A used car dealer from Hartford is facing charges after collecting more than $13,000 from customers over a period of six months by selling them invalid extended warranties, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
DMV Motor Vehicle Inspectors arrested 53-year-old Daniel Garcia, who owns Danny’s Auto World Sales and Service at 446 Franklin Avenue in Hartford, and charged him with larceny. His dealer license has also been suspended pending an Oct. 15 hearing.
According to the DMV, Garcia scammed a dozen customers out who paid for extended warranties but never received coverage. The DMV said it received multiple complaints from customers whose cars needed repairs and who had no money to pay for them.
The Pennsylvania-based warranty company, Cars Protection Plus, told the DMV it had never received money for the warranties.
Garcia was released on $5,000 bond and is due in court Oct. 7.
Customers are encouraged to contact the warranty company directly when purchasing coverage to ensure that it’s valid and should also make sure payment is received.
If there is an issue, bring it to the attention of the dealer. If the problem persists, submit a written claim to the DMV.
