Best Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers in Arta

About Auto Dealer Fraud Law in Arta, Greece

Auto dealer fraud refers to dishonest or unlawful practices by car sellers or intermediaries that mislead buyers about a vehicle or the terms of a sale. In Arta and throughout Greece, these cases commonly involve odometer rollbacks, hiding accident or flood damage, selling cars with serious mechanical defects as roadworthy, falsifying service histories, or misrepresenting ownership and import status. Greek law provides strong remedies for consumers, including repair, replacement, price reduction, rescission of the contract, and damages in appropriate cases. Remedies may arise under both the Greek Civil Code and Greek consumer protection legislation, alongside applicable European Union rules.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you bought a vehicle in Arta and discovered a hidden defect, a misrepresented mileage, or discrepancies in the vehicle documents. Legal help is particularly important if the dealer refuses to cooperate, if your car finance agreement is intertwined with the sale, or if you face a tight deadline to preserve your rights. A lawyer can evaluate evidence, communicate with the seller, draft a formal demand, negotiate a settlement, guide you through mediation or a complaint to public authorities, and file a lawsuit when necessary. Legal advice is also helpful if the car was purchased at a distance or off the dealer’s premises, if a trade-in was undervalued based on misrepresentations, or if you suspect criminal conduct such as fraud or document forgery.

Local Laws Overview

Greek Civil Code - Seller liability for defects and lack of agreed qualities: Under the Civil Code, a seller is responsible if a vehicle has a hidden defect or lacks an agreed characteristic. Depending on the circumstances, buyers can seek repair, replacement, a reduction of the price, rescission of the contract, and compensation if the seller acted at fault. These rules apply whether the car is new or used, and regardless of whether a separate commercial warranty exists.

Greek consumer protection law - Legal guarantee of conformity: When a consumer buys from a professional dealer, the law provides a legal guarantee that the car will conform to the contract. If it does not, the consumer can ask for repair or replacement and, when those are not suitable, a price reduction or contract rescission. For used goods, the legal guarantee period can be shorter than for new goods if lawfully agreed, but key rights cannot be waived. Consumers also benefit from rules that prohibit unfair commercial practices, including misleading information about a car’s condition, history, or mileage.

Distance and off-premises sales: If you purchased a vehicle without visiting the dealer’s premises, such as online or at your home or workplace, you may have a short withdrawal period to cancel the contract, subject to legal conditions. This is separate from any defect-based remedies and must be exercised promptly.

Unfair commercial practices and advertising: Misleading or aggressive tactics, false claims about accident history, tampered odometers, and deceptive pricing may violate consumer protection laws. Authorities can investigate and sanction such practices.

Criminal aspects: Conduct such as odometer tampering, document forgery, and fraud may also trigger criminal liability. Civil and criminal actions can run in parallel where appropriate.

Local administration and procedures in Arta: Vehicle transfers and registration matters are handled by the Directorate of Transport and Communications of the Regional Unit of Arta. Technical inspection centers in Arta can provide KTEO inspection reports that may help verify mileage and condition. Courts in Arta hear civil claims for damages or rescission, and small claims procedures may apply to lower value disputes. Mediation is available and can facilitate quicker settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as auto dealer fraud in Greece?

Typical examples include rolling back the odometer, concealing accident or flood damage, advertising a car as accident-free when it is not, selling a car that is not roadworthy as if it were, misrepresenting import or ownership status, manipulating service books, or including unfair contract terms that mislead buyers about their legal rights.

What are my basic rights if I bought from a professional dealer?

You have rights under the Civil Code and consumer protection law. You can request repair or replacement, and if that is not possible or proportionate you can request a price reduction or rescission of the sale. You may also claim damages if you suffered loss due to the dealer’s conduct. These rights exist regardless of any commercial warranty.

Do I have the same protection if I bought from a private individual?

Purchases from private sellers are generally governed by the Civil Code rules on defects and agreed qualities, but consumer-specific protections do not apply because the seller is not a professional trader. Contract terms and proof of misrepresentation become more important in private sales.

What if the dealer sold the car as-is?

As-is language cannot exclude liability for fraud or for deliberately hiding defects. Even with as-is wording, if the car lacks agreed qualities or has hidden defects that a professional dealer should disclose, remedies under the Civil Code may still be available.

How long do I have to act?

Time limits vary. Consumer guarantee claims are time-sensitive and usually tied to the delivery date of the car. Civil Code claims for defects in movable property also have specific limitation periods. Fraud-based or tort claims may have longer periods starting from when you became aware of the issue. Because deadlines can be strict, seek legal advice promptly.

What evidence should I collect?

Gather the sales contract, invoice, advertisements or messages, pre-purchase inspection reports, KTEO records, service history, photographs, mechanic expert reports, and any communications with the dealer. Preserve the condition of the vehicle and avoid repairs that might destroy evidence without first documenting the defects.

Can I rescind the sale and get my money back?

Yes, rescission is possible in cases of serious non-conformity, lack of agreed qualities, or fraud. Courts examine the severity of the defect, the feasibility of repair, and the timing and conduct of both parties. A lawyer can assess whether rescission or a price reduction is the stronger remedy in your case.

What if I financed the car or traded in my old vehicle?

If the sale and financing are linked, remedies in the sales contract may affect the finance agreement. Misrepresentations can also impact the value of a trade-in. Bring all documents to a lawyer so any demands are coordinated across the sale, finance, and trade-in.

Can I file a complaint with authorities instead of suing?

Yes. You can submit complaints to consumer protection authorities and the Consumer Ombudsman for out-of-court resolution. If you suspect criminal behavior such as odometer tampering or forgery, you can report it to the police or the prosecutor. Administrative action does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim for compensation.

How much will a case cost and how long will it take?

Costs depend on the complexity of the case, expert reports, the chosen procedure, and whether the dispute settles. Mediation or ombudsman procedures can be faster and less costly than court. Court timelines vary by workload and value of the claim. An initial legal consultation in Arta can give you a realistic estimate for your situation.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Consumer Ombudsman - Independent authority offering free out-of-court resolution in consumer disputes.

General Secretariat for Consumer Protection - Ministry responsible for enforcing consumer law and handling complaints.

European Consumer Centre Greece - Guidance for cross-border purchases within the EU.

Directorate of Transport and Communications - Regional Unit of Arta - Vehicle registration and transfer matters.

Authorized KTEO inspection centers in Arta - Technical inspections and reports that can support your case.

Hellenic Police and Prosecutor’s Office in Arta - For criminal complaints related to fraud or document forgery.

Bar Association of Arta - To locate licensed lawyers experienced in consumer and automotive disputes.

Consumer associations such as EKPIZO and INKA - Practical advice and advocacy for consumers.

Next Steps

Document everything: Save the contract, invoice, ads, messages, and proof of payment. Photograph the car and any defects. Obtain a written report from a qualified mechanic or engineer in Arta and, where possible, secure KTEO records and service history.

Notify the dealer in writing: Send a dated letter or email describing the issues, the remedy you seek, and a short deadline to respond. Keep proof of delivery. Clear, professional communication can facilitate settlement.

Seek legal advice early: Consult a lawyer in Arta who handles auto dealer disputes. Ask for an assessment of your strongest legal grounds, deadlines, likely remedies, and costs. Bring all documents and evidence to the meeting.

Consider out-of-court options: Your lawyer may recommend mediation or a complaint to the Consumer Ombudsman. These processes are often quicker and may result in a practical solution such as repair, refund, or a fair price reduction.

Escalate if needed: If the dealer does not cooperate, your lawyer can file a lawsuit in the competent court in Arta. In appropriate cases, your lawyer may also coordinate a criminal complaint regarding odometer tampering or forgery.

Protect your position: Avoid using the car in a way that could worsen defects. Do not authorize major repairs that destroy evidence before documenting the condition and getting legal advice. Track all expenses related to the defect, as they may be recoverable.

Stay mindful of deadlines: Limitation periods can be short. Acting promptly improves your chances of a favorable outcome and preserves access to all available remedies.