~ Major auto dealerships will alter procedures to address consumer
complaints ~
TALLAHASSEE, FL – LAWFUEL – The Legal Newswire – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that
his office has reached a settlement with Bill Heard Chevrolet of Sanford
and Bill Heard Chevrolet of Plant City Florida, resolving multiple consumer complaints about the dealerships’ advertising. The Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division has been investigating Bill Heard since September
2006, initiated by consumer complaints regarding potentially unfair and
deceptive business practices. The settlement provides $200,000 to the
Seniors vs. Crime program and requires the dealerships to alter their
marketing practices and revise their procedures for resolving consumers
complaints. Another $200,000 will reimburse the state for its
investigation.
“It’s not fair to lure consumers into dealerships with misleading
promotions and false claims of cash prizes,” said Attorney General
McCollum. “We will continue to protect Florida consumers from companies
trying to capitalize through deceptive mechanisms.”
After an extensive review of Bill Heard Chevrolet’s print and radio
advertisements, mailers and company documents, investigators concluded the company’s advertisements contained numerous misrepresentations. Bill Heard Chevrolet has been the subject of seven prior investigations by the
Attorney General’s Office. The investigations concerned customer service,
inadequately disclosed prices, and fees in advertisements. The Attorney
General’s Office has fielded more than 100 consumer complaints which the
dealerships have resolved, yet follow-up by the Economic Crimes Division
uncovered indications of poor customer service and failure to address
consumer problems.
Pursuant to today’s agreement, Bill Heard Chevrolet will revise its
marketing operations and implement procedures to improve the resolution of consumer complaints. The $200,000 provision to the Seniors v. Crimes will
help fund the program and its Senior Sleuth volunteers. Senior Sleuths
often serve as the Attorney General’s eyes and ears and actively assist in consumer protection investigations.
