The Attorney General of Georgia yesterday announced a settlement with a creditor accused of engaging in deceptive sales and marketing tactics while also allegedly violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that will see the company pay nearly $150,000 in fines while also agreeing to make significant changes to its business operations.
Rent-A-Center — which did not admit to any of the allegations made against it — has agreed to pay $145,590 in civil penalties while also agreeing that it will pay $170,910 if it is found to have violated any of the terms of its settlement with the AG’s office. The creditor also agreed to no longer harass consumers and not engage in any other unlawful debt collection practices, and to verify that debts are accurate before placing them with third-party collection agencies.
“Our office takes seriously allegations of deceptive business practices, and companies that take advantage of our citizens will be held accountable,” said Chris Carr, Georgia’s AG, in a statement. “Through our Consumer Protection Division, we work daily to protect our fellow Georgians and will continue to pursue businesses that promote unlawful marketplace activity.”
Rent-A-Center must also ensure its sales and marketing practices comply with the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act and the Georgia Lease-purchase Agreement Act.
A copy of the settlement was not made available by the AG’s office.
