Infiniti of Clarendon Hills settles with FTC over lease ads

Infiniti of Clarendon Hills is among nine auto dealerships settling deceptive advertising claims with Federal Trade Commission.

Infiniti of Clarendon Hills was accused of advertising no-money-down leases when the small print required several hundred dollars at the time the lease was signed. The west suburban dealer and the others were accused of deceptive practices as part of a nationwide investigation dubbed Operation Steer Clear.

“Buying or leasing a car is a big deal, and car ads are an important source of information for serious shoppers,” Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a news release. “Dealers’ ads need to spell out costs and other important terms customers can count on. If they don’t, dealers can count on the FTC to take action.”

In settling the charges, the dealerships agreed to consent orders that prohibit them from misrepresenting the upfront costs of auto leases.

The settlements were first reported by Automotive News.

h/t Crain’s Chicago Business