N.J. Auto Dealer, Pair of Auto Body Repair Shops Hit with Complaints

State Attorney General Peter Harvey has filed administrative complaints against one New Jersey automotive dealer and two auto body repair facilities who allegedly committed multiple violations of the Consumer Fraud Act and of the regulations governing automotive advertising and repairs.

The State filed complaints against the following:

* Performance Dodge Inc. in Woodbury,
* Roderick John Mauro d/b/a Hot Rods Autobody in Lakewood and Tom’s River, and
* Steve Samiel d/b/a Steve’s Auto Body Work in Garfield.

The State alleges that Performance Dodge Inc. violated the Consumer Fraud Act, the Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations and the Automotive Repair Regulations by, among other things, failing to honor the financing terms of negotiated deals, refusing or changing the terms of financing offers, overcharging customers for licensing and fees and failing to return customer deposits.

The State alleges that Hot Rods Autobody and Steve’s Auto Body Work violated the Consumer Fraud Act and the Automotive Repair Regulations by, among other things, not being licensed to perform auto body repairs, failing to itemize the repairs to be made before work began, failing to provide a detailed invoice and failing to perform agreed upon repairs.

The State is seeking restitution for consumers, civil penalties, reimbursement of its attorneys’ fees and investigative costs and future compliance with the Consumer Fraud Act and related regulations.

Under the administrative complaint process, Consumer Affairs or the Office of Administrative Law will hold a hearing if the matter is contested and will issue a ruling.