Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has initiated legal action against two auto dealerships in central Ohio, citing alleged violations of consumer protection laws. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of numerous consumers who reportedly did not receive titles for vehicles they purchased.
The lawsuits, filed separately in Delaware County and Franklin County, accuse the dealerships and their operators of breaching Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Certificate of Motor Vehicles Act. Specifically, the lawsuit against Way 2 Go Auto includes allegations under the Odometer Rollback and Disclosure Act.
“Ohioans work hard and deserve to get what they pay for,” Yost stated. “Whether it’s a deliberate title delay or outright fraud, my office will pump the breaks on dealership scams.”
In Delaware County Common Pleas Court, Johnathan Paul Kirkham is accused of failing to transfer vehicle titles properly at his used-car dealership, Starfleet Cars. Meanwhile, the Franklin County lawsuit targets Kofi Bimpeh and Way 2 Go Auto Sales in Columbus for multiple infractions such as not providing vehicle titles, odometer rollbacks, and misrepresenting rebuilt salvage vehicles.
The Attorney General's Office has received 20 complaints concerning title issues, misrepresentations about salvage vehicles, return policy problems, and odometer discrepancies. To address these concerns, Yost’s Consumer Protection Section is utilizing $138,135 from the state’s Title Defect Recision (TDR) Fund to resolve 32 title-related complaints.
The TDR Fund assists consumers facing title issues after purchasing a motor vehicle by reimbursing eligible individuals while legal proceedings are underway against offending businesses.
Ohio residents who suspect they have been subjected to unfair or deceptive practices can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Section through www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 1-800-282-0515.