Bait, switch, hitch, and which? FTC and Arizona AG challenge car dealers’ alleged deceptive and discriminatory practices | Federal Trade Commission
Consumer protection enforcers have challenged bait-and-switch tactics for years. But a complaint filed by the FTC and the Arizona Attorney General against Tempe-based Coulter Motor Company and former General Manager Gregory Depaola alleges the defendants engaged in illegal conduct that could be more accurately described as bait, switch, hitch, and which? – in other words, deceptive advertising, hiked prices, unauthorized add-ons, and discriminatory practices targeting Latino consumers. The proposed settlement, which includes a $2.6 million financial judgment, is designed to replace those tactics with two other rhymed imperatives: abate, stop illegal conduct immediately, and elevate, raise your business practices now and in the future.
