and organised criminal groups.
This, coupled with the lack of coherent approach to the proliferation of automotive fraud amongst the European Union and UK, has led to the UK being widely considered as the fraud capital of Europe.
Stolen and written off vehicles travel virtually unchallenged in and out of the UK, fuelling cloning, ringing and distribution of valuable stolen spare parts on an industrial scale, adding to the already pervasive “sale or return” frauds, finance fraud and classic car frauds.
These vehicles invariably pass unnoticed into and through the mainstream legitimate retail motor industry, via independent and main dealers and traditional auctions, as well as salvage auctions and onto unwitting consumers.
For a case review and advice
Book a 1 hour Consultation with the Civil Fraud Lawyer
£250 + VAT Per hour
Conference will be via Zoom & Terms and conditions apply.
Lifting The Lid on The Motor Trade
Like it or not the automotive industry has a legitimate side and an illegitimate side, but it’s not clear cut. Everyday cars with hidden history filter into and through the mainstream motor trade and eventually into the hands of innocent consumers.
There are many occasions where the dealer or seller is entirely ignorant to what really lies beneath the outward-facing exterior of the vehicle and its provenance, made more so by the vehicle having been bought, financed and sold in the past, adding a sense of legitimacy to the car or van.
However, there are equally occasions where dealers and traders become aware of inconsistencies and discrepancies but chose to turn a blind eye to avoid them having to take the financial loss of giving up a car that shouldn’t be on the road.
Then there are the rogues, crooks, and organised groups that intentionally defraud dealers and private individuals.
Car fraud cases include but are not limited to:
Stormcatcher’s unique specialist experience and insight have led to us being instructed in many car fraud cases in the UK, Europe, and the Commonwealth. When fraud affects customers, our consumer rights lawyers use their expertise to provide valuable insight into consumer fraud and consumer law remedies, so customers fully understand the options available to them.
We know the rules, the cars, the scams and the motor trade inside out
For More Information About Civil Fraud get in touch today
About Philip Harmer
Having acted in a number of claims involving dishonest conduct, false representation, and unlawful means conspiracy, Philip is experienced in identifying and deconstructing fraudulent behaviour, particularly in the context of the motor trade. He applies a forensic, evidence-led approach to tackling deceitful practices and holds a strong record in exposing misrepresentation in both consumer and commercial disputes.
He regularly advises on civil fraud, including clocked mileage claims, false service history, and cloned vehicle disputes.
Contact Stormcatcher for First Free Advice