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ARTICLE · 16 OCTOBER 2026

FTC Secures Auto Dealership Settlement Over Alleged Deceptive Pricing Practices

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The Federal Trade Commission has secured a settlement with an auto dealership group over allegations of deceptive pricing practices, including advertising vehicles thousands of dollars below actual purchase prices and using misleading prize promotions. The proposed order would require prominent disclosure of total vehicle prices and prohibit misrepresentations concerning pricing, financing, and promotional incentives.

United StatesConsumer Protection
A.J. Dhaliwal
A.J. Dhaliwal
Mehul Madia
Mehul Madia
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On October 8, 2026, the FTC announced a proposed settlement with an auto dealership group to resolve allegations that the dealerships advertised vehicle prices thousands of dollars below what consumers actually paid and used misleading prize promotions to attract customers. The FTC filed its complaint and proposed stipulated order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging deceptive practices in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

According to the complaint, the dealership group allegedly misrepresented vehicle prices by imposing additional mandatory charges and advertising discounts that were not available to all consumers. Specifically, the FTC alleged that the dealerships:

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