CONSUMER NEWS    RECALLS    COMPLAINT FORM    SCAM ALERTS  
Small Claims Guide   Class Actions   Lemon Laws   FAQ   Newsletters  


Complain about a product or service

Automotive    Education    Electronics    Family    Finance    Health    Homeowners    Shopping    Travel   
NEWS   Latest |  Archives |  Auto |  Cells, etc. |  Computers |  Financial |  Health |  Homeowners |  Parents |  Privacy |  Scams |  Seniors |  Travel

Ford Credit Owes Refund to 150,000 Lease Customers



June 11, 2004
More than 150,000 Ford customers may qualify for a $100 restitution check from Ford Credit, following a settlement between Ford and 38 state Attorneys General, led by Illinois' Lisa Madigan and Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist.

In 1997, Ford Credit came under the scrutiny of investigators from the Illinois and Florida Attorneys General offices for its leasing practices, in connection with its “Red Carpet” lease plan. In this scheme, the dealerships allegedly packed extra fees into the early termination of vehicle leases when the lessee also was purchasing the vehicle at the time of the lease termination.

Investigators discovered that in some cases when the lessee bought a vehicle upon early termination, consumers were charged more than the actual balance owed on the lease.

“The consumers caught in this scheme often weren’t aware that any fraud was being perpetrated against them, even after it had occurred,” Madigan said. “This settlement addresses fraudulent practices, eliminates future confusion and provides the appropriate redress for affected consumers,” Madigan said.

The investigation revealed that at times dealers would discharge the lease obligation to Ford Credit, but keep the extra amount charged to consumers. Consumers were usually unaware of this scheme because the dealers – not Ford Credit – provide the payoff figure to the consumer.

As a result of this investigation, Ford has changed its Red Carpet lease contract language to clearly explain consumer’s rights when terminating a vehicle lease early and to include a toll-free number in the lease so that consumers can easily learn the correct payoff amount.

Consumers in the 38 states who participated in the Red Carpet lease plan, terminated the lease early and purchased the vehicle between 1991 and present may be eligible to receive a $100 restitution check from Ford Credit.

Customers of Ford Credit between 1991 and 1994 will receive direct notice of the settlement. Other consumers who also may be eligible to participate in the settlement should call 1-800-221-3312 or go online to www.gilardi.com.


Consumer News

January 7 2009

Recent Recalls & Safety Alerts

PRINT, MAIL, ETC.


FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F

Sign up now!


Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday

Sign up now!

MOST-VIEWED PAGES

  • Speed Up Your Metabolism
  • NutriSystem
  • Sharper Image
  • Bromalite
  • Maytag Washers
  • Fiber Providers Are Leading Choice
  • Select Comfort
  • Wal-Mart Vision Centers
  • Sears Auto Centers
  • Lending Tree
  • NEW COMPLAINTS

  • Aerogrow
  • Uggbuy.com
  • Scooter Depot
  • Scooter Escapes
  • Thane H2O Mop
  • Game Crazy
  • Memorex
  • National Travelers Service
  • Autopartsgiant.com
  • Autopartswarehouse.com
  • Scootercatalog.com
  • Perfect Flame Grills
  • Camera Whiz
  • Hey there! ConsumerAffairs.com is using Twitter.
    Twitter is a free service that lets you keep in touch throughout the day. Join today to start receiving ConsumerAffairs.com's updates.



    Back to the top |


    AUTOMOTIVE
    • Dealers
    • Manufacturers
    • Service
    • Extended Warranties
    • Lemon Laws
    • Recalls
    • Tires
    • Transporters

    FAMILY
    • Aging
    • Children, Parenting
    • Recalls
    • Dating
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Pets
    • Weddings
    FINANCE
    • Annuities
    • Banks
    • Credit Cards
    • Debt Collection
    • Debt Counseling
    • Insurance
    • Investing
    • Loans
    • Mortgages
    • Payday Loans
    • Student Loans
    • Tax Prep

    HEALTH
    • Drugs, Pharmacies
    • Health Clubs
    • Hearing Care
    • Hospitals
    • Nursing Homes
    • Nutrition, Diets
    • Vision Care
    • Weight Loss
    HOMEOWNERS & RENTERS
    • Appliances
    • Cookware
    • Furniture
    • Home Improvements
    • Lawn & Garden
    • Movers
    • Pools & Spas
    • Realtors, Rental Agents
    • Recalls
    • Utilities

    ELECTRONICS
    • Cable TV/DBS
    • Cameras
    • Cell Phones
    • Computers
    • Home Electronics
    • Internet Access
    • Local Phone Service
    • Long Distance
    • VoIP
    SHOPPING
    • In-Home
    • Online
    • Retail Stores
    • Sporting Goods
    • Supermarkets
    • Telemarketers

    TRAVEL
    • Airlines
    • Bus Lines
    • Car Rental
    • Cruises
    • Hotels
    • Travel Agents
    • Trains

    RESOURCES
    • Class Actions
    • Complaint Form
    • Small Claims Guide
    • Lemon Laws
    CONSUMER NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Automotive
    • Telecom
    • Financial
    • Health
    • Homeowners
    • Scams
    • Seniors
    • Travel
    • More ...

    RECALLS
    • Automotive
    • Children's Products
    • Drugs
    • Food
    • Household Products
    • Sporting Goods

    ABOUT US
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policy
    • Advertise With Us
    • Newsroom
    • Syndication
    • Terms of Use

    Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use

    Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.

    Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.

    For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

    Copyright © 2003-2008 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.    The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission.