Car trader banned after lying to customers

A man has been banned from working in the car trade after he admitted making a fake service history booklet for a vehicle and lying to customers.

Max Grunfeld, 34, of Coopers Edge near Gloucester, also pleaded guilty to offences relating to fraudulent trading after he falsely advertised four vehicles as having full service histories.

At Gloucester Crown Court on Friday, Grunfeld was sentenced to a three-year community order, 25 rehabilitation days and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for trading standards at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This case shows how seriously we take any attempts to mislead or deceive customers."

The court was told Grunfeld, trading as BMG Autohaus, told two customers the service history documents would follow the sale, but these never materialised, and on one vehicle, he prepared and supplied a false service history booklet.

During the sales process, he made statements such as "one million percent there" and "be rest assured that car's got full service history", the court was told.

During an inspection, Gloucestershire Trading Standards discovered discrepancies in the service history documentation of two additional vehicles.

Hodgkinson added: "People have a right to trust that the information they are given when buying a vehicle is accurate and honest.

"Our trading standards team works hard to protect residents from unfair and fraudulent practices, and we will not hesitate to take action where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing."

Grunfeld was also disqualified as a director for ten years, given a criminal behaviour order, meaning he cannot work in the car trade, and must return to court every six weeks to report on his gambling addiction issue.

A proceeds of crime Investigation into the money made by Grunfeld through his fraudulent training will also take place.

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