How do I report elderly abuse and scams regarding a purchase of a car in HI?

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M

mhirotsu Asked February 2023

How do I report elderly abuse and scams regarding a purchase of a car in HI?

I went to Tony's Nissan to change the battery in my car key. I was browsing the Tony Honda parking lot and was approached by Wesley, a salesman. He had me test drive a 2023 Honda HR-V. I told him that I had to leave to care for my 4 dogs. One of them was ill with diabetes. He wouldn't allow me to leave. I told him that I could return in 2 days to bring in my 2020 Toyota Corolla to ask how much I could receive for a trade-in. In a short time, he had printed out a sales agreement ($45,000) for me to sign. I made the mistake of signing it, thinking that I would be able to leave to go home. He followed me with the 2023 Honda HR-V and his associate rode with me in my Altima to my home. He drove off with my Toyota Corolla. I had only received $15,000 for the Toyota which I had paid $21,995 for in October 2022. I called him to tell him that I wanted the Toyota back and he said that it was gone. I paid the bill of $45,000 since I was told that interest would accrue on it if I didn't pay for it in a week. I have difficulty driving the HR-V because of my knee replacement surgeries on both knees and back sciatica. They do not sell a support handle or a running board for that model. I feel humiliated and scammed in being forced to purchase a car I had no intention of purchasing. I wanted to look for a hybrid model. I was forced into signing the purchase agreement through aggressive sales tactics. Is there anything I can do to report this?

Elder Law Frauds & Scams

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score 1 · Answer 1

We haven't bought a car in 10 yrs but when we do its the same dealer and no hard sell. But 13 yrs ago my daughter wanted to buy her first car so she needed a cosigner, her father. I sat off in a corner. The salesman was a quick talker. He went over the contract with my DH and when he got to the purchase of an extended warrenty (2k) my DH said no. Guy printed up the contract, DH assumed he had removed the extended warrenty, so signed. We got home and daughter said the cost was more than she thought. Yep, there was the 2k for extended warranty. I called right away only to be told that my DH said nothing. I told the salesman I was there and heard DH say no. "Well its too late, you need to call the insurance co" Daughter chose to keep the coverage because even with a brand new car, u just never know.

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score 1 · Answer 2

mhirotsu, we almost ran into the same thing few years ago, but for a much older used vehicle. Yep, the hard sell. The salesman wanted us to sign the purchase agreement before we even saw the Carfax and/or take the vehicle on a test drive. Glad we walked away.

Thanks for letting everyone know that type of underhand selling is still happening. Sorry you got caught up in it.

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score 3 · Answer 3

File 3 complaints:

1. File a complaint with the BBB. They are members, so they have an obligation to reply. The BBB will want them to negotiate.
https://www.bbb.org/us/hi/waipahu/profile/new-car-dealers/tony-nissan-1296-1066

2. File a complaint with HI's regulated industries complaint office.
https://cca.hawaii.gov/rico/file/

3. Contact Toyota's Brand Engagement center and file a complaint.
Call 1-800-331-4331
https://www.toyota.com/support/contact-us/

Post reviews on Google and Yelp regarding the unethical practice.

Contact your Office of Aging - this may be the right link:
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/aging

Finally, you may want to contact an elder law attorney:
https://www.naela.org/findlawyer

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score 1 · Answer 4

I just saw that " He wouldn't allow me to leave". This is an issue also to be brought forward.

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(1)(a) The term “false imprisonment” means forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without lawful authority and against her or his will.

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score 2 · Answer 5

If this happened some weeks ago I am afraid you made poor decisions and bought yourself a car.
If this happened yesterday, go to the police at once to file elder abuse charges. Let the dealership know you are on you way there.
Unfortunately, your post to us doesn't seem indicative of someone with dementia. So, again, you may have bought yourself a car.
I sure hope not and I sure wish you good luck.
If the police are unresponsive see an elder law attorney at once. He or she will explain to you your options or your LACK of options.

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score 3 · Answer 6

I would also let Tonys know you will contacting the news, social media,and Honda and everyone I know about their sales practices, and maybe scream they prey on elders ( if you are one). Also look at your contract, or have a lawyer look ASAP,, there may be few days of buyers remorse clause. And they conned you into paying the entire thing up front? This is deceptive in my mind, or at least unethical. Maybe put a hold on the check while you dispute this,, ask the lawyer! Or the police?

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