Hey guys, I've been a member here for many years and just recently graduated law school. In the time, I've been a member, I've spent hours reading the posts on this board as well as many others, I have noticed that collector car fraud is a BIG RACKET and something needs to be done. I recently took a job with an energetic law firm which I was able to talk into pursuing collector car fraud cases. These cases would include cars sold on fraudulent built sheets, protecto plats, window stickers, etc. Also restamped engines, VIN and Cowl Tags, misrepresentation of a restoration, inherent diminished value, auction problems (ebay scams), estate issues (wills devising classic cars to charities, trusts, heirs, etc.).

There are more '69 Z28 Camaros out there today than GM built, same with '57 Fuelies and we all know about LS6 Chevelles. If anyone out there knows of anyone who was ripped off buying a fake car that was sold as genuine, please point them in my direction and we can finally get some much needed justice. I have nothing against clones, but it is against the law to misrepresent a vehicle to another person (telling someone it's an SS when it really started life as a 307cu., etc.)

The firm I am working for, The Law Offices of Darrell C. Dethlefs, has contacts with attorneys in all 50 states and a networks is being set up to handle these cases no matter where they arise.

We will handle ANY vehicle fraud cases, Ferrari 250's, Mercedes 190SL, 300SL, Z/28, LS6, SS, L89, etc, anything. Even Ford and Mopar products. Fraudulent car appraisals, restoration misrepresentations, car is sold as "all numbers matching", but has a "CE" motor, etc. If a seller claims a car is something that it isn't, its fraud. If a seller or restoration shop is restamping engine blocks, putting them in cars and selling the cars as numbers matching all original, that’s fraud and misrepresentation. We will also represent individuals involved in fraudulent eBay transactions.

I can be contacted at:

Bryan W. Shook
The Law Offices of Darrell C. Dethlefs
2132 Market Street
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
(717) 975-9446
BShook@dcdlaw.net

Bookmark the website so it's easy to find in the future - http://www.dcdlaw.net/carfraud.htm

I'm curious. Lets say I wanted your firm to represent me in a cival case against a seller who mispresented a collector car. How do you charge? By the hour? What sucess has your firm had in this legal area?

thanks very much for your interest in this "dark" side of our hobby

while people have been FAKING 69 Z28's since they were new, it is now and was then only for the extra value the Z commands

I knew somone that did it in 74, took his SS and painted it with stripes and dove it to LA to sell for big money, as he knew the market in the Detroit area was low for that car

He knew everyone would look for a 12 bolt, 4 speed and multi leaf rear springs. a 4 speed SS 350 without air was a perfect base for a "Z28" according to his warped mind. All he did was put a high rise and a Holley on it and claim he put a hyd cam so he wouldn't have to adjust the lifters

I am surprised this person is not in jail as he has made an entire life out of deceiving people

it was FRAUD back then, it is FRAUD now too

Dayton68Z28, our firm has had great sucess pursueing real estate fraud transactions against very large lending institutions. I have all the faith in the world in the group of attorneys I’m working with, if fraud happens, anywhere, we are committed to flushing it out. As for what this can cost, it all depends, every state is different and in Pennsylvania you are not allowed to advertise a flat fee for work like this for that exact reason. The prevailing hourly rate for our firm is less than $200. Hopefully a majority of these cases will only take a phone call and a letter or two and they can be settled, if the odd few go further, we’ll have the ammunition and knowledge to be successful.

The discrepancy between a legit car and a clone can be in the six figure range. I believe that a buyer of one of these vehicles should have a place to turn to get some relief. As a true enthusiast, I can empathize with the buyer and I feel strongly that this fraud in our hobby has gone on too long.