My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Oregon
I'm in quite a sticky situation. A few months ago I purchased a project van from a friend, with intentions of fixing it up. It ran well but needed just a few things to my knowledge. However, I recently picked up a new job and am also a musician on the side so I found that I didn't really have the time to put any effort into it. I decided to sell it.
Now, the van did not pass the emissions tests, so I wasn't able to update the registration. It was also an auction title (my friend bought it in an auction) so it wasn't the simple sign your name and drop it off at the DMV deal. I never got around to actually registering the vehicle in my name.
As the van sat, I was being pressured by the city and my landlord to get rid of it ASAP, facing fines and a tow (I don't have a driveway so it was on the street). So I was pretty desperate to get rid of it.
The only people that were interested was a couple from Seattle (I'm in Washington County, Oregon). They drove down to look at it and loved it, deciding they would buy it. However they told me they wouldn't have the money for another two weeks and would have to come back then and get it. Being in my situation, and deeming them as generally trustworthy (whoops), I suggested that they leave me with a check for the full amount payable after the two weeks pass, and they take the van then and there. They drove away with the van.
Two days before the check was to be cashed, I received a text message from them stating something to the effect of, "The van broke down and doesn't start. The mechanic says it will cost between 5 & 8 thousand to get it running again. We can no longer afford to buy this van. We have put a stop payment on the check, here's the address of the mechanic shop so you can pick it up."
Now, here's why the situation is even more messed up. I have a bill of sale with their name and signature on it, however I wrote the name of the person I bought it from since the van wasn't in my name. I also have the check (written to me-my name) that clearly states it is for a "van", signed and everything.
The van was never technically mine so it won't get traced back to me, but I don't want it to get traced back to my friend should they (and it seems they have) abandoned the van. What are my options here? I can prove that the van belongs to them, and that they legally owe me $2000, but I sorta kinda committed a fraudulent transaction. I'm not sure what to do.
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