Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced a settlement with two Brooklyn dealerships accused of deceptive practices when selling used cars.
Adams says the settlement will deliver more than $300,000 to New Yorkers who were wronged by Brooklyn Mitsubishi and Brooklyn Volkswagen. Last November, DCWP charged Brooklyn Mitsubishi and Brooklyn Volkswagen with more than 7,000 violations.
"We're not going to allow anyone to pick New Yorkers' pockets on the street or in a used car lot," said Mayor Adams. "This settlement is about protecting New Yorkers and sending a clear message: If you break the law and harm consumers, we will hold you accountable. We are helping deliver more than $300,000 back into the pockets of New York City consumers who were ripped off by Brooklyn Mitsubishi and Brooklyn Volkswagen and are stopping their unlawful behavior dead in their tracks. New Yorkers can trust that our administration will fight to protect every consumer, especially when their making big purchases like a car."
Mayor Adams and DCWP also secured $500,000 in civil penalties from the companies and a seven-day suspension of Brooklyn Mitsubishi's two licenses, which has been completed.
DCWP encourages New Yorkers who are looking to buy a used car to read the Used Car Consumer Bill of Rights, which dealerships are required to post and give to each consumer before they sign a sales contract. This Consumer Bill of Rights must be provided to the consumer in the language in which the contract was negotiated if the translation is available on DCWP's website. When shopping for a certified pre-owned automobile, consumers should make sure they know the specific criteria for certification, obtain proof that the car they are interested in purchasing met those criteria, and receive documentation of any promised warranties.