(CINCINNATI) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against two Cincinnati-area dealerships — Mr. Auto and Fairfield Motors — alleging multiple violations of Ohio’s consumers laws. Attorney General DeWine seeks consumer restitution, an injunction to stop further violations, and civil penalties from owner Dia Alasoud and his business.
“Most businesses follow the rules, but some clearly do not meet their obligations to consumers,” Attorney General DeWine said. “These dealerships often failed to disclose important terms and conditions, and consumers ended up in contracts that were unfair or incomplete.”
Dia Alasoud of Hamilton, Ohio, operates Mr. Auto at 3959 Dixie Highway in Hamilton and Fairfield Motors at 5190-5210 Dixie Highway in Fairfield, Ohio.
Dozens of consumers filed complaints against the dealerships, including 24 complaints filed in the past two years.
Complaints revealed that the dealerships: failed to provide proper notice after repossessing a vehicle; failed to deliver titles within 30 days of the sale; issued incomplete contracts; charged incorrect sales tax; or misrepresented the vehicle’s quality. In one case, a vehicle broke down hours after the consumer bought it.
The lawsuit charges both Mr. Auto LLC and Dia Alasoud, doing business as Mr. Auto and Fairfield Motors, with violations of the Retail Installment Sales Act and Consumer Sales Practices Act.
To avoid problems, Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to take the following precautions before buying or financing a vehicle:
- Research a dealership’s reputation before entering into an agreement. Check for complaints filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau.
- Read the fine print. Get everything in writing, especially verbal promises about warranties or promised repairs. When financing, make sure you understand the payment schedules.
- Take a vehicle for an extended test drive before buying. Ask a trustworthy mechanic to check it for problems.
- Understand that in Ohio, there is no three-day right to cancel the purchase of a vehicle.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840