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2 Auto Dealerships Sued Over Deceptive Ads

Illinois Attorney General's Office Sues Orland Park Dealers

CHICAGO (STNG) ― Two southwest suburban auto dealers have been sued for deceptive sales and advertising practices by the Illinois Attorney General's office.

The suits against Orland Park Nissan and Infiniti of Orland Park were filed by Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan's office Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court, according to a release.

The complaint alleges the dealers sent direct mail ads in April 2007 to Chicago area consumers describing an "exclusive credit amnesty event" and urging consumers to call the dealers to arrange a private appointment. The mailer indicated targeted consumers may have filed bankruptcy in the past but the "amnesty" would enable them to qualify for an affordable auto loan, the release said.

The envelope containing the mailer claimed that "important vehicle recall information" was enclosed and that consumers' response was required. However, no recall existed and the mailer didn't contain recall information.

"These deceptive mailers purposely and unfairly targeted consumers who may have struggled at one time to manage their finances," Madigan said. "This lawsuit should send the message to auto dealers that my office won't tolerate using deceptive marketing practices to lure unsuspecting consumers into risky loans."

The Attorney General's office has received 26 complaints against Orland Park Nissan and Infiniti of Orland Park, both at 8550 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The Better Business Bureau also received 18 complaints.

The complaint alleges the mailer violates the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, the Loan Advertising to Bankrupts Act, the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Illinois Administrative Rules on Motor Vehicle Advertising.

The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the dealers from violating these laws, including offering incentives and prizes, using the term "recall" in ads, offering coupons with sales agreements and advertising that a loan would be made to a consumer who has declared bankruptcy.

The suit also seeks restitution for consumers and asks the court to assess civil penalties of $50,000 per violation, an additional $50,000 statutory civil penalty and a $10,000 civil penalty for each violation against a person over 65. Madigan's suit also asks the court to order the defendants to pay the costs of the investigation and court proceedings.

(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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