ConsumerWatch: Car Owners Stranded After Overnight Dealership Shutdown
SUNNYVALE (CBS 5) - A used-car dealership in Sunnyvale has unexpectedly closed down, leaving at least 20 customers complaining they've were cheated out of money or sold cars without proper paperwork.
Sunnyvale Motorcars has sold cars on consignment for at least five years. The business, located at 681 East El Camino Real, suddenly closed its doors last weekend, without notice. A mechanic who works next door says tow trucks methodically removed dozens of cars from the property under cover of darkness.
Todd Parsons is among those victimized by the dealership. He said back in August he gave Sunnyvale Motorcars his 2004 BMW convertible to sell. Three months later, Parsons said the dealership gave him a check that could not be cashed.
"They just did not have the funds in their account," Parsons told ConsumerWatch.
The news is just as bad for some customers who bough cars through the business.
Abe sharp said he is now stuck with a vehicle he can't register because there's a lien on it.
The Sunnyvale Police Department said it's a complicated case because customers signed a contract with the company.
Victims may be able to get relief through the Consumer Motor Vehicle Recovery Corporation, a state fund that's been set-up to help customers of car-dealerships that go out of business.
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