Officials also closely monitoring for deceptive sales practices in car repairs, too
Pennsylvania attorney general Dave Sunday. Images courtesy of the Pennsylvania attorney general's office.
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Enforcement officials hunting for allegedly deceptive sales practices in automotive haven’t been limiting their targets to dealerships and vehicle retailing like the Federal Trade Commission’s ongoing efforts.
A recent settlement involving the Pennsylvania attorney general showed that it’s happening in the car-repair industry, too.
Pennsylvania attorney general Dave Sunday recently announced a six-figure settlement with Mavis Tire Supply. Under the settlement, Mavis will pay $215,000 in monetary relief, with an additional $100,000 to become due and payable if the company violates any of the terms of the settlement agreement.
According to a news release, Mavis, which operates more than 130 locations in Pennsylvania, has also agreed to maintain oversight and training necessary to ensure its employees and representatives comply with the law and settlement moving forward.
Officials recapped that the settlement, in the form of an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, resolves an investigation that involved allegations that Mavis recommended and charged consumers for vehicle repair and maintenance services that were unnecessary or that Mavis did not actually perform, and that Mavis failed to perform vehicle repairs and maintenance in a skilled or workmanlike manner.
The settlement includes $190,000 as restitution for consumers who were harmed by Mavis’ deceptive practices and who have either already filed a complaint, or those who will file a complaint with the office of attorney general, with sufficient support, by no later than, Jan. 26.
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As part of the settlement, $25,000 is set aside for costs.
The settlement was filed in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas by Senior Deputy Attorney General Jim Wise.
Officials said a settlement agreement shall not be considered an admission of a violation of the law.
“Consumers put their trust in mechanics and car repair companies to provide reliable advice and services,” Sunday said in the news release. “This settlement will return money to consumers who paid for services they did not need or want. Anyone who has not yet filed a claim and believes they were a victim of these practices should file a complaint as soon as they can.”