Attorney General Todd Rokita has secured financial restitution for Indiana consumers who purchased vehicles from four auto dealers accused of deceptive practices, including odometer fraud and misleading advertising.
The recent settlements are part of ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s office to ensure that car buyers in Indiana receive accurate information during vehicle purchases. “Buying a car is one of the two biggest purchases most people make,” Attorney General Rokita said. “As part of our mission protecting consumers, we want to ensure Hoosiers can make informed choices based on true and accurate information. We have no tolerance for dealers who engage in deceptive sales practices that hurt both consumers and the reputations of dealers who operate with honesty and integrity — who comprise the vast majority.”
In January, settlements were reached with Flexible Auto Sales, Zoom Auto Sales, US Auto Finance, and Nissan of Warsaw.
Flexible Auto Sales agreed to a consent judgment after allegations surfaced that it had altered vehicle odometers to show lower mileage than actual. The company must pay $101,077 in restitution to affected consumers. Additionally, its owner is prohibited from running any car dealership in the future. The business had already closed following legal action from the Attorney General’s office.
Zoom Auto Sales entered into an assurance of voluntary compliance (AVC) after being accused of failing to disclose “rebuilt” title brands on vehicles sold. As part of this agreement, Zoom Auto Sales will provide $13,575 in restitution to customers.
US Auto Finance also entered into an AVC after allegedly increasing prices for customers choosing financing over advertised prices. Before finalizing the settlement, US Auto Finance credited 110 overcharged consumer accounts with a total sum of $240,759.
Nissan of Warsaw was found to have sent mailings that included false claims about prize winnings. Under its AVC agreement, Nissan paid a civil penalty totaling $17,250.
Consumers who suspect they have been subject to unfair or deceptive business practices are encouraged to file complaints through the Indiana Attorney General’s website at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral.
