(AP) - An investigation by the state of New Jersey has concluded a sector of the used-car business is a haven for scams and deceitful practices.

The State Commission of Investigation released a report Tuesday that follows up on its report from 2015.

The SCI found that loosely-regulated multi-dealer locations, or MDLs, have grown in the last few years and continue to rip off consumers using a variety of methods.

These include skirting inspection requirements for salvage vehicles, refusing to refund money for vehicles with significant defects, evading sales taxes and selling access to dealer credentials to unlicensed individuals.

The report recommends stronger legislation to protect consumers.