Best Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Auto Dealer Fraud Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Auto dealer fraud refers to deceptive or unfair practices by motor vehicle sellers that mislead buyers about a car’s condition, history, price, financing terms, or legal status. Typical issues include rolled-back odometers, undisclosed accident or flood damage, hidden mechanical defects, misleading advertising, unfair contract terms, add-on products that were not agreed, and selling vehicles with outstanding liens or legal restrictions. In Marijampolė, cases are governed by national Lithuanian law, EU consumer protection standards, and criminal provisions addressing fraud. Whether you purchased from a showroom, a used-car lot, or online, the same national rules apply locally in Marijampolė.

Consumers who buy from professional dealers benefit from statutory protections, including a legal guarantee for nonconforming goods, prohibitions on unfair commercial practices, and access to free alternative dispute resolution. Suspected criminal conduct such as deliberate misrepresentation may be reported to law enforcement. Because facts and documents matter greatly in vehicle disputes, early evidence collection and timely written notices are crucial.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many disputes can be resolved directly with the dealer or through the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, a lawyer can be valuable in the following situations:

- The dealer denies liability for serious hidden defects or blames normal wear and tear.

- The contract includes complex clauses, warranty limitations, or arbitration language you do not fully understand.

- You need to rescind the sale, obtain a price reduction, or claim damages for repair costs, towing, or loss of use.

- There are signs of fraud such as odometer manipulation, fake service records, or altered VIN plates.

- The vehicle has encumbrances, arrest orders, or leasing company interests that prevent registration or lawful use.

- You bought the car at a distance or off-premises and need advice on the 14-day withdrawal right and potential deductions for use.

- The dealer ignores VVTAT recommendations or your case requires court proceedings or a criminal complaint.

- Cross-border elements apply, for example the car was imported or the seller is based in another EU state.

Local Laws Overview

- Civil Code consumer sales rules apply to purchases from professional dealers. If the car does not conform to the contract, you may seek repair, replacement, a price reduction, rescission, and damages. For used cars the legal guarantee is generally 2 years, but it may be reduced by agreement to not less than 1 year. Keep your contract and all attachments to verify any reduction.

- Burden of proof for lack of conformity is more favorable to consumers for a period after delivery. Under EU law implemented in Lithuania, defects appearing within 1 year are presumed to have existed at delivery unless the seller proves otherwise. This helps buyers when hidden faults appear soon after purchase.

- Unfair commercial practices are prohibited by Lithuanian law, including misleading actions or omissions about mileage, accident history, technical condition, or ownership status. Misleading advertising is also prohibited. Violations can result in administrative penalties and consumer remedies.

- Distance and off-premises sales grant consumers a 14-day right to withdraw without giving a reason. If you withdraw, you must return the car and the seller must refund the price. You may be liable for diminished value if you used the vehicle beyond what is necessary to inspect it.

- Fraud is a criminal offense under the Criminal Code. Deliberate deceit such as odometer rollback, forged service books, or false documents may trigger criminal liability. You can report suspected criminal conduct to the police.

- Vehicle registration and history checks are handled by the state enterprise that registers vehicles. Odometer readings and prior registrations are recorded, and you can verify whether a car has restrictions such as arrest orders or leasing encumbrances. Other public registers record pledges and seizures that may affect the right to dispose of the vehicle.

- Leasing and financing must comply with the Law on Consumer Credit, including clear disclosure of annual percentage rates, total cost, fees, and the right of withdrawal for consumer credit.

- Time limits matter. Consumer warranty claims should be raised as soon as a defect is discovered and within the legal guarantee period. Contract and damages claims generally have a 3-year limitation period. Challenges to contracts based on deceit may have shorter deadlines, often 1 year from discovering the issue. Get legal advice promptly to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as auto dealer fraud in Lithuania?

Fraud involves intentional deception that induces you to buy or accept terms you would not have agreed to. Examples include odometer rollback, concealing serious accident or flood damage, selling a car with known major defects as roadworthy, or falsifying service history.

Is odometer rollback illegal?

Yes. Rolling back mileage and presenting the vehicle as having fewer kilometers is deceptive. It can violate consumer protection rules and may constitute criminal fraud if done knowingly to mislead a buyer.

What are my rights if a used car fails shortly after purchase?

You can assert legal guarantee rights for nonconformity. Typically you may demand repair or replacement first. If that is impossible or disproportionate, you may seek a price reduction or rescission and claim damages for losses linked to the defect.

Do I have to prove the defect existed at delivery?

For consumer purchases from dealers, defects appearing within the first year are generally presumed to have existed at delivery unless the seller proves otherwise. After that period, you carry a heavier burden of proof, so obtain diagnostics and expert reports promptly.

Can the dealer limit the legal guarantee for a used car?

A dealer may reduce the legal guarantee to not less than 1 year for used goods if the reduction is clearly agreed at the time of sale. It cannot be excluded entirely, and hidden defects cannot be waived by fine print.

Can I return a car bought online or off-premises?

Yes, consumers usually have a 14-day withdrawal right for distance or off-premises purchases. You must return the car and the seller must refund the price. You may owe compensation for any diminished value caused by use beyond inspection.

What if the dealer refuses to repair or denies responsibility?

Send a written notice detailing the defects and your requested remedy, set a reasonable deadline, and keep evidence. If unresolved, you can apply for free alternative dispute resolution with the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority or pursue a court claim with legal assistance.

Does the law protect me if I bought from a private seller?

Consumer-specific protections apply to purchases from professional traders. Private sales are governed by general civil law with fewer protections. You can still claim for defects or misrepresentation, but standards and procedures differ, and evidence is key.

How can I check a car’s history in Lithuania?

Use the state vehicle registration authority to verify technical inspection records, mileage entries, prior registrations, and any legal restrictions such as arrest or encumbrances. You may also consult public registers for pledges or seizures and consider a paid VIN history report.

Should I stop using the car if I suspect fraud or a serious defect?

Yes, especially if safety is at risk. Continuing to drive may worsen damage or affect your remedies. Document the issue, arrange an independent inspection, notify the seller in writing, and follow professional advice.

Additional Resources

- State Consumer Rights Protection Authority - handles complaints, supervises unfair commercial practices, and provides free alternative dispute resolution.

- European Consumer Centre Lithuania - assists with cross-border disputes within the EU if the seller is based in another member state.

- State vehicle registration authority - provides vehicle history data, registration services, and information on restrictions affecting vehicles.

- Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration - oversees road transport safety and technical inspection oversight.

- Police and Prosecutor’s Office - accept criminal complaints for suspected fraud, forgery, or other criminal conduct.

- Technical inspection stations - provide inspection reports and mileage records useful as evidence.

- Centre of Registers - maintains public registers where encumbrances, pledges, or seizures on movable property can be checked.

- Lithuanian Bar Association - helps you find qualified attorneys experienced in consumer and automotive disputes, including in Marijampolė and surrounding areas.

Next Steps

- Stop using the vehicle if unsafe and secure it for inspection. Preserve all documents including the sale contract, invoices, financing terms, advertisements, service records, and written communications.

- Notify the dealer in writing. Describe the defects, reference your legal rights, and state what you want - repair, replacement, price reduction, or rescission - with a clear deadline for response.

- Obtain an independent diagnostic or expert report. A neutral assessment of defects, their likely origin, and repair costs strengthens your position.

- Check official registers. Confirm mileage records, prior inspections, and any legal restrictions or encumbrances associated with the vehicle.

- Escalate if unresolved. File a complaint with the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority for free alternative dispute resolution. Consider reporting to the police if you suspect criminal fraud.

- Seek legal advice. A lawyer can evaluate remedies, calculate damages, draft claims, engage with the dealer and authorities, and represent you in court if needed. Act quickly to meet legal deadlines.

- Keep a timeline. Record key dates - purchase, defect discovery, notices sent, inspections, and responses - to protect your rights within limitation periods.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified lawyer familiar with auto dealer disputes in Marijampolė and Lithuanian consumer law.