October 2009

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Look for the new "Ontario-Registered Dealer" decal!

decal A new public awareness program from OMVIC will help consumers steer away from buying bad vehicles. The program includes an Ontario-registered dealer decal to identify dealers who are required by regulation to represent vehicles accurately and who contribute to a consumer protection fund. The Ontario-registered dealer decal tells you a dealer is covered by consumer protection measures. You take your chances if you buy from a non-registered vehicle seller. Learn more at buywithconfidence.ca.

INDUSTRY HEADLINES

What you need to know about curbsiders

transit ad The biggest danger of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller is the risk of buying from curbsiders: unlicensed dealers who pose as private sellers. The cars they sell are often misrepresented, accident-damaged, odometer-tampered, stolen, or have liens. OMVIC research suggests that more than 20 per cent of used car classifieds are posted by curbsiders. Learn more at buywithconfidence.ca.

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Signs you may be dealing with a curbsider

Not sure if you’re dealing with a curbsider? These signs may help: curbsiders usually conduct business over the phone, through email or the Internet. They don’t have a permanent vehicle lot or ownership signs. Finally, they won’t show you the history of the vehicle. There is no protection available to you if you purchase through a curbsider so know who you are buying from.

Auto Talk

Curbsider:
Curbsiders are imposters who pose as private individuals, but are actually in the business of selling stolen, rebuilt or odometer-tampered vehicles. Learn how to avoid buying from curbsiders here.

If you have any question, comments or suggestions for Consumer Line, email us at consumerline@
omvic.on.ca and let us know what you think!

Featured Links

Consumer Line is a monthly publication by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council - OMVIC, and is sent to you because you have requested it. If you have received this e-mail in error, or prefer not to receive more issues, you can unsubscribe at any time by following the link below.

OMVIC is the self-management organization of the motor vehicle dealer industry and administers the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act -- a public protection statute -- on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC's mandate is to maintain a safe and informed marketplace by ensuring registration of motor vehicle dealers and salespeople, regularly inspecting all of Ontario's 8,800 dealerships, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations. OMVIC also administers the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund.