A Long Island man has accused a local car dealership and a finance company of deceptive practices in what he claims was a fraudulent automobile purchase.
The lawsuit filed by plaintiff James Dante alleges that LB Auto of 112 LLC and Credit Acceptance Corporation engaged violated multiple laws, including the federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA), New York Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Act (NY MVRISA), and New York General Business Law regarding deceptive trade practices and identity theft.
The case revolves around an agreement made in April 2024 when Dante agreed to co-sign for his house cleaner, Christina L. Zerato, on her purchase of a new Mitsubishi Outlander from LB Auto of 112. However, Dante alleges that the dealership manipulated him into becoming the sole purchaser and borrower for the vehicle without his consent or knowledge. The vehicle was registered under Zerato's name despite Dante being listed as the owner and primary borrower on financial documents.
Dante's complaint outlines several accusations against the defendants. He asserts that even if the transaction were legitimate, which he disputes, the cost was significantly inflated with undisclosed add-ons such as an "Optional Extended Warranty" costing $2,367. The plaintiff claims these charges were not disclosed at the time of signing and were only discovered later upon reviewing financial documents obtained from Credit Acceptance Corporation after learning about loan arrears.
Dante seeks various forms of relief, including statutory damages, actual damages, punitive damages, rescission of contracts, injunctive relief to prevent further harm, and declaratory judgment against the defendants' practices.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Robert J. Nahoum of the Law Offices of Robert J. Nahoum P.C. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 2:25-cv-02059.