WESTERN NEW YORK — Earlier this week, the New York State Attorney General’s office announced that it has settled a dispute with several auto service companies over misleading advertisements that understated the value of oil-change services.
According a report published by American City Business Journals, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said the companies touted one price in large, bold-print advertising while adding on a variety of fees without adequately notifying customers. The companies involved in the dispute include Buffalo Lube Associates, which operates 16 Valvoline Instant Oil Change shops in Western New York; Firestone MasterCare & Tire Services; Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; and Monro Muffler and Brake. As part of the settlement, the four companies will pay more than $140,000 in penalties and costs to the state.
In addition, the Attorney General’s office settled a lawsuit dating back to 2003 against Western New York-based Mr. Oil Change. This company was also accused of false advertising, claiming to exclusively use Castrol oil for oil changes when it was actually using a cheaper brand, in addition to misrepresenting environmental fees. The company has agreed to pay more than $20,000 in penalties and cost, according to the report.
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