New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs have announced a settlement with a Jersey City-based car dealership accused of violating consumer protection laws.
According to the announcement, Fleet Lease Network, Inc., has agreed to an $8,777.00 settlement to resolve an investigation into allegations that it engaged in deceptive advertising practices by failing to list the prices of motor vehicles on its website and by not honoring its advertised prices, terms and/or conditions.
Under the terms of the Consent Order with the Division, Fleet Lease Network, Inc., among other things, agreed to:
- Include and accurately disclose the prices of cars advertised on its website;
- Include mandatory disclosures in all advertisements;
- List the total selling price of merchandise where it is offered for sale; and
- Honor all advertised motor vehicle prices, terms and/or conditions.
The settlement was one of six enforcement actions resulting in fines totaling more than $260,000.
The dealerships’ alleged violations include failing to list prior accidents, damage, and repairs made to vehicles; failing to honor the advertised price of a used car; charging excessive vehicle preparation fees that were not itemized or properly disclosed to the consumer; failing to provide a written warranty; failing to disclose the full sale price of a motor vehicle; and deceptive advertising.
Along with paying civil monetary penalties, fees, and costs, the dealerships agreed to stop engaging in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices, comply with all applicable state and federal laws, and resolve consumer complaints.
“Consumers have enough to worry about in this challenging car market, and illegal practices by car dealerships should not be one of them,” said Platkin. “These settlements should put dealers on notice that we will not stop protecting New Jerseyans and are always working to ensure a transparent auto market.”
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