Best Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers in Ukmerge

About Auto Dealer Fraud Law in Ukmerge, Republic of Lithuania

Auto dealer fraud in Ukmerge refers to illegal or unfair practices by vehicle sellers that mislead buyers or violate consumer protection rules. Typical examples include hiding serious defects, rolling back odometers, misrepresenting accident or import history, selling cars with tampered documents, using misleading advertising, or pressuring buyers into unfair finance add-ons. Lithuania treats these issues under civil law, administrative law, and in serious cases criminal law. Consumers may seek remedies such as repair, replacement, price reduction, contract cancellation with a refund, and compensation for damages. Oversight is handled mainly by the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority, with support from transport and registration authorities, and the police if criminal conduct is suspected.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if a dealer refuses to fix serious defects, denies liability, or disputes your legal rights. Legal help is valuable when the car has hidden accident or flood damage, odometer manipulation is suspected, or documents appear altered. A lawyer can help gather and preserve evidence, obtain expert inspections, and correspond with the dealer in a way that protects your claims and deadlines. If negotiations fail, a lawyer can file a complaint with the consumer authority, represent you in alternative dispute resolution, or bring a lawsuit in court. Legal support is also helpful with finance or leasing disputes, cross-border purchases within the EU, language barriers, and when criminal fraud may be involved.

Local Laws Overview

Consumer sales and guarantees - Under the Lithuanian Civil Code and consumer protection rules, a consumer who buys from a professional seller has a legal guarantee for a lack of conformity. The standard legal guarantee is generally 2 years. For used goods, the parties may agree to shorten this period, but not below 1 year, and any shortening must be clearly agreed at the time of sale. During the legal guarantee, the dealer is responsible for defects that existed at delivery or for a lack of conformity with the contract.

Remedies - If the car does not conform to the contract, consumers can request free repair or replacement within a reasonable time, or a price reduction, or contract cancellation with a refund when the defect is substantial or not remedied in time. Consumers may also claim compensation for damages caused by the nonconformity, such as towing or expert inspection costs, subject to proof and reasonableness.

Burden of proof - Lithuanian law includes a presumption that defects discovered shortly after purchase existed at the time of delivery. Historically this presumption has operated for at least 6 months, and in some circumstances may reach 12 months. The exact duration can depend on current transposition of EU rules, so verify the current period with a lawyer or the consumer authority. After the presumption period, the consumer must generally prove the defect existed at delivery, often with expert evidence.

Unfair commercial practices and advertising - Dealers must not mislead consumers about mileage, accident history, technical condition, ownership, or origin. The prohibition of unfair commercial practices and misleading advertising applies throughout Lithuania and is enforced in consumer matters by the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority.

Criminal aspects - Serious deception such as odometer manipulation, document forgery, or systematic fraud may constitute criminal offenses under the Lithuanian Criminal Code. Suspected criminal conduct should be reported to the police or prosecutors while also pursuing civil remedies.

Distance and off-premises sales - If you bought from a dealer online or outside the business premises, you may have a 14 day right to withdraw without reason under consumer rights rules. This right does not usually apply to purchases made entirely at the dealership on premises.

Time limits - Limitation periods apply. Many civil claims must be brought within 3 years. Claims to invalidate a contract for fraud or mistake may have shorter deadlines. Do not delay seeking advice if you suspect fraud.

Local practice - Vehicle registration and historical data are maintained by the national registration authority. Technical inspections and mileage readings are recorded during periodic checks. Buyers should keep copies of all pre-contract descriptions, advertisements, invoices, service books, and inspection reports to support potential claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as auto dealer fraud in Lithuania?

Fraud includes misleading a buyer about material facts such as mileage, accident or flood damage, major mechanical issues, import or salvage titles, or ownership. It also includes tampering with documents, hiding defects known to the seller, or using unfair pressure or deceptive advertising to induce the sale.

Do I have a legal guarantee if I bought a used car from a dealer?

Yes. Consumer purchases from professional sellers carry a legal guarantee for nonconformity, typically 2 years. For used cars, the period can be shortened to no less than 1 year if clearly agreed at the time of sale. This is separate from any commercial warranty the dealer may offer.

What are my options if the car has a serious hidden defect?

Notify the dealer in writing promptly, describe the defect, and request a remedy. You can ask for free repair or replacement within a reasonable time. If that fails or the defect is substantial, you can seek a price reduction or cancel the contract and request a refund. You may also claim related losses supported by evidence.

Is odometer rollback illegal?

Yes. Manipulating mileage readings, forging service records, or concealing true mileage is unlawful. It can trigger civil liability, administrative penalties, and in serious cases criminal charges. Preserve evidence and consult a lawyer if you suspect odometer tampering.

Can I return the car within 14 days?

The 14 day withdrawal rule generally applies to distance or off-premises contracts. If you bought at the dealership premises, there is usually no automatic cooling-off period. Your rights then depend on the legal guarantee and conformity rules.

What if I bought from a private seller, not a dealer?

Consumer protection rules against unfair commercial practices apply primarily to professional sellers. Private sales are governed by the Civil Code. You still have rights against fraud or hidden defects, but the standards and remedies differ, and the burden of proof can be higher.

How do I prove the defect existed at delivery?

Collect documents such as the advertisement, pre-purchase descriptions, sales contract, inspection reports, service book, and technical inspection records. Obtain an independent expert report. Report inconsistencies in mileage or accident history. Within the initial presumption period, the law may assume the defect existed at delivery unless the dealer proves otherwise.

Should I continue driving the car?

If the defect affects safety or could worsen damage, stop using the car and document its condition. Using the car reasonably for transport while awaiting a remedy usually does not waive rights, but you must mitigate further damage and follow maintenance requirements.

How long do I have to act?

Act immediately. Inform the dealer in writing as soon as you discover the defect. Many civil claims have a 3 year limitation from when you learned or should have learned of the violation. Some claims to invalidate a contract for fraud can have shorter deadlines. Early action also helps with evidence.

What if the dealer is in another EU country?

You may seek help from the European Consumer Centre in Lithuania for cross-border consumer disputes. Lithuanian buyers still benefit from EU consumer sales rules, but jurisdiction and applicable law questions can arise. A lawyer can guide you on where to file and which law applies.

Additional Resources

State Consumer Rights Protection Authority - The main body handling consumer complaints, unfair commercial practices, and alternative dispute resolution between consumers and dealers.

European Consumer Centre Lithuania - Assists with cross-border purchases within the EU, including car sales and related services.

Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration - Supervises vehicle technical inspection companies and transport safety regulations.

Regitra - National vehicle registration authority that maintains registration data and records of mileage from inspections.

Police and Prosecutor’s Office - For criminal complaints involving fraud, forgery, or serious deception.

Ukmerge District Municipality consumer information services - Local point for basic consumer guidance and referrals to national authorities.

Lithuanian Bar Association - Directory to find licensed lawyers experienced in consumer and automotive disputes.

Bank of Lithuania - For disputes about credit, leasing, or payment services related to vehicle purchases.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Stop and assess. List all symptoms and defects. Note dates, mileage, and events surrounding the discovery. Do not authorize destructive repairs before documenting evidence.

Step 2 - Gather documents. Save the advertisement, website screenshots, emails, messages, the sales contract, invoice, warranty terms, finance agreement, technical inspection card, service book, and any photos or videos.

Step 3 - Get an independent inspection. Obtain a written expert report from a qualified mechanic or assessor describing defects, likely causes, and estimated repair costs. Ask the expert to comment on whether the defect likely existed at delivery.

Step 4 - Notify the dealer in writing. Describe the defect, attach evidence, and propose a remedy. Set a clear deadline, such as 14 calendar days, for the dealer to respond and arrange a solution. Keep proof of delivery.

Step 5 - Preserve the vehicle. If safe, keep the car available for the dealer to inspect. Do not modify or repair it without giving the dealer a reasonable chance to examine it, unless safety or further damage requires urgent action.

Step 6 - Escalate if unresolved. File a complaint with the State Consumer Rights Protection Authority and consider alternative dispute resolution. If there are signs of criminal conduct, file a report with the police as well.

Step 7 - Consult a lawyer. A lawyer can refine your claims, quantify damages, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court. Ask about costs, timelines, and the best forum for your case.

Step 8 - Consider payment remedies. If you paid by card or through financing, discuss chargeback options or related remedies with your bank or the finance provider, especially where misrepresentation is clear.

Step 9 - Track deadlines. Note limitation periods and any procedural deadlines from the consumer authority or courts. Missing a deadline can weaken or bar your claim.

Step 10 - Document everything. Keep a chronological file of all communications, calls, and actions. Good records improve your chances of a quick and fair resolution.