Three Philadelphia-area car dealerships were sued by Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane last week over allegations that they sold vehicles that weren't roadworthy, and inflated prices on sold and leased cars.
Approximately 130 complaints were investigated by the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection involving Dean Cafiero and his businesses. The suit alleged violations of the Consumer Protection Law and Automobile Regulations by Cafiero and his businesses.
Cafiero is listed as the president of Drivehere.com, Inc., Peoples Commerce, Inc. and DTC Corp, which did business as Car Vision and Carvision.com. Kane said the businesses in Montgomery County and Philadelphia advertised deals targeting customers with poor or no credit.
Some of the complaints from the customers reported several alleged problems including billing or credit disputes, the condition of vehicles, contract disputes, and repair issues. Cafiero also allegedly left out important contract details and warranties in sales.
Kane alleged that one consumer thought they were purchasing a vehicle but later learned they had signed a lease for the car, and the purchase fee was allegedly triple the value of the car.
The lawsuit is seeking $1,000 for every violation of the Consumer Protection Law, restitution and penalties, and injunctive relief.