NEWARK
– Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC
(“Bridgestone”), has agreed
to pay $26,405 and revise certain business
practices to settle allegations that the
company violated terms of a 2000 settlement
with the State Division of Consumer Affairs.
The
violations were discovered during the fourth
and final round of audits at Bridgestone
auto repair shops, as required under the
2000 settlement. Consumer Affairs’
investigators brought vehicles for service
to Bridgestone shops in Parsippany and Montclair.
The shops misrepresented the scope of the
transmission services that were actually
performed on the vehicles. The audits further
revealed the shops’ failure to post
signs informing consumers of their rights
as required by the Automotive Repair Regulations.
“Businesses
should know that we are diligent in following
up to ensure compliance with our consumer
protection laws and regulations following
settlements,” Attorney General Paula
T. Dow said. “If a business does not
live up to the agreed-upon terms, we will
act to protect consumers and their hard-earned
money.”
Bridgestone
cooperated with the Division’s investigators
and undertook corrective actions following
discussion of the inspection results with
company officials.
“New
Jersey consumers are entitled to complete
and truthful disclosure of the automotive
services they are paying for, as well as
having required Customer Notice signs posted
for their review,” said Thomas R.
Calcagni, Acting Director of the State Division
of Consumer Affairs. “When automotive
companies fall short of their legal obligations
to consumers, they will pay.”
Bridgestone
agreed to pay a $20,000 civil penalty, plus
$6,405 to reimburse the Division’s
legal and investigative costs.
Deputy
Attorney General Jeffrey Koziar of the Consumer
Fraud Prosecution Section represented the
Division in this matter. Investigator Michael
Bruch in the Office of Consumer Protection
conducted the review of Bridgestone’s
shops.
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