These N.J. Auto Stores In Livingston Area Ripped You Off, State Says

The state recently inspected a number of auto stores in New Jersey, saying that a number of them are ripping you off through unfair and unlawful pricing.

The state Division of Consumer Affairs has filed actions against Advance Auto stores and Pep Boys – Manny Moe & Jack of Delaware, Inc., alleging unlawful pricing practices.

Both stores sell auto parts and perform auto repairs at retail locations throughout New Jersey. Below is a list of stores that the state says has engaged in unlawful pricing practices.

The civil complaints, filed in state Superior Court, are the result of a joint initiative by the Division’s Office of Consumer Protection and Office of Weights and Measures, designed to ensure that automotive parts stores comply with consumer laws regarding price scanning, disclosure of merchandise pricing, and notices for written estimates for automotive repairs, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

As part of this initiative, the division inspected stores operated by Advance Stores and five stores operated by Pep Boys in New Jersey.

“For many consumers, a trip to the automotive parts store can be a confusing foray into unfamiliar territory. Shoppers who lack familiarity with such merchandise often rely on the retailers pricing statements to guide them in their purchases. When retailers are not transparent and accurate in their pricing, consumers suffer,” said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

Here are the stores:

Pep Boys:

• 575 Route 18 East Brunswick
• 2525 Route 22 West, Union
• 71 I East First Ave., Roselle
• 523 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell
• 15 Pompton Ave., Verona

Advance Auto

• 471 Main St., Orange
• 158-160 Clinton Ave., Newark
• 1153 E. St. Georges Ave., Linden
• 376 Route 18 East Brunswick
• 77-105 Bloamfield Ave., Bloomfield
• 1366 St. Georges Ave, Avenel (Woobridge)
• 455A Terrill Rd., Fanwood

As a result of the division’s inspections, several Advance Auto stores were found to have a variety of merchandise – from oil filters, transmission fluid, engine oil and polish – that scanned at a higher price than the posted selling price, in violation of both the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) and the Weights and Measures Act, according to a release from the AG’s office.

Also, the complaint alleges that merchandise at the Advance Auto stores in East Orange, Newark, Linden, Bloomfield, Avenel, and Fanwood was offered for sale without a plainly marked total selling price affixed to the merchandise or located at the point of display, in violation of the CFA, according to the release.

The merchandise without the plainly marked total selling price included a stainless steel self-tapping pan head, anti-freeze, snowbrush, deicer and lubricant, repair manuals, engine oil and windshield washer.

As a result of the Division’s inspections, several Pep Boys stores were found to have a variety of merchandise, including a car cover, cell phone charger, battery terminal protector, automatic transmission fluid and halogen capsules, that scanned at a price higher than the posted selling price, in violation of the CFA and the Weights and Measures Act, according to the release.

The complaint also alleges that merchandise at the Pep Boys stores in East Brunswick, Roselle, Caldwell and Verona was offered for sale without a plainly marked selling price, in violation of the CFA, according to release.

Such merchandise included air fresheners, tires, license plate mounts and motor oil. Additionally, the complaint alleges that the Pep Boys stores in Roselle, Caldwell and Verona failed to conspicuously post the consumer notice regarding the right to a written estimate for motor vehicle repairs, as required by the automotive repair regulations, according to the release.

“When it came to merchandise pricing, we allege that Advance Auto and Pep Boys left consumers in the dark,” said Steve Lee, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. “These enforcement actions send a message that merchants who attempt to engage in this kind of deceptive conduct will face legal action.”

Through these Complaints, the division is seeking civil penalties under both the CFA and the Weights and Measures Act, and attorneys’ fees and investigative costs.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file an online complaint with the state Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504- 6200.