Los Alamitos Automotive Repair Dealer Accused of Fraud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2019

SACRAMENTO, CA – An accusation against German Auto, a registered automotive repair dealer located in Los Alamitos, California, has been filed before the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs by the chief of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). The accusation, which alleges numerous violations of the Automotive Repair Act, including acts defrauding consumers of thousands of dollars, will be prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney General.

A BAR investigation into nine consumer complaints revealed German Auto advertised numerous listings for low-priced, rebuilt Volkswagen engines, transmissions, and expertise in Volkswagen repair to bait and switch consumers into substantially higher cost transactions, while never intending to complete the repairs. The investigation identified a pattern of false and misleading statements and fraud wherein the automotive repair dealer intentionally misled consumers into paying in advance with the promise of placement on a priority "build list" for expedited completion of repairs, without providing either the repairs or any refunds.

The matter has also been referred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for possible criminal prosecution.

BAR encourages other consumers who believe they may have been a victim of similar business practices to contact BAR at (800) 952-5210 or file a complaint online at www.bar.ca.gov.

Read the accusation at www.bar.ca.gov.

CONTACT:
Ben Deci
(916) 574-8170

ABOUT THE BUREAU OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR: The California Bureau of Automotive Repair’s primary mission is to protect and serve California consumers through effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry. Consumers can file automotive repair complaints by contacting the Bureau at (800) 952–5210. Consumers may also file a complaint online at www.bar.ca.gov.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: The Department of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects the interests of California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. The Department helps consumers learn how to protect themselves from unscrupulous and unqualified individuals. The Department also protects licensees from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. Consumers can file complaints against licensees by contacting the Department at (800) 952-5210. Consumers can also file a complaint online at www.dca.ca.gov.