AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning potential used car buyers that as many as 1 million vehicles flooded during Hurricane Harvey.
Paxton on Wednesday offered the
consumer alert
as cleanup continues following Harvey, which hit South Texas on Aug. 25. Heavy rain led to flooding that inundated areas including Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur.
The
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles advises
that flood-damaged vehicles usually have evidence of water and grit inside and in the engine compartment.
In Texas, a seller is required by law to tell prospective buyers about vehicle damage. If it’s from flooding, the words “Flood Damage” must be on the vehicle’s title. Failure to disclose that information may violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Complaints can be
filed online
with Paxton’s office.
