Other LanguagesThe car ads are enticing: 75% off manufacturer's suggested retail price. $0 Down Delivers! Forced Liquidation!
Unfortunately, offers like these can be misleading. For example, the MSRP isn't the industry pricing standard for used vehicles.
Our office is sounding the siren on marketing firms accused of using deceptive advertising and prize promotions to steer consumers to buy cars.
“We’ve warned dealers and ad firms that they need to make sure their promotions comply with state laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Mary Lobdell. “Now we’ve set up a roadblock to stop those businesses that continue to drive down the wrong side of the legal road.”
Our Consumer Protection Division announced two new lawsuits today as part of an ongoing effort to enforce fair marketing practices. The defendants include: Big Ideas Direct, LLC, of Woodinville, and owners Jeffrey Watts and Michael Nealy, both of Snohomish County, and Smart Automotive Group, LLC, of Metairie, La., and its president, Bernard E. Burst III, of New Orleans. You can read the allegations in today's news release.
The Attorney General’s Office reached settlements in 2007 and 2008 with three other companies concerning similar allegations. Our Web site includes tips to help dealers comply with advertising laws and for consumers shopping for a car.