A customer has filed a lawsuit against MBLIC Motors LLC, doing business as Empire Cadillac, alleging fraudulent and deceptive practices in connection with an automobile transaction. Plaintiff Anthony Graziano claims that Empire Cadillac failed to pay off the outstanding loan balance on his traded-in vehicle, a 2024 Jeep Wrangler, resulting in its repossession and causing financial and reputational harm.
According to the complaint, on April 19, 2025, Graziano visited Empire Cadillac to lease a 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV. He alleges that, contrary to the dealership's initial representations about the vehicle’s mileage and financing terms, he was induced into purchasing the vehicle through a retail installment contract (RISC) rather than leasing it. Graziano states that he was assured the financing would include coverage for the negative equity from his Jeep Wrangler trade-in.
The complaint further alleges that the RISC was altered without Graziano’s knowledge before it was submitted to the lender. The revised contract, signed electronically, reportedly omitted any reference to the trade-in vehicle. As a result, the lien on the Jeep Wrangler was not satisfied, leading to its repossession and auction. Graziano contends this caused damage to his credit and financial loss, as well as harm to his mother’s credit profile. Graziano brings claims under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), New York General Business Law provisions concerning deceptive practices and false advertising, common law fraud, conversion under UCC Article 2, breach of contract, and negligent misrepresentation.
Graziano is seeking actual and statutory damages, punitive damages, rescission and restitution, reformation of the contract, declaratory relief invalidating the altered RISC, credit repair or injunctive relief, interest, attorneys’ fees, and other appropriate remedies.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney David Kasell of Kasell Law Firm. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-02943.