So What Do You Do?
Well, it appears on the face of it that you have fallen for a sophisticated scam, and the vehicle seller is most likely aware that he tricked you. All you can do now is try to minimize the damage. So how is that done?
Legal Review
A distinction must be drawn between a transaction made with an innocent private seller and one made with a dealer engaged in selling vehicles, to whom the conditions of the Sale of Used Vehicles (Entitlement to Information and Proper Disclosure) Law, 5768-2008 apply. In this article we will discuss a purchase from a dealer.
Purchase From a Dealer
In the first stage, we examine all the documents that were an integral part of the transaction, whether it be the agreement between the parties, a power of attorney, the seller’s identity documents, and even the vehicle inspection form. In the second stage, we check whether the seller met the conditions set out in the law, as worded. As is well known, the seller must provide the buyer with a document that extensively details material particulars about the vehicle, in order to prevent a situation of fraud and deception in the sale.
In the third stage, we examine the facts and try to trace the vehicle’s history, including the seller’s history, in order to try to discover whether this is systematic conduct. Usually, dealers who acted in bad faith will have legal proceedings on their record from the past — which can assist in proving the claim.
Recommendations
Before purchasing the vehicle, ask the seller for an identity card and, if possible, an additional document in order to verify his details. Do not hesitate to photograph the documents; this action is both advisable and even essential. Note that you should not sign documents without having read them thoroughly, and if the document matches the condition of the vehicle, you should keep a copy that includes the signatures of both the seller and the buyer. Try to trace the vehicle’s service history, including any additional owners if there are any. Contact the owners registered with the Licensing Bureau — such a conversation can dispel concerns or reveal information you were not yet aware of. Make sure the vehicle is free of any lien or attachment. Make sure the chassis number matches what is written in the vehicle’s registration. The Amon Law Firm accompanies buyers and sellers who wish to carry out vehicle sale and purchase transactions, and assists the parties in completing the transaction by drawing up a detailed agreement between them prior to the transfer of ownership of the vehicle.
Please note that these recommendations do not constitute all the matters that should be checked when purchasing a vehicle, and are intended to reduce the risk of purchasing a defective vehicle. For your convenience, the text of the relevant law is attached.
The above is general information only and does not constitute legal advice; each case is examined on its own merits.
