Bergen Used Car Dealership Rolled Back Odometer, Lied To Customers: AG

The state Division of Consumer Affairs alleges that a Bergen County used car dealership deceived customers by failing to disclose accident damage and rolling back a vehicle’s odometer, among other claims, the Attorney General said.

The division filed an eight-state complaint against European Auto Expo LLC in Lodi Wednesday, alleging the business violated the Consumer Fraud Act, the Used Car Lemon Law, and other regulations.

The dealership allegedly sold a customer a used motor vehicle without disclosing that the odometer had been rolled back more than 60,000 miles, the state said in the complaint. Other allegations include not telling customers about accident damage, requiring customers to finance used vehicles with installment contracts to order to get a vehicle at an advertised price, and having customers sign blank sales documents.

“Deceptive advertising and sales practices will not be tolerated,” said Steve Lee, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. “Consumers shopping for a used car or truck are entitled to honest advertising, and appropriate disclosures as to warranty, price, and prior vehicle use and damage. Any dealer that tries to deny consumers this essential information is violating the law.”

The state seeks consumer restitution, reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and costs, and civil penalties for each complaint.