Beware of "Spot Delivery" in Louisiana

Don't be Put on the Spot!

So you purchased a beautiful new car, signed all the necessary paperwork, and drove it right off the lot with a big smile on your face. The dealer got you approved "on the spot" – or so you thought.

A few days or weeks later, the dealer calls and asks you to return to "sign a few more papers." They say, "We couldn't get the car financed, and you need to sign a new loan with another bank," or "You need someone to co-sign," or "Give us another $1000 and we can do the deal," or "We need to increase your monthly payment to get this done."

The dealer may even have delayed paying off a traded vehicle loan or refused to mail registration papers, all to place additional pressure on you to either do as instructed, or face dire consequences to your credit.

Sound Familiar? It Gets Worse.

If you refuse, the dealer may threaten to repossess the car, tell you that you have no legal entitlement to keep it, or even make you wait for hours at the dealership under some excuse, just to wear you down. This situation is most common involving consumers with bad credit, since dealers perceive that such people are vulnerable and easy to take advantage of.

Most consumers assume the dealer is telling the truth and will do whatever the dealer says, resulting in higher payments, additional money being spent over the life of the loan, and/or thousands of dollars in increased "hidden" costs. Those who refuse see their cars repossessed.

What is happening here? It's a scam. Dealer fraud. Unlawful. Illegal.

Call it what you will. The industry has given it a name: Spot Delivery, a description which refers to the dealer placing a consumer in a car "on the spot," to get the sale, only to "yo-yo" them back at a later date for additional funds. Played to perfection, a dealer can reap thousands of dollars in unearned fraudulent gain.

What You Should Know About Spot Delivery

If you signed purchase documents and registration applications and if you obtained insurance for the vehicle, had a new license plate put on the car, and/or had your old plate transferred, the car belongs to you. 

Spot Delivery happens to unsuspecting consumers throughout the United States. It is very popular with dealers in Louisiana, Texas and California. If you find yourself in this situation, the chances are good that you have legal remedies available to right this wrong.