Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a consumer alert urging residents to remain vigilant against the potential influx of flood-damaged vehicles entering the used car market in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. These storms have wreaked havoc across multiple Southeast states, leaving thousands of cars in their wake severely damaged by water.
According to a statement from the Illinois Attorney General's office, industry estimates show that a significant number of vehicles in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have been submerged and compromised. In addition, Raoul highlighted the concern that some sellers may illegally conceal a vehicle's true history to quickly move these damaged goods, taking advantage of a nationwide scarcity in vehicle supply.
Raoul recommends a handful of precautions: Have any prospective purchase inspected by a trusted mechanic, procure a written title guarantee from the seller, and never buy a vehicle sight unseen. "Thousands of flood-damaged vehicles due to hurricanes Helene and Milton could potentially arrive for sale across Illinois. Flooded cars are often shipped to places hundreds of miles from areas hit by storms and may be dangerous to drive or pose health risks," Raoul stated, as per the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Furthermore, the buyer should thoroughly test all vehicle features, seek documented proof of any water damage or lack thereof, and ever keenly regard the details in the vehicle's history report.
For those interested in learning more about a vehicle's history, sources such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, Carfax, or Auto Check offer reports at a nominal fee using an automobile's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If you believe you've been victimized by fraud, the Attorney General encourages filing a complaint through their official website or hotline.
