A group of twelve consumers have lodged formal complaints against a Columbus-based auto dealer, alleging that they never received the titles for vehicles they purchased. This issue has sparked investigations and highlighted the importance of buyer vigilance when purchasing used cars. Andre Tyus and Jon Hickey are among those affected, recounting tales of lost investments and unresolved claims after dealing with All For U Auto Leasing. Their experiences underscore broader systemic problems within Ohio's used car market.
In September 2023, Andre Tyus recounted how his son impulsively bought a 2006 Honda Pilot from a south Columbus dealership called All For U Auto Leasing. Despite paying $4,800, Tyus claims he never received the title despite repeated assurances from the owner. By February 2024, he had written to the business demanding the title or a refund, only to be met with further delays. Eventually, Tyus returned the vehicle but still hasn't recouped his financial loss over a year later.
Similarly, Jon Hickey purchased a bright blue Dodge Ram during the same period. Though he retains possession of the truck, he lacks its official documentation. Complicating matters further, Hickey discovered discrepancies in his bill of sale, which incorrectly identified the vehicle as white and listed an unmatched VIN number. Investigations revealed that the actual title belonged to someone in Virginia, while the physical car was linked to an owner in Pennsylvania. Both states remain ambiguous about whether these entities are private individuals or dealerships.
Meanwhile, officials traced Tyus's car back to Dalton George Automotive in Marietta, Ohio. The proprietor, Dalton George, distanced himself from the controversy via email, asserting that the vehicle was auctioned off without proper title transfers occurring under his watch. Efforts to reach him by phone proved fruitless.
When approached directly at All For U Auto Leasing, the owner denied any wrongdoing initially before shifting blame onto the Attorney General's office for allegedly mishandling title issuance. Despite requests for clarification through legal counsel, no response followed.
Attorney General Dave Yost addressed public concerns regarding such fraudulent practices, emphasizing consumer protection measures available through his office. Although unable to confirm ongoing investigations into specific dealerships due to confidentiality protocols, Yost assured that similar cases were being handled diligently. He encouraged aggrieved parties to file complaints promptly, noting access to a $3.5 million Title Defect Recision fund designed specifically for restitution purposes.
Legal expert Scarlett Steuart advised prospective buyers to utilize free resources like the BMV website to verify Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) prior to finalizing purchases. She warned against proceeding unless all documentation aligns correctly, reminding customers of their right to reclaim payments if titles aren't delivered within 40 days.
Beyond addressing individual grievances, Yost announced litigation against six former used-car dealerships accused of withholding vehicle titles from numerous clients. These establishments violated Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Certificate of Motor Vehicles Act, leading to substantial payouts sourced from the TDR fund totaling $312,690 across various counties including Butler, Fairfield, Fayette, Licking, Stark, and Wood.
As affected consumers continue seeking justice, their stories serve as cautionary tales underscoring the necessity of thorough research and prudent decision-making in high-stakes transactions involving secondhand automobiles.