Consumer Alert
FTC returns money to customers of deceptive auto dealerships
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Buying a car is a big purchase that most of us have to finance. Many people who financed vehicles they bought at Tate’s Auto had their vehicles repossessed. Why? According to the FTC, Tate’s Auto, which had four dealerships across Arizona and New Mexico, misled their customers and lied to lenders. This meant that, in many cases, people got loans they couldn’t afford to pay back. Today, the FTC began returning more than $415,000 to thousands of those customers. Read on to learn more.
Those who qualify for a refund will get a check in the mail or — if requested — a payment through PayPal. If you get a refund, cash that check within 90 days or redeem that PayPal payment within 30 days.
In 2018, the FTC sued Tate’s Auto and its owner for allegedly using deceptive advertising, not giving customers details about vehicles’ leases and financing terms, and inflating customers’ income and down payment information on applications to lenders. Many of Tate’s Auto customers were citizens of the Navajo Nation, and Tate’s Auto frequently ran radio and print ads in Navajo media. The FTC settled with the auto dealerships in August 2020 and their owner in July 2021.
If you have questions about this refund or your eligibility, visit ftc.gov/TatesAuto. Or reach out to the refund administrator JND Legal Administration at 888-964-0009. And remember: the FTC never requires you to pay money or give account information to get a refund. Spotted someone doing that? It’s a scam. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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The FTC should also investigate Priority Mazda Tysons, VA. So many of these dealerships act as though they are untouchable, so they use deceptive advertising to promote and capture customers.
In reply to The FTC should also… by Anthony Reindhardt
How would one handle a situation where the car mfg and local dealership advertised a special low lease payment and also, there was 1,000 dollars off the price.
When a person with over 800 credit score went in and asked to buy a car they returned with a lease price of more than 200 dollars a month higher and if purchased, no mention of the 1,000 dollar incentive! If he had not looked online, ie a person without WiFi or older citizen would never know of a secret low price. This is unfair and disgusting. To make matters worse the dealership advertises that they are there, not to sell only one car but to be your dealership and your family’s for life!
Thanks for watching out for those folks who got ripped off.
In reply to Thanks for watching out for… by Pete Goodman
Got ripped off by a company
Was there a fraud report on JDBYRIDER/Now known as Byrider?
I am certainly glad that at least one of the many car lots guilty of these same crimes has been held accountable for their actions. I certainly didn't have any luck with my filed complaints on a car lot in Spokne WA.
I happy Justice was done right I wish I could get to the bottom of my contract after buying a car and discover some things were not disclosed when I bought it car Fax needs to be more and true to the consumer, thank you