Car Scams

A year ago Fox 7 told you about a car dealership that was accused of leaving its customers with cars, but no titles. Now the same thing appears to be happening just down the road from the first case in the small community of Haubstadt. Buying a car from this Haubstadt lot could be risky business. Thats because some of those who sealed a deal with J. Buttery apparently never got their titles. "Apparently we have one percent whos becoming a problem." The Gibson County sheriffs department served a search warrant on J. Buttery Autoplex to collect all the dealerships financial records. Deputy George Ballard says this is after accusations that nine customers did not get titles to their newly purchased vehicles. "Theyre angry, it really puts consumers in a bad situation, they ask what am I going to do?" Just a quarter of a mile down the road, Spike Motoplex filed bankruptcy last year after customers didnt receive titles to their vehicles. That alleged scam affected more than a dozen people. Five of those cases still havent been resolved. And without a title, the only way theyll drive legally is to keep buying temporary tags. "Sixty day temporary tags, you know it has been eleven months and theyre still doing it." Evansville Better Business Bureaus Tom Bozikis says buyers should make sure they get the title at the time they purchase their car. "Its good to know what recourse you do have, in case you dont receive a title from the dealership." According to the attorney general car dealers and individuals from whom you have purchased a vehicle are required to deliver the title within twenty-one days. If you dont receive the title within twenty-one days, you must write the dealer and demand the title. Deputy Ballard says there isnt any connection between the cases at Spike Motoplex and J. Butterys Autoflex, but he suggests consumers research the company theyre dealing with. "Buyers beware anytime you spend large amounts of money, be sure youre dealing with a reputable dealer, who can make assurances and take care of the consumer." If you purchased a car after January 2008 from J. Buttery Autoflex and havent received your title, call the Gibson County Sheriffs Department. Fox 7 talked with an employee at J. Buttery, who said hell have the manager give us a call. That has yet to happen.