I am submitting this complaint regarding AMKO Auto and a pattern of deceptive, unfair, and potentially illegal business practices involving undisclosed fees, false advertising, and harassment.
Summary of Incident
On March 17-18, 2026, I contacted AMKO Auto regarding a 2020 Audi Q8 advertised for $17,500. Based on Maryland law, the estimated total cost--including 6% sales tax and the state‑regulated maximum dealer processing fee of $800--should have been approximately $19,350.
However, after reading multiple online reviews reporting undisclosed dealer fees, I asked AMKO Auto directly for clarification. They confirmed that they charge a $3,495 "processing fee," an amount far above the legal cap and not disclosed anywhere in their online listings or advertisements.
Undisclosed & Improper Fees
When asked to explain this fee, the dealership stated the following:
The fee includes vehicle delivery,
Repairs needed before selling the vehicle,
Additional work performed prior to listing,
Mandatory warranties and add‑ons, which they claim customers are required to pay for.
None of these charges are disclosed on their website, in their advertisements, or during initial communication. When I asked why the fees were hidden, they openly stated that listing the fees would deter customers from purchasing their cars.
After adding their undisclosed $3,495 fee, they further stated that tag and title fees (approximately $800) and taxes were not included.
This would bring the total cost of the vehicle to nearly $23,000, despite being advertised at $17,500.
This represents clear false advertising, fee misrepresentation, and failure to disclose mandatory charges, all of which violate FTC and Maryland consumer‑protection laws.
Harassment After Declining the Purchase
When I informed the dealership that their pricing practices appeared illegal and that I planned to report the issue, I immediately began receiving multiple phone calls from the dealership. When I stopped answering, they began calling me from different phone numbers. This behavior constitutes harassment and intimidation following a consumer's decision not to proceed with a purchase.
Why I Am Filing This Complaint
AMKO Auto is:
Advertising vehicles at prices that do not reflect the actual required purchase cost
Charging a processing fee that exceeds Maryland's legal maximum
Forcing consumers to pay for repairs, delivery, and add‑ons that should not be part of a dealer processing fee
Refusing to disclose mandatory fees in advertisements or online listings
Engaging in harassment when a consumer declines to proceed
These practices harm consumers, distort automotive pricing transparency, and violate both state and federal regulations governing fair dealership conduct. read more