Enough Is Enough: Exposing Dealerships’ Dirty Tricks with Fake Fees

It’s no secret that car dealerships have a bad reputation. For years, I’ve watched as consumers walked into showrooms full of excitement, only to leave feeling scammed, frustrated, and—worst of all—robbed. And stories like the recent lawsuit against Lindsay Automotive Group, as reported by The Sun (source), are exactly why that reputation exists.

This lawsuit isn’t just about one dealership in Maryland—it’s about an industry-wide practice of deception, hidden fees, and outright fraud that needs to stop.

The Dealership Shell Game

Here’s how it works: A dealership advertises an attractive price to lure buyers in. You do your research, check the price online, maybe even call ahead to confirm. But when you get there, suddenly that price is nowhere to be found.

Instead, you’re told that you “don’t qualify” for certain rebates or that additional, unexplained fees must be added to the deal. By the time you leave, you’ve paid thousands more than expected.

And let’s be clear—these aren’t just standard taxes or required government fees. These are bogus charges invented by the dealership to pad their profits.

The lawsuit against Lindsay Automotive Group alleges that they slapped customers with “junk fees” and forced them into financing deals that lined the dealership’s pockets with kickbacks from lenders. This isn’t just sneaky business—it’s straight-up fraud.

The Real Cost of These Tactics

Some might argue that this is just “business as usual” in the car world. But let’s talk about who actually pays the price for these shady practices.

For many Americans, a car is the second-largest purchase they’ll ever make, behind a home. And in today’s economy, with vehicle prices already soaring, every dollar counts. When dealerships sneak in hidden fees, they aren’t just bending the rules—they’re financially crippling people who can’t afford it.

A few hundred dollars here and there might not seem like much to a dealership executive, but for the average consumer, that money could cover groceries, rent, or medical bills. And once a customer signs on the dotted line, they’re often stuck with a bloated car payment for years.

Bad Dealers, Worse Reputation

As someone who has spent years covering the automotive industry, this kind of behavior infuriates me—not just because it’s unethical, but because it taints the entire business.

There are honest dealerships out there that work hard to give customers a fair deal, but scandals like this make people assume all dealers are crooks. And honestly, I can’t blame them.

Every time a dealership pulls these stunts, it reinforces the stereotype that buying a car is like stepping into a den of thieves. It makes people dread the car-buying process, and it destroys the trust that should exist between dealers and their customers.

How to Protect Yourself

Until the industry cleans up its act (and let’s be real, that could take a while), consumers need to be on high alert when buying a car. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Get the out-the-door price in writing. Before you step foot in a dealership, demand a written breakdown of every cost. If they refuse, that’s a huge red flag.
2. Say no to “mandatory” add-ons. Many dealers try to slip in service contracts, protection plans, and other unnecessary extras. You don’t have to accept them.
3. Shop around for financing. Dealerships often push their own lenders because they get kickbacks. Get pre-approved through a bank or credit union to avoid this trap.
4. Read every detail before signing. It’s tedious, but checking for hidden fees can save you thousands. If anything looks off, walk away.
5. Call them out. If a dealership pulls a bait-and-switch, report them. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state attorney general, and online review sites to warn others.

The Bottom Line

Lindsay Automotive Group got caught, but they’re far from the only dealership playing these games. This lawsuit should serve as a wake-up call to the entire industry: the era of scamming customers with fake fees needs to end.

And if dealerships won’t fix their own mess, regulators—and consumers—should make sure they pay the price.

Source:

• The-Sun