The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and AutoSource Group, LLC, a used car dealership located in Vineland, have settled a lawsuit filed by the Division in February 2015, with the dealership agreeing to pay $25,000 and to revise its business practices.
The State’s seven-count complaint, filed in State Superior Court in Cumberland County, alleged that AutoSource Group violated the Consumer Fraud Act, the Automotive Sales Regulations, the Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations and the Used Car Lemon Law and related regulations. Under the terms of the Final Consent Judgment that resolves the lawsuit, AutoSource Group will revise its business practices to comply with state laws and regulations.
Specifically, the complaint alleged that, among other things, AutoSource Group failed to disclose the prior condition and prior use of used motor vehicles, failed to disclose existing mechanical defects in used motor vehicles, failed to provide required written warranties, and failed to respond to consumer complaints.
The $25,000 payment includes $14,362 in civil penalties, with the balance going toward reimbursement of the State’s legal and investigative costs in this matter.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.