Nine New York Dealerships Charged By DCA For Rip-Offs

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Nine New York Dealerships Charged By DCA For Rip-Offs

Picture a used car salesman.  What comes to mind? Fast talking, high-pressure sales pitch, lies or at least misrepresentations, right? You say you knew their reputation was deserved? You may be right!

New York City’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has received more than 200 complaints from consumers who allege that they were: told one price and charged another; told the price was available only if they financed their purchase; forced to pay for extras they didn’t want; and had extra costs added to their purchases for no reason.

The DCA has charged nine car dealerships in Brooklyn and Queens for allegedly using illegal sales tactics to deceive and pressure consumers to pay more than what was advertised. DCA is now seeking $950,000 in restitution and fines from Planet Automotive, Inc., Northern Auto Traders, LLC, Auto Palace, Inc. and from six of Giuffre Motor Car Co. LLC’s locations.

I can’t say that I am surprised.  I have been a lawyer on cases against all of these organizations except Northern Auto Traders, LLC and I think I was afraid to take the case against them because I worried that the dealership would be out of business before my client or I could get paid.

Each of the businesses faces loss of their license in addition to the fines and restitution sough by 
 DCA.

David Kasell is Founder of Kasell Law Firm in New York.  Kasell Law Firm focuses on Consumer Protection including Lemon Law, Consumer Fraud; and Investor Protection. Visit the firm's website at Kasell Law Firm
 

Statute of Limitations Could Change on Consumer Credit Csrd Debt!

Help For New York Consumers If Proposed Legal Change is Passed By Albany

If the law passes, the statute of limitations (the time in which credit card companies and other consumer creditors can sue for past due debts) would be cut in half, dropping from six years to three years!

The new law would also require certain disclosures by creditors who seek to collect on an overdue debt. For instance, when seeking to collect an overdue credit card debt, the company or whoever now holds the debt would be required to provide:

1.     the name of the original creditor;

2.     the last four digits of the original account number;

3.     the date and amount of the last payment;

4.     a chain of title for the account; and

5.     a breakdown of the amount that they are seeking to collect.

This means that consumers in New York would benefit if the law passes. The bill has already passed in the Assembly and in the Senate is designated S02454. 

If you want to call Albany so that your voice is heard, visit http://www.nysenate.gov/senators enter your street address in the top and call your Senator to express your support!

 www.KasellLawFirm.com

David Kasel, Esq.is an attorney who practices consumer protection litigation in New York City.