Penn Hills used car dealership scammed customers, AG Josh Shapiro says

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Tuesday he is taking legal action against two Pennsylvania car dealerships, including one in Penn Hills, that he said violated consumer protections laws.

Shapiro said the Penn Hills dealership, Martino Motors at 536 Rodi Road, has been selling cars that are not “roadworthy.”

Within two weeks of buying a car from Martino Motors, the attorney general’s office said one customer had the car’s brakes fail while she and her children were in it. In another incident, a consumer discovered parts of the car they bought were rusted, covered in duct tape and painted to appear normal.

“We’ve seen an increase in demand for used cars here in Pennsylvania, and with that comes an increase in scammers,” Shapiro said. “Scammers are shifting into high gear to try and take advantage of Pennsylvanians looking to buy a used car and it’s my job as the people’s lawyer to stop them.”

Shapiro’s office said it’s seeking to permanently ban Donald J. Martino Jr. and Martino Motors from selling vehicles in Pennsylvania, and is seeking restitution, civil penalties and other relief from them.

The attorney general’s office said Martino and Martino Motors have violated Pennsylvania consumer protection laws and the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance.

When the Tribune-Review reached out to Martino Motors for comment, they did not immediately respond.

The other dealership mentioned by Shapiro is Cars R Us Erie in Erie County. Shapiro’s office said that dealership and its principal owner, Ryan Lariccia, sold 173 cars without a licensed salesperson on staff. In addition, the office said the dealership misled consumers when it misrepresented extended service contracts to be warranties.