Bridgeport Used Car Seller Accused of Failing to Transfer Vehicle Titles to Consumers

(ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Bridgeport used car seller accused of failing to deliver vehicle titles to consumers.

The lawsuit accuses Tri State Auto Group LLC and its owners, Chad E. Anthony and Candice L. Anthony, both of Wheeling, West Virginia, of violating Ohio consumer protection laws.

Tri-State Auto Group was located at 6 Cadiz Pike in Bridgeport. More than 40 complaints were filed against the dealership in 2018, with many consumers saying they hadn’t received the title to a vehicle they bought from Tri-State. Some consumers also complained that they traded in a vehicle to the dealership but the dealership failed to make promised payments on the trade-in, causing problems for the consumer.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office worked to assist consumers, in some cases making payments from the Title Defect Recision Fund, which helps resolve certain title problems. Payments from the fund have totaled about $70,000 thus far in the case.

The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas, seeks reimbursement for consumers, reimbursement for the Title Defect Recision Fund, and an order to prohibit the dealership’s owners from being granted an auto dealer license in Ohio.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.