Middle Tennessee auto dealer, Wholesale Inc., has agreed to immediately change its advertising practices and pay the State of Tennessee $50,000, Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced.
A Davidson County Court approved the settlement between Wholesale, Inc., the Tennessee Attorney General's Office, and the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. The agreement centers around two advertising mailers sent to would be customers.
One of the mailers specifically targeted service members living near Fort Campbell.
After reviewing a service member’s complaint filed at Fort Campbell, the State alleged that the defendant made numerous false representations in violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. According to the State, a fictitious lender called “CreditAble Auto Funding” claimed to be “by military, for military” and was offering a limited amount of loans to military personnel.
"Our men and women in uniform deserve to be told the truth when considering a consumer purchase," said Attorney General Slatery. "My office will continue to pursue any business or person who acts unfairly or deceptively towards military members and their families."
Under the settlement, Wholesale Inc. is required to maintain proof to support all advertising claims and will be required to include the company name on all advertisements sent to consumers. Additionally, Wholesale Inc. is to develop written policies and procedures for reviewing and approving its advertisements.
“This is another example of teamwork between the Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Consumer Affairs,” said Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini. “By working together, we strive to protect Tennessee consumers while still being a great place to do business.”
Any consumer receiving an advertisement they believe is unfair or deceptive should file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting http://tn.gov/consumer/ or calling 615-741-4737 or 800-342-8385. Military in the Fort Campbell area may visit the Army Community Service Affairs Office, 5662 Screaming Eagle Blvd, Fort Campbell or call 270-798-5518.