Toronto man banned from selling cars in Ontario
A Toronto man who used to work in the automotive industry selling used cars has lost an appeal to become a car salesman again.
The Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) alleged that Sai Lucas Lu of Toronto ran a numbered company and used forged documents, bought cars written off by insurance companies and operated as an illegal, unlicensed dealer.
OMVIC said Lu then sold the vehicles to unsuspecting buyers and also leased them to Uber and Lyft drivers who were also unaware of their condition.
The cars had been written off as total losses by insurance companies, but it's alleged they were purchased at salvage auctions, fixed up and sold to buyers with fake paperwork.
"He certainly can't sell a car legally in Ontario today," CEO of OMVIC John Carmichael said. “This is the type of person we do not want in the automotive industry in Ontario."
OMVIC said that Lu had many past infractions that should not allow him to return to selling cars.
“There are multiple complaints were consumers purchased vehicles that were unsafe, had been in accidents where the mechanical condition wasn't disclosed," Carmichael said.
OMVIC said there are 40,000 registered car sales staff in the province.
When OMVIC denied Lu a chance to have his sales licenced reinstated, he appealed but Ontario’s Licence Appeal Tribunal agreed with OMVIC that Lu should not be allowed to sell cars.
When buying a used car to protect yourself, you can get a used vehicle information package from Ontario’s Transportation Ministry and get a Carfax history report.
Buyers should look for signs of wear or accident damage and have the car checked by your own mechanic. Once a vehicle is put on the hoist and inspected, a mechanic should be able to see signs if it’s a rebuilt wreck.
Also, if you buy from an OMVIC registered dealer and feel you have been deceived, you can apply to OMVIC’s compensation fund which could pay a car buyer up to $45,000 in compensation.
As for Lu, even though he is barred from selling cars now, he can re-apply in several years to try and get his licence again.
He would have to show that he has changed and can be trusted to sell vehicles in the province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.