Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that the court overseeing the consumer-protection lawsuit against Fridley used-car dealer Midwest Car Search and its owner, Scott Spiczka, has ordered the defendants to modify their business practices in accordance with the Attorney General’s demands. The court's order requires the defendants to cease deceptive business practices and comply with Minnesota law.
The order follows a petition by the Attorney General, with the court finding good cause that Ellison will likely prevail in his claims against Midwest Car Search and Spiczka. The order remains effective until a final decision is made on whether to make these reforms permanent at the conclusion of the case.
This development marks a significant step in the lawsuit filed by Ellison's office in Anoka County on April 23, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that Midwest Car Search misrepresents its used cars as certified when they are not, illegally adds expensive vehicle service contracts without consumer consent, fails to provide legally required warranties, does not make accurate “Buyer’s Guide” disclosures or provide them in Spanish as required by law, and operates under an unregistered trade name targeting Spanish speakers.
“On behalf of Minnesota consumers, I applaud the Court’s decision,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I will continue working to both hold Midwest Car Search accountable and to obtain refunds for consumers that fell victim to its business practices.”
The ongoing lawsuit seeks several outcomes: making the court-ordered business reforms permanent, obtaining refunds for affected consumers, imposing civil penalties, and covering investigation costs and attorneys' fees.
Consumers with complaints about auto dealers are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office online or by phone at (651) 296-3353 or (800) 657-3787. Additional resources are available on the Attorney General’s website regarding car-buying tips and warnings about warranties and service contracts.