NEW YORK - New York's Supreme Court has forced furniture store Maddy's Furniture to pay $2.2 million in fines and customer restitution. 

The court said Maddy's, which operates multiple stores under different names throughout New York City, used "deceptive practices to profit from vulnerable low-income and immigrant customers." Maddy's must pay $250,000 in restitution and nearly $2 million in civil penalties. 

The furniture store used ads with messages like "NO CREDIT? BAD CREDIT? NO PROBLEM YOU'RE APPROVED!!!” to lure in customers. Customers received no such offers.

The court also said the business tricked customers into signing agreements with third-party financing businesses - sometimes without them knowing. Maddy's also failed to inform customers of required disclosures about their layaway plans and payment deadlines.

“It is egregious that Maddy’s Home Furniture and More would use deceptive and exploitive tactics to trick vulnerable New Yorkers into buying their furniture,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “Purchasing furniture for your home is a significant investment for many families, and this company took advantage of its customers to make a quick profit."

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) received more than 130 complaints about Maddy's since 2015. Customers harmed by the company between October 23, 2018 and April 1, 2021 are being urged to contact the DCWP.

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