FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York Attorney General Alleges Fraud, Coverup in Rental Unit Sales

Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo's office has filed suit against Poughkeepsie Chevrolet and its former owner, Raymond Wilkinson III, for failing to inform customers that the cars they purchased were previously used as rental vehicles, then altering documents to cover up the fraud.

by Staff
December 9, 2008
2 min to read


POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo's office has filed suit against Poughkeepsie Chevrolet and its former owner, Raymond Wilkinson III, for failing to inform customers that the cars they purchased were previously used as rental vehicles, then altering documents to cover up the fraud.

The AG's office obtained a court order Monday that protects any consumers who were defrauded by the dealership's sales of rental cars. The lawsuit seeks restitution for the buyers plus penalties and costs. Dutchess County Supreme Court Acting Justice Thomas J. Dolan today ordered Wilkinson to post a $500,000 bond to fund any monetary award that may be forthcoming.

Ad Loading...

"This business failed to provide legally required notifications to its customers, thereby withholding important vehicle information that would influence the decision of whether or not to purchase a particular car," Cuomo said. "Our lawsuit exposes the myth that this dealership was being truthful with consumers. As with any business that defrauds consumers, we will hold responsible those who are engaged in such deceptive tactics."

The New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires dealers to notify car buyers before purchase if their vehicle was previously part of a rental fleet. The rule is meant to allow buyers the opportunity to either back out of the purchase or negotiate a discount from the vehicle's fair market value. Several affected customers indicated to investigators that they would not have purchased their vehicles at the price they paid had they known they were buying former rentals.

Cuomo told reporters that his office's investigation included the examination of sales records for the previous year and uncovered a consistent pattern of violations of the rental car rule. He also accused the dealer of engaging in other deceptive acts with regards to vehicle histories, including the omission of previous owners and failure to provide copies of extended warranties.

The attorney general further alleged that Poughkeepsie Chevrolet attempted to cover up its actions by providing copies of purchase agreements to Cuomo's office that appeared to have been altered some time after the transactions were completed.

Topics:F&I

More F&I

Man holding magnifying glass over sales volume paper.
F&IMay 29, 2026

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You

Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.

Read More →
Photo of woman typing on a laptop as she sits on a couch
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 29, 2026

Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity

A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.

Read More →
Dustin Gingerich standing on stage giving a presentation
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceMay 28, 2026

Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life

Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of businessman's hands resting on files on a desk
F&Iby John TabarMay 27, 2026

Focus on the Opening

F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.

Read More →
Photo of a three-seat vehicle back seat
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

F&I Reaches for the Sky

The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.

Read More →
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ryan Ruff, The 90/10 Rule, Automotive Training Academy, Sales Series
F&IMay 6, 2026

The 90/10 Rule

In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.

Read More →
Photo of essential oil diffuser on desk next to laptop
F&IMay 4, 2026

Your Office Is Talking

What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.

Read More →
"Effective training ensures the customer’s needs remain at the heart of everything we do. When that is the focus, both sales and profits naturally improve." by Rick McCormick with F&I and Showroom logo and picture of Rick McCormick
F&IMay 1, 2026

F&I Training Fundamentals

How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of car tire and the tread mark it left in snow
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 29, 2026

Not Just Any Tire Will Do

More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.

Read More →