The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Maryland Attorney General have announced a settlement with Lindsay Automotive Group, requiring the company to return over $75 million to consumers due to deceptive pricing practices. The settlement also includes a $3.1 million civil penalty.

According to the agencies, Lindsay Auto Group misled consumers by advertising falsely low prices and then adding mandatory fees and unwanted add-ons during the car buying process. This resulted in consumers paying thousands of dollars more than expected.

The joint complaint, filed in December 2024, accused Lindsay of systematically deceiving car buyers, including claims that consumers could not qualify for advertised prices due to various rebates. Additionally, the complaint alleged that consumers were misled into financing through the dealership instead of using their existing financing options.

The proposed order mandates that Lindsay must clearly disclose the total price of vehicles, including all mandatory fees, and obtain express consent from consumers before charging any additional fees. The Maryland Attorney General's Office will notify eligible consumers about the refund process.