California Ford store accused of demanding positive online reviews in exchange for honoring manufacturer rebates and discounts
Los Angeles-based RBB Law Group made strong allegations against Huntington Beach Ford, owned by Oscar Bakhtiari of Bakhtiari Automotive Group.
The firm on Tuesday accused the dealership of forcing customers to leave five-star Google reviews in exchange for honoring manufacturer rebates and discounts, a practice RBB Law Group said was exposed by a former service manager.
Attorney Serena Aisenman, representing clients in a legal action against the dealership, revealed that the alleged review manipulation tactics are just one facet of a larger pattern of deceptive behavior.
Aisenman said customers have reported that the dealership, under the direction of manager Omar Zeola (legal name: Omid Ziaolagh), has failed to honor promised rebates and incentives.
“This alleged scheme is not only unethical but also potentially illegal,” Aisenman said in a news release. “By coercing customers into leaving positive reviews, Huntington Beach Ford is creating a misleading impression of its services and potentially harming consumers who rely on those reviews to make informed purchasing decisions.”
Attempts by Cherokee Media Group to reach Huntington Beach Ford to comment about the allegations have been unsuccessful.
RBB Law Group said in the news release that attempts to reach Bakhtiari at his headquarters at Stevens Creek Subaru in Northern California also have been unsuccessful. RBB Law Group said its representatives were only able to reach his assistant, who directed all inquiries to the store manager at Huntington Beach Ford.
“This lack of accountability from the top down raises serious questions about the culture at Huntington Beach Ford and its commitment to customer satisfaction,” Aisenman said. “We are determined to hold the dealership accountable for its actions and ensure that consumers are protected from deceptive practices.”
The firm said it’s going to issue cease and desist letters to both Google and Yelp. A lawsuit against Huntington Beach Ford is also imminent, according to RBB Law Group.