Three Brooklyn used car dealerships scammed unsuspecting customers out of thousands of dollars and put their safety at risk, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Officials named a total of five used car dealers in the investigation, three of which are operating in East New York. They include USA1 Auto Sales, Lenden Used Car Sales and D&A Guaranteed Auto Sales.

The DCA wants the owners of the shops to pay $1.2 million in fines and restitution for 75 customers who the agency says were conned, in addition to revoking the licenses of the dealerships.

The dealers are accused of misleading consumers about the price of automobiles by advertising less expensive cars and then convincing buyers to shell out more money. They are also accused of selling unsafe vehicles and failing to disclose financing terms.

News 12 reached out to the dealerships and is awaiting comment from management.

Three financing companies are also named by the DCA for subprime lending that "saddled consumers with interest rates as high as 24 percent."

The DCA is offering tips to protect used car buyers from deceptive and unlawful practices. They include: examine the car; don't negotiate based on monthly payments; review the contract carefully; and know about warranties.