ProCycle accused of bait-and-switch scheme

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon filed a lawsuit Jan. 9 in Greene County Circuit Court against ProCycle's Springfield locations, 2960 N. Eastgate and 350 S. Ingram Mill. He also filed suit against the company's third location in Columbia. ProCycle is owned by Ozark Cycles Inc. in Springfield and Shernaman Enterprises in Columbia, according to corporation filings with the secretary of state's office.

The lawsuit states ProCycle employees confirmed advertised prices to customers, then charged additional back-room fees for processing, set-up, credit card surcharges and other costs. At least 20 Ozarks customers have filed complaints against the motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle dealer, according to Nixon's office.

“This is your classic bait-and-switch scheme,” Nixon said in a news release. “Misleading consumers that way is not allowed under Missouri law.”

ProCycle officials directed questions to Kansas City attorney Dave Ludwig, who could not be reached by press time.

Nixon's suit asks the court to order ProCycle to fully reimburse customers who bought merchandise for a higher price than advertised, pay a $1,000 penalty per violation of the state's merchandising laws and reimburse Nixon's office for its investigative and legal costs.

Customers can file complaints on this case with the Attorney General's office by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-8222.