AUTO DEALERS RINSING CONSUMERS’ MONIES

 The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is warning the public about a worrying trend it has noticed where consumers are making substantial payments to automobile dealers who are failing to fulfill their end of the contract.

One company guilty of this offence is Wholesale Auto Direct located at the Princeville Commercial Centre on Constant Spring Road, where $734,710 has been paid out by three (3) complainants, who to date have been unable to receive the vehicles or refunds. The only form of contact provided to these and other customers is a cellular telephone number for which a recording is consistently reached. Consumers have paid-out over $3 million in similar complaints to the CAC thus far in the financial year.

“This sort of behaviour brings to the fore questions about corporate ethics and the extent to which Private Sector Organisation are establishing acceptable codes of business practice. What steps are ethical businessmen and women going to take to not only distance themselves from unscrupulous practices but to set high standards from which both groups – consumers & businesses- can benefit?” asks Angella Manning, Executive Director of the Consumer Affairs Commission.

Noting that the Consumer Affairs Commission will not stand for the scant regard with which consumers are being treated, Ms. Manning stated that the matter will be reported to the Fraud Squad for further investigation.

In the meantime, consumers are once again being warned to do their homework before parting with their monies. Check on the vendor’s reputation by calling the Consumer Affairs Commission and asking about the business’ complaint history, check to see if the company is registered with the Registrar of Companies, find out if the company is listed and how long it has been in existence. “We want those consumers who have been wronged to call us at 926-1650-2 in Kingston, 940-6154 in Montego Bay or visit our offices at 1B Holborn Road in Kingston or 30-34 Market Street in Montego Bay” says Manning. “ For those of you who have not found yourself in this unfortunate position do your research”.