Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

To whom it may concern,

I have a problem thats been going on for over a year now and I have no clue what to do and seems like when I go to the authorities they turn me down and won't help at all. About a year ago my long time good friend (not anymore) told me about a opportunity about a exotic car rental company that were taking investors. Basically they would bring on people with excellent to good credit and pull as many vehicles and credit lines as possible to make the business grow. Well I had a really good fico score 750 and the owner of the exotic car rental took me to some dealerships such as Mercedes benz and Cadilliac and they pulled cars over 100k under my name as well as credit lines. They have done this to about 5 people I personally know which we all started in together and have found while speaking with some authorities there are other people that have been frauded. So now I am stuck with credit lines and some vehicles that haven't been located even to this day and the creditors are all coming after me. The guy who supposedly owned the company we bought into is gone and cannot be contacted. I know for a fact that the dealerships knew what was going on b/c they had contracts all ready and I never even got to see the cars I'm signing for and they handed the keys straight to the owner of the exotic rental. I found out about half a year later that all those sales associates at the dealership were fired along with the finance manager who I am 100% sure he was involved. One of the dealership is willing to pay for the remainder balance of the loan but the problem is I can't locate the vehicle and the police wont help. For all I know the car is at a chop shop or export overseas and sold already. I find it funny that the owner of the car dealership is willing to help and pay knowing he made tons of money off people like me by dealing with that fraudulent person. Sorry this is long but I have no idea what to do nor do I know where to go for help. This has stressed me beyond belief and my credit score is down to the 500's now. This has also ruined the lives of the others I know that fell into this program. What can I do? please help and can I sue the car dealerships? do I have to file BK? Your time is much appreciated. I hope you can help.

THank you


Asked on 9/02/09, 10:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

If you can't pressure the police into filing criminal charges against any of the people and companies involved, try the CA Atty General's office, the FBI, and the US Attorneys office.

If the crooked owner can not be located, then suing him is of no real value. Even if you got a judgment, it is highly unlikely you'll ever find him or any money to collect. However, if you actually think you could prove the dealerships had knowledge, then they could be sued as part of a conspiracy, at which point you would name every person and company involved. They might be willing to settle rather than push this to public disclosure and trial. Your goal is to get the defendants to take over your debt and correct your credit report.

If serious about pursuing the civil suit idea, try to get the other investors to join to share expenses. Feel free to contact me for the legal help you'll need.

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Answered on 9/02/09, 11:14 pm


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