If you showed up to a car dealership only for an offered car to be sold then you may be the victim of a bait and switch. This is an old trick car dealers use to sell newer more expensive cars.
Here is what you should know about bait and switch dealership scams:
What is a “bait and switch” routine?
Car dealers have many tactics to convince you to buy their car. The bait and switch tactic involves advertising a car that may have never existed. Dealers will use the bait of a cheap car to bring you to their dealership.
Once you get there you may find that the car was supposedly sold. The dealer will then switch to selling a car that is a bit pricier than the original car they were selling. You may think it is worth looking at other cars because you already showed up at the dealership. This gives the dealer a chance to make more of a profit selling other cars.
How do you avoid bait and switch scams?
By law, dealers are required to list their vehicle stock and the terms of the sale. Knowing the fine print of the car you are looking at can reduce the chances of a bait and switch.
A dealership’s fine print for the car they are selling can be confusing and tricky to understand. Having an experienced eye can reduce the chance of being caught in a bait and switch. If you think you have been caught in a bait and switch then you may need experienced help to protect your interests.