N.J. sues Sears, alleging fraud in car repairs

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I forget the exact details, but we had a similar problem with Sears automotive here. I had to get on the phone and get real uppity with people before they would take the unnecessary charges off the bill. WIsh I could remember what it was, but it was something to do with charging us for work which that particular car didn't need, i.e., like the 4-wheel thing mentioned below.

Posted on Thu, Oct. 10, 2002 story:PUB_DESC

By Jake Wagman

Inquirer Suburban Staff

TRENTON - The state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit today against Sears Roebuck & Co., alleging widespread fraud at its automotive-repair facilities.

The suit alleges that Sears charged for four-wheel alignments on vehicles for which it is possible to align only two wheels. Also, the lawsuit states that Sears performed "free" vehicle inspections but then completed the repairs and billed customers for the work without authorization.

The state investigated 19 automotive centers, including shops in Deptford and Moorestown. It also subpoenaed records from five Sears locations and said it found 352 violations of state consumer protection laws since January 2000.

"There was a consistent and pervasive pattern of fraud and deception," state Attorney General David Samson said, "which was repeated over and over again."

A spokeswoman at Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill., said the company will take action if the allegations are true.

"We take the allegations very seriously and if we find they are correct, we will take immediate action to make this up to any affected customers," said spokeswoman Peggy Palter.

In addition to Deptford and Moorestown, the complaint names Sears centers in Livingston, Jersey City, Toms River, Union and Phillipsburg. The other centers under investigation may later be named in the complaint, said attorney general’s spokesman Peter Aseltine.

New Jersey officials started the investigation after receiving a tip about possible fraud at Sears centers, Samson said. He did not specify who offered the tip. Investigators contacted customers who had repairs done at Sears after records were subpoenaed, Samson said.

The five-count complaint seeks financial restitution for customers, fines for violating the state’s Consumer Fraud Act and a court order to stop the fraudulent business practices.

Samson did not have an estimate on how much money customers may have been overcharged or names of specific victims.

State officials said they hope the lawsuit will prompt other customers to come forward.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2002


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