AutoMax Fraud Exposed: A Cautionary Tale of Consumer Betrayal
In a saga that began with a single email in 2021, a used car dealership known as AutoMax has finally faced the consequences of its fraudulent practices. The investigation, led by A Current Affair, has uncovered numerous complaints and allegations of deception, leading to the closure of the business.
The Scam Unveiled
The story started when an email was sent to A Current Affair about AutoMax, a lemon car dealer in Dandenong, Victoria. Over the following years, the show aired four stories detailing the dealership’s deceitful practices. The investigation revealed a pattern of customers being left without their vehicles or deposits after contract cancellations.
The most egregious case involved an 18-year-old named Toby Downes, who saved up since he was eight to buy a Landcruiser. AutoMax took his money but never provided the vehicle. They also failed to return his deposit.
“My son and I were on the train going to pick the car up and they turned us around saying something happened to the car and we never heard from them again,” Toby’s dad Adam Downes stated.
This case was just one of many complaints received by Consumer Affairs Victoria. The dealership’s response to these claims has been less about accountability and more about avoiding scrutiny.
Fraud and Manipulation
Mark Rimanic, the owner of AutoMax, has displayed a pattern of avoidance and manipulation throughout the investigation. Instead of addressing the complaints directly, he engaged a PR expert to manage the crisis. One notable attempt to silence a critic involved Franky Rochetich, a car parts supplier who claimed AutoMax owed him nearly $24,000.
Rimanic offered to settle with Rochetich but only if he agreed to withdraw his allegations from A Current Affair.
Rochetich was not alone; another customer, Rhyanna, received a fraudulent email supposedly sent by Rhyanna herself, urging her to stop the story. Rhyanna confirmed the misspelling in the email address was intentional because she wanted the story to proceed.
The actions of Rimanic raise questions about the role of regulators in protecting consumers. Consumer Affairs Victoria initially informed the ABC of 340 complaints over six years, but declined to provide an updated number or comment on individual businesses.
Luxury Lifestyle Amidst Scandal
The stark contrast between Rimanic’s luxurious lifestyle and his business practices further enraged customers. Pictures posted by his new wife showed him traveling internationally and enjoying lavish events, including a wedding in Paris. This lifestyle seemed particularly egregious given the hardships faced by his victims.
