DV Journal

From a press release

Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a lawsuit against a Delaware County-based used vehicle dealer for not disclosing issues with vehicles sold “as-is” and failing to provide buyers with title documentation.

The Office of Attorney General filed a suit against Real McKoy Auto Sales, LLC and owner, Ervin McKoy, alleging that the dealer repeatedly violated automotive and consumer protection laws, and seeking to prohibit further sales in Pennsylvania.

Ervin McKoy could not be reached for comment Thursday.

The Office of Attorney General previously sued Real McKoy for selling vehicles without required licenses.

“This dealership continues to break consumer protection laws and take advantage of buyers who rely on vehicles to complete their everyday errands like picking up groceries, going to doctors appointments, and getting to and from work,” Henry said. “Pennsylvanians are spending thousands of hard-earned dollars for a vehicle they can rely on; they should not be left stranded shortly after the purchase.”

Regarding the latest lawsuit, numerous consumers alleged that vehicles they purchased either broke down, or were deemed unsafe to drive, only days after they purchased them from Real McKoy in Lansdowne.

One Pennsylvania consumer paid over $5,000 dollars for a used car only to have it overheat the next day due to a poorly repaired hole in the engine. Another consumer paid over $3,000 for a vehicle, but cannot register her car because they never received proper title documentation.

The lawsuit asserts that the dealership engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices in violation of the Consumer Protection Law. The lawsuit requests the following relief from the court:

• A permanent injunction prohibiting defendants from engaging in business involving the sale of motor vehicles in Pennsylvania;
• Payment of restitution to all people who have suffered losses as a result of the defendants’ conduct; and
• Payment of civil penalties of $1,000 for each violation of the Consumer Protection Law and $3,000 for each violation involving a consumer 60 or older.

The Office of Attorney General previously sued Real McKoy and Ervin McKoy in 2016 in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, alleging that they were selling used vehicles without appropriate vehicle dealer and salesperson licenses. The litigation was resolved in 2017 through entry of a consent judgment that required Real McKoy and its owner to comply with the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.

Consumers who feel they were victimized by Real McKoy Auto are encouraged to file a complaint or contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or [email protected].

From a press release

Attorney General Michelle Henry issued a consumer alert warning Bucks County residents of home repair or improvement scams in the wake of catastrophic flooding.

Henry is also advising homeowners to do their homework and know their rights before committing to contracts or services.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the families who are coping with the tragic deaths of loved ones, and my thoughts are with all those who were impacted by this flood,” Henry said. “I also wish to commend the emergency responders who faced great danger to limit, as much as possible, the devastation that overwhelmed communities, seemingly, in an instant.”

Reach out to the Office of Attorney General by filing a complaint online, calling 1-800-441-2555, or emailing [email protected].

Also, the OAG has a searchable database for all registered contractors doing work in Pennsylvania

“As Bucks County rebuilds from this devastating flood event, there are likely to be scammers that see an opportunity to prey on residents and businesses in need of repairs quickly,” Henry said. “I want Pennsylvania homeowners to know that my office is here for you. Call or email us with any questions about contractors including whether or not they are registered with our office, and please report suspicious activity and offers to us.”

The Office of Attorney General reminds Pennsylvanians that:

• After significant storms, homeowners may see more scams related to home improvement contracting and government loans or grants.
• Legitimate organizations will not ask for large sums of money prior to agreements and will provide written estimates and contracts before entering into any agreements.
• Under Pennsylvania law, contractors who perform home improvements totaling more than $5,000 per year are required to register with the Office.

Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to take proactive steps to protect themselves from home improvement scams by:

• Contacting their insurance companies to ensure that improvements are covered under their policy. Once a homeowner selects a contractor to complete repairs, they should not sign insurance checks or claims over to a contractor.
• Arranging with their bank or credit union for a Certificate of Completion. The bank will pay the contractor for each stage of the job after they have given their approval.
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