Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte announced that Littleton Chevrolet, Inc. has entered a plea of nolo contendere to a violation alleging it engaged in a deceptive business practice arising out of the repair of a motor vehicle involved in an automobile collision.

Littleton Chevrolet provided an estimate for body repair work on a vehicle that was damaged in a collision. The estimate from Littleton Chevrolet called for the replacement of certain parts. Instead of replacing certain parts, the dealership repaired existing components without prior approval of the consumer. The consumer was billed for the purchase of new parts that were not used in the repair of the vehicle. Because the consumer was billed for a new part when the dealership did not install a new part, Littleton Chevrolet was charged with one violation of deceptive business practices under RSA 638:6. As a result of the plea, Littleton Chevrolet was fined $1,000.

Attorney General Ayotte stated “Working closely with the Bureau of Highway Patrol, the State was able to obtain this conviction in a clear case of a deceptive business practice.” Attorney General Ayotte went on to say “This case demonstrates that anyone who engages in unfair or deceptive trade practices will be subject to civil or criminal penalties. The State will continue to take action against businesses that deceive and victimize consumers.”

Any consumer who believes he or she has been victimized by a business is encouraged to call the Consumer Protection Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office at 271-3641 or to log onto its website at www.nh.gov/nhdoj.