Consumer Group Notifies Five States of Alleged Dealer Fraud
WASHINGTON -- Consumer group Public Citizen sent letters last week to officials in five states regarding alleged dealership scams in their states. The letters describe in detail the consumer complaints the group has received since releasing its report "Rip-Off Nation" in December 2003.
WASHINGTON -- Consumer group Public Citizen sent letters last week to officials in five states regarding alleged dealership scams in their states. The letters describe in detail the consumer complaints the group has received since releasing its "Rip-Off Nation" report in December 2003.
Of the 700-plus complaints Public Citizen received, the five states contacted received the highest number. They are Florida (90 complaints), California (52), Texas (42), Tennessee (22) and Georgia (20). The letters explain the nature of the complaints and offer statements from customers. Consumers complained of finance rates being changed, undisclosed products in their contracts, contract terms being altered, payment packing and more.
The letters ask government officials to stop dealership fraud and to assess whether current consumer protection laws are sufficient.
To read the letters, go to www.citizen.org/documents/AGfs_US.pdf.
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