NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Acting Attorney General John Hoffman announced a lawsuit Tuesday against a high-end, used luxury car dealer for allegedly engaging in bait-and-switch and other deceptive practices.
21st Century Auto Group Inc. allegedly exploited at least 84 consumers through bait-and-switch, refusing to return deposits after consumers canceled sales transactions, refusing to honor advertised or agreed-upon vehicle prices, requiring consumers to sign blank sales documents, refusing to issue or honor warranties and refusing to provide sale documents after consumers signed them. The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act and Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations.
"Our investigation uncovered a pattern of allegedly deceptive practices that dates back several years and that cost individual consumers hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, with no regard for their rights or for the law," Hoffman said. "This type of conduct harms consumers and tarnishes the reputation of an entire industry. Our primary goal is to obtain full restitution for the customers allegedly abused by these tactics."
21st Century Auto Group also allegedly failed to provide consumers with title and registration to used vehicles prior to their expiration, sold a used vehicle without obtaining a lien release from the prior owner and attempted to deceptively sell higher-priced cars to consumers drawn to the dealership by online ads promising certain vehicles at attractive prices.
New Jersey AG files suit against luxury car dealer
