LEGAL NEWSLINE

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a $98,341 settlement on Monday with a Brooklyn Nissan dealership to resolve allegations of deceptive sales and advertising practices.

Schneiderman's office received dozens of consumer complaints related to the practices of Bay Ridge Nissan. The dealership allegedly published misleading advertisements on Craigslist.com, misrepresented the terms of sale and financing during sales negotiations, falsely told consumers that purchases had dealership-financing requirements and engaged in other fraudulent and deceptive practices.

"This agreement is a victory for consumers in Brooklyn and around the state," Schneiderman said. "We'll continue to aggressively monitor the business practices of dealerships in New York to ensure they comply with laws designed to keep the auto market honest, and maintain a level playing field for consumers. Anyone buying a car should be able to expect that when they negotiate prices and terms for vehicles, the contracts will accurately reflect those terms."

Under the terms of the settlement, Bay Ridge Nissan must pay $48,341 in restitution to 15 consumers in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $7,000. The dealership must also pay a $50,000 civil penalty to the state. Bay Ridge Nissan is enjoined from any future violations of state laws that prohibit fraud, deceptive business practices and false advertising.