Consumer Alert - Automobile
Automobiles are one of the most recalled products out in the market today. Every month you hear about this model being recalled or that model being under investigation for some sort of faulty part, seatbelt, or possible leak.
In 2000, nearly 25 million automobiles were recalled by the combined auto industry. Nearly 550 types of automobiles were recalled that year. GM notably has had approximately 10.5 million automobiles recalled in North America alone.
One way in which consumers may experience fraud concerning automobiles involves the sale of so-called 'flood cars'. Flood cars are automobiles damaged from having been submerged in a body of water or have experienced extensive damage during a hurricane or severe thunderstorm. These cars are usually sold for junk after a major hurricane has hit and flooded a region due to their motors and engines rusting and having lots of internal engine damage.
In 2004, over 120,000 known flood cars were sold to unassuming consumers unaware of the extensive engine damages the car had experienced. In 2005, one of the nation's worst hurricanes struck the South, mainly Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. We urge you to take precautions when purchasing a used automobile as the car you may purchase may have experienced damages due to the hurricane.
Issues and topics related to a consumer alerts involve:
- Consumer Fraud
- Product Liability
- Insurance Scams
- Identity Theft
- Drug Litigation
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