I want to warn about the dangers of giving references on an auto application. I went to Thames Autoplex to look at a 2002 Galant. I talked with a salesman named Brent, and explained to him my credit is not bad, just no big ticket purchases like cars or houses. He asked if I had someone to co-sign should that be needed, and I said yes, but if I have to have a co-signer, I would rather not purchase the car. THey ran the credit, said everything was fine. No money down, but no copy of the contract I signed.
For references I gave several names. When I finally recieved a copy of the contract, my mother, who lives in Odessa, TX, was listed as a co-signer. I immediately asked to speak to a supervisor, as my mother did not co-sign. I was informed there was not a supervisor available, to come back the next day. I called my mother and she told me no one even called to check the reference.
When I went back the next day, I repeated the conversation to the salesman, who told me that she did indeed sign the agreement, and right there in the office! It is a 12 hour drive from Odessa to Vicksburg, MS, and my mother has never even been there! I laughed at the man and told him to let the boss know this wouldn't stick. I called the manager and told him I would simply bring the car back if the contract was destroyed. He said I would be fully responsible for the vehicle, and if I did not pay for it, my mother would pay also.
I called the Attorney General of Consumer Affairs and made a report. They were very timely and efficient in investigating the matter. During the investigation I stayed in contact with Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America, and their advice was to withold payment until the investigation was over, and assured me the vehicle would not be repossesed nor would the non-payment effect my credit.
About one month after the initial delivery, I came home from work and the car was gone. I had been leaving the vehicle parked as I did not want to pay any mileage fees. I called the dealership and was told the car did not belong to me anymore, and to come and get my stuff out of it before it was thrown away. WHen I arrived they informed me paperwork was coming, but that was all they would tell me. I then recieved a copy of the "flat cancel." No one I knew had ever heard of a flat cancel, obviously because it does not happen often. I have no one but the Attorney General to thank for what damage was prevented of mine and my mothers credit.
When I asked Thames for a copy of my mothers consent, signature, or drivers license (policy for credit inquiries), they said they did indeed have it, but would not show it to me. Hmmm... All of it pretty much defines the word fraudulent to me.
Kelly
Arlington, Texas
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