AG accuses dealership of phony fees

By Nathan Mayberg
NEWTON — New Jersey Attorney General John Hoffman's office has filed a complaint against the owners of the Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in Newton that alleges some customers were ripped off on numerous occasions.

The allegations revolve largely around what the office describes as "deceptive advertising and sales practices."

Messages left with Audi Newton and Volkswagen General Sales Manager Ryan Allison was not returned.

The office has accused the dealerships of failing to provide vehicle license plates, title and registration prior to the expiration of the temporary title and registration.

In one instance, the office alleges that a person who purchased a used vehicle, was unable to drive it after the temporary title and registration expired.

The dealerships are also accused of failing to make required disclosures in advertising.

Another charge is that a consumer was sold a product they were told was mandatory, but that was not the case. It is alleged that a customer was charged $350 for etching even though the consumer had declined the etching. Etching can include posting the vehicle's VIN number on the dashboard.

According to the complaint filed in New Jersey Superior Court in Newark on June 15, the dealerships operate as JDN AA, LLC (limited liability company), which is based in Newton.

In another charge, the company allegedly failed to pay off a loan on a trade-in vehicle in a timely fashion which caused the consumer to be in default status for at least two payments.

The complaint also states that a consumer was overcharged by the company for registration and title fees but didn't receive a refund on the balance for six months.

Another consumer allegedly bought a used 2003 Nissan X-Terra but didn't receive title to the vehicle.

In another case, a consumer was charged a new car tire fee despite buying a used car with used tires.