Lending Group Auto engaged in fraudulent misrepresentation and deceptive sales practices during my vehicle purchase. Sacramento California

Ripoff Report: Lending Group Auto – Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Odometer Fraud, & Predatory Sales Practices

Company Name: Lending Group Auto

Location: 2100 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825

Complaint Date: January 28, 2025

Incident Date: January 20, 2025

Category: Auto Dealer Fraud, False Advertising, Odometer Fraud, Predatory Lending

Summary of My Experience

I purchased a 2018 Honda Civic Si from Lending Group Auto and experienced fraudulent misrepresentation, odometer fraud, hidden fees, deceptive sales tactics, and post-sale harassment.

The dealership advertised the vehicle with 64,883 miles, but at the time of signing, I was forced to accept an odometer disclosure showing 69,086 miles—a 4,200+ mile discrepancy. After the purchase, they relisted the exact same vehicle with the correct mileage and a lower price, proving they knowingly misrepresented the car’s condition and value.

The dealership rushed me through an electronic signing process, added hidden fees, failed to provide a printed contract, and refused to honor my pre-approved financing. When I demanded a resolution, they harassed me with excessive phone calls, ignored my legal demand letter, and attempted to rescind the loan under unclear terms.

This dealership is scamming unsuspecting buyers and must be held accountable!

Fraudulent & Deceptive Tactics Used by Lending Group Auto

1. False Advertising & Odometer Fraud

Vehicle was falsely advertised with 64,883 miles.

Odometer disclosure at signing showed 69,086 miles—a 4,200+ mile discrepancy.

After my purchase, the dealership relisted the same car with the correct mileage and a lower price, proving they knowingly misled me.

 2. Deceptive Sales Practices & Hidden Fees

Rushed me through an electronic contract signing process, preventing a full review.

Refused to provide a printed copy of my contract, forcing me to email it to myself.

Added thousands of dollars in hidden fees and unnecessary warranties without clear disclosure.

Ignored my pre-approved financing and switched me to a higher-interest loan.

Did not disclose prior vehicle modifications that voided warranties.

3. Selling Vehicles with Undisclosed Mechanical Defects

Suspension warning light was on, and the dealership falsely claimed it was due to an alignment issue.

Vehicle had structural damage that was not disclosed.

Trunk did not function properly, causing injury when it slammed shut unexpectedly.

Headlights were in poor condition, making the vehicle unsafe to drive at night.

4. Harassment & Retaliation After Filing a Complaint

Repeatedly called me after I sent a legal demand letter requesting a resolution.

Ignored my request for all communication in writing and continued to harass me with phone calls.

Tried to rescind my loan after receiving my complaint but refused to provide clear terms.

Instead of responding to my demand letter, they relisted the vehicle with correct mileage and a lower price, proving their fraud.

How This Dealership’s Actions Violated State & Federal Laws

Lending Group Auto’s actions violate multiple consumer protection laws, including:

California Vehicle Code § 11713.18 – False and misleading advertising by auto dealers.

Federal Odometer Fraud Laws (49 U.S.C. § 32705) – Knowingly misrepresenting vehicle mileage.

Truth in Lending Act (TILA) (15 U.S.C. § 1601) – Failure to disclose full financing terms.

California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA – Civil Code § 1770) – Deceptive and unfair business practices.

Unfair Competition Law (UCL – Business & Professions Code § 17200) – Fraudulent and unlawful business acts.

California Civil Code § 1788.11(d) & (e) (Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Act) – Prohibits excessive phone calls and harassment.

This dealership knowingly engaged in fraud, financial deception, and harassment, making them a danger to consumers.

My Actions Against Lending Group Auto

I am taking the following actions to hold this fraudulent dealership accountable:

Filing a Small Claims Court lawsuit for full compensation, damages, and legal fees.

Filing formal complaints with state and federal agencies, including:

• California DMV – Auto Dealer Fraud Complaint

• California Attorney General – Consumer Fraud Investigation

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Auto Fraud Complaint

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Odometer Fraud Investigation

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Loan Fraud Complaint

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Consumer Complaint

Posting public reviews on Google, Yelp, BBB, and Ripoff Report to warn other buyers.

WARNING TO OTHER CONSUMERS

DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH LENDING GROUP AUTO! 

They misrepresent vehicle mileage and condition.

They add hidden fees and force bad financing terms on buyers.

They harass customers who demand accountability.

They ignore complaints and try to cover up their fraud.

If you’ve been scammed by Lending Group Auto, FILE COMPLAINTS IMMEDIATELY.

Final Thoughts – Lending Group Auto Must Be Shut Down!

Lending Group Auto is preying on unsuspecting buyers and must be held accountable. I will not stop until this dealership is investigated, penalized, and exposed for the fraudulent business it truly is.

To all consumers: Please spread the word, report this dealership, and avoid becoming their next victim! 

I will update this report with the results of my legal action against them. Stay tuned!

DO NOT TRUST LENDING GROUP AUTO. REPORT THEM. EXPOSE THEM. FIGHT BACK.