Attorney General DeWine Seeks Reimbursement from Used Car Seller Accused of Failing to Deliver Titles

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Columbus used car seller accused of failing to deliver motor vehicle titles to consumers.

The lawsuit against Cars USA Inc. and operator Taria Sheppard seeks reimbursement for consumers and for the Title Defect Rescission Fund, which helps reimburse consumers who experience title problems after buying a vehicle from a dealership.

“Not getting the title to a vehicle you bought is a serious problem for a consumer,” Attorney General DeWine said. “It’s also one of the top complaints we receive at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Our priority is to protect consumers and to take the necessary steps to help them.”

Cars USA last operated on Parsons Avenue in Columbus. Since 2015, 12 consumers have filed complaints against it, with most saying they bought a vehicle from Cars USA but never received the title.

The Ohio Attorney General’s Office assisted consumers who filed complaints, in some cases by making payments from the Title Defect Rescission Fund. To date, approximately $23,000 has been paid from the Title Defect Rescission Fund to help resolve Cars USA complaints.

In the lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, the Attorney General accuses Cars USA and Taria Sheppard of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title Act.
A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.