A car dealership group based in Virginia, the Lindsay Automotive Group, is accused of misleading customers by advertising low car prices and then charging them much higher prices. This has allegedly cost consumers millions of dollars over the years.
On Friday, the Federal Trade Commission FTC and the Maryland Attorney General filed charges against Lindsay Automotive Group. The group, founded in 1963 and located in Alexandria, operates several dealerships in the region, including in Woodbridge, Dulles, and Springfield.
The FTC claims that Lindsay used deceptive advertising to attract customers with low prices, only to later increase the costs once customers arrived at the dealership. In some cases, people even traveled from out of state, only to find that the advertised price wasn’t available, and they had to pay thousands more.
The complaint also states that Lindsay charged customers extra fees and forced them to buy unnecessary add-ons or services. Additionally, customers who didn’t finance their car through a lender linked to Lindsay were made to pay more.
According to the FTC, nearly 90% of customers who bought cars from Lindsay between 2020 and 2023 paid, on average, over $2,000 more than the advertised price.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized that buying a car is a big expense, and consumers should know exactly what they are paying for without unexpected costs. The authorities are seeking refunds for customers and penalties against the company. They also want Lindsay to stop these unfair practices.
In response, Lindsay Automotive Group said it follows the law and provides great customer service, denying any wrongdoing and stating it will resolve the matter through the legal process.
The FTC advises car buyers to bring the advertisement to the dealership, carefully read the sales contract, and make sure the agreed terms are reflected. If issues arise, consumers should report them to the FTC or the Maryland Attorney General’s office. Brown also urged buyers to ensure they understand the terms of the sale before committing and to walk away if something doesn’t seem right.