Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to consumers in Illinois regarding the potential influx of flood-damaged vehicles entering the used car market. This alert follows significant flooding caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which affected thousands of vehicles across several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Raoul highlighted the risk that these flood-damaged vehicles could be transported to Illinois for sale. "Thousands of flood-damaged vehicles due to hurricanes Helene and Milton could potentially arrive for sale across Illinois. Flooded cars are often shipped to places hundreds of miles from areas hit by storms and may be dangerous to drive or pose health risks," he stated. He advised consumers to buy only from trusted sellers and avoid rushing into seemingly attractive deals.
While acknowledging that most automobile dealers operate legitimately, Raoul cautioned against dishonest businesses that might sell flood-damaged cars without disclosing their history. The nationwide shortage of new and used vehicles may further motivate scammers to engage in such practices. These individuals often employ cleaning processes that make it challenging to detect water damage initially.
Raoul also warned about "title washing," a tactic where scammers conceal a vehicle's damage history by transferring its title through multiple states. He urged buyers to be vigilant when purchasing from online auction sites or second-tier used car lots.
To help consumers avoid buying flood-damaged cars, Raoul offered several tips:
- Have any used car inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchase.
- Buy only from reputable dealers or individuals and obtain a written title guarantee.
- Avoid purchasing sight unseen, especially through online marketplaces.
- Inquire if the car has suffered water damage and request written confirmation.
- Inspect for musty odors, rust, mud signs inside the vehicle.
- Check under the hood for water lines marked by mud or silt.
- Ensure all gauges function properly; test lights, wipers, signals, radio.
- Verify heater and air conditioner operation; check vents for water signs.
- Review the vehicle's title history using its VIN through services like Carfax or Auto Check.
For those suspecting fraud involvement in their purchase process, Attorney General Raoul advises filing complaints via the Attorney General’s website or contacting one of their Consumer Fraud Hotlines.