Schuette warns of flood damaged used car scams

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is warning residents to be on the lookout for potential used car buying scams. Schuette's office issued a consumer alert Monday warning Michigan residents of dealers trying to sell refurbished cars without mentioning flood damage caused by Superstorm Sandy. The attorney general's office says many flood damaged cars have begun to re-enter the country's auto market since the October storm. Schuette suggests residents take a few steps before buying a used car to avoid being scammed. His tips include getting an inspection independent of the seller and looking up the car's history online. Schuette also recommends being aware of signs in the car indicating prior flood damage, like a mold smell or residue in the trunk. ---------------- Online: Consumer Alert: http://1.usa.gov/WpCcoI. Published: Thu, Feb 7, 2013