LI Nissan dealership to pay $200G to settle AG charges

A Patchogue Nissan dealership has agreed to pay more than $200,000 to settle charges from state prosecutors that it "jammed" customers, charging them for services they didn't ask for such as credit repair and identity theft protection, extended warranties and security systems.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman was to announce Wednesday that Nissan 112 would return more than $195,000 in restitution to more than 1,000 consumers for selling them Credit Forget It Inc. protection and certain other "after sale" items and for charging them unlawful "administrative fees," all between January 2012 and April 2014.

In settling, the dealership neither admitted nor denied the charges. Calls Tuesday to the dealership and its attorney weren't immediately returned.

Nissan 112 also agreed to pay $21,000 in penalties and costs to the state.

"Consumers deserve to be treated honestly by car dealerships, and shouldn't be fleeced by those looking to make a quick buck," Schneiderman said.

The settlement with Nissan 112 is part of a wider investigation into auto dealership sales practices. As part of it, Schneiderman's Consumer Frauds Bureau obtained a consent order that shut down Credit Forget It Inc. of Manhattan, which Schneiderman said violated state law by charging upfront fees for services that promise to help consumers restore or improve their credit.

Consumers who believe they have been jammed with unwanted products or services or who were sold Credit Forget's credit repair services by a car dealership are urged to file complaints online or call 800- 771-7755.

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