The buyer's order is typically a one-page document signed in the sales area before you go to the finance office. It shows the vehicle identification number (VIN), the agreed purchase price, any trade-in allowance, the down payment, and any products or accessories included in the deal. It is the record of what you negotiated with the salesperson.

The retail installment sales contract (RISC) is the financing document signed in the finance office. It should reflect the same vehicle price, trade-in allowance, and down payment as the buyer's order — plus the financing terms (interest rate, loan term, monthly payment) and any products added to the financing. Discrepancies between the buyer's order and the RISC are a red flag.

Common discrepancies to look for: the vehicle price on the RISC is higher than on the buyer's order; products appear on the RISC that were not on the buyer's order; the trade-in allowance on the RISC is lower than what you were promised; or the down payment on the RISC is different from what you actually paid. Any of these discrepancies may indicate fraud.

Florida law requires dealers to provide you with copies of all documents you sign. If you did not receive a copy of your buyer's order, request one in writing. If the dealer refuses to provide it, that refusal is itself evidence of potential fraud. Keep all documents in a safe place — do not return them to the dealer under any circumstances.

If you are in the process of negotiating a vehicle purchase, insist on a copy of the buyer's order before going to the finance office. Read it carefully and make sure it reflects everything you agreed to. Do not let the salesperson rush you. If anything on the buyer's order is different from what you discussed, do not sign it until the discrepancy is resolved in writing.