Dow
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow announced on Tuesday that she has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Department of Consumer Affairs against a car dealership that allegedly violated New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.
This is the second lawsuit the State has filed against Ramsey Auto Imports, doing business as Ramsey Chrysler Jeep Dodge, since 2005. Both times, the auto dealership allegedly misrepresented facts in the advertisement and sale of used motor vehicles.
Ramsey and several associated dealerships settled with the state in the first suit filed against it, agreeing to halt all deceptive practices in violation of the CFA and the Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations.
Dow's current lawsuit alleges that the dealership violated both the CFA and the Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations again by selling used motor vehicles without alerting customers about prior damage, current odometer readings, the vehicles' true selling price and that the vehicles were often used as rentals.
The lawsuit also alleges that the dealership violated the terms of the prior settlement with its actions.
"We allege this dealership is a repeat violator, hiding relevant facts from consumers in order to make sales," Dow said. "We're seeking enhanced penalties and an end to all illegal business practices."
The dealership allegedly advertised its motor vehicles on Craigslist without disclosing its business name and address, VIN numbers of the vehicles up for sale and the aforementioned violations of prior damage, current odometer readings, the true selling price and that the vehicles were often used as rentals.
Ramsey Auto Imports faces civil penalties of up to $20,000 for each violation of the CFA.