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Action 9 uncovers more Charlotte-area car dealers being shut down

By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com
By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-area car dealers are being shut down for playing fast and loose with your money and the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke uncovered a major spike in the numbers recently.

In 2014, DMV agents suspended or revoked 10 dealerships' licenses in the Charlotte area.

In 2015, 18.

In 2016, 37.

In 2017, 45.

Agents believe the main reason for the increase is more consumers are coming forward.

"I think we're getting more complaints because the consumers know, hey, we're the ones you turn to when you do have an issue with a dealer," Capt. J.T. Ratliff, with the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau, said. "We take it very seriously.  It's what we're paid to do is to protect the citizens of North Carolina and the consumers."

For example, DMV agents went after Attention to Detail Auto Sales in Huntersville. They revoked its license and charged the owner with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including forgery, embezzlement, and title fraud.

Stoogenke asked for the most recent cases, ones where the DMV revoked -- not suspended -- dealers' licenses.

Here's the list since August:

  • Crystalwood Enterprise in Concord
  • Car Center in Monroe
  • Tiga Lee in Indian Trail
  • Mid-South in Mooresville
  • CarGuys in Mooresville
  • Emperor Auto in Charlotte
  • Quality Motors in Charlotte

If you have a problem, file a complaint.

[NCDMV Complaint Form]

Mail it to:
NCDMV License & Theft Bureau
3131 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3131

Just remember, if you bought an "as is" vehicle and it's not working right, DMV agents can't help.

Cox Media Group

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