The company also has shops in Texas, and in October 2003 reported annual revenues of $200 million. * Performed work prior to providing customers a written estimate for parts and labor.Ĭaliber operates 38 shops in California, with facilities in the Inland Empire, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Fresno. * Departed from accepted trade standards for repair work without customers' approval. * Performed additional repairs without obtaining prior authorization from customers. * Told consumers a part or repair was needed when it was not. * Misrepresented the quality of parts and repairs. * Told consumers parts were new when they were not. * Invoiced and accepted payment for repairs or parts that were not provided. The complaint alleges the defendants, among other violations: Executives of the businesses, including Caliber chief executive officer Matthew Ohrnstein, also are named as defendants. Kellejian, Inc., Corwin Industries and F&R Ventures, all doing business as Caliber in Southern and Central California. Long, Chapparone Auto Body of Miramar, San Marcos Auto Body, Richard J. The BAR in 2001 and earlier this year filed separate, administrative enforcement actions against Caliber Collision Centers (Caliber).īesides Caliber and its parent, Caliber Bodyworks, Inc., the other defendant companies in Lockyer's complaint all are wholly-owned Caliber subsidiaries. All told, the complaint alleges the defendants violated nine separate state laws and three regulations administered by the state Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). The court also should permanently prohibit the defendants from engaging in the alleged unlawful conduct, the complaint states. Additionally, the complaint asks the court to require the defendants to pay restitution to defrauded consumers. Egan – seeks at least $50 million in civil penalties for violations of state laws prohibiting unfair business practices and false or misleading statements.
The complaint – filed in Fresno County Superior Court by Lockyer and Fresno County District Attorney Elizabeth A. "When businesses profit from deceit, they hurt consumers and competitors and should be held accountable." "These repair shops have systematically defrauded California motorists, ripped them off and betrayed their trust," said Lockyer. (FRESNO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today filed a $50 million lawsuit against Irvine-based Caliber Collision Centers and its subsidiaries, alleging they committed widespread fraud by billing consumers for services and parts that were not provided.
0 kommentar(er)
