AG’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Saved Consumers More Than $24.5 Million in 2023
HARRISBURG – Looking to protect yourself from fraud, identity theft, and scams?
Wondering about the best ways to improve your credit, shop for a used car, or maximize your security online?
You can count on the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to provide that information during National Consumer Protection Week — March 3 through 9.
During National Consumer Protection Week, the Office of Attorney General will highlight and share information about consumer rights, and help people learn to detect, report, and avoid scams. The Office of Attorney General will also share consumer protection tips on social media throughout the week, including how to identify and prevent scams, an overview of the Office’s Civil Rights Section, tips on purchasing a used car, your rights as a tenant in Pennsylvania, and an overview of the Office’s Health Care Section.
“While the Office of Attorney General is always a resource to consumers, this week marks a time to go the extra mile to make sure Pennsylvanians have the information and resources they need to stay protected, and also highlights some of our great work in the past year to keep consumers safe,” Attorney General Henry said. “Last year, we saved and recovered more than $24.5 million for Pennsylvanians — and we remain committed to fighting to secure restitution and protecting their hard-earned dollars and rights.”
In 2023, the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection saved consumers more than $10.8 million through mediation efforts and an additional $13.7 million through legal actions.
Attorney General Henry highlighted a few of the consumer protection actions taken in the past year:
- Attorney General Henry testified in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on harmful “junk fees” that impact Pennsylvania consumers. “Junk fees” come in many forms and are becoming increasingly common in consumer financing, landlord/tenant arrangements, hotel prices, and ticket sales throughout the United States. This testimony is part of AG Henry’s continued work to hold companies accountable for their hidden junk fees.
- A $11.4 million settlement with Snap Finance, LLC and its affiliates, a rent-to-own lender that charged hefty leasing fees, equivalent to 152% APR interest. Thousands of consumers who had an agreement with Snap Finance had their outstanding balances reduced to zero. Many consumers also received restitution from overpayments to Snap Finance.
- A $6 million settlement with Community Loans of America, Inc., which made thousands of unlawful title loans to Pennsylvanians. Some of the interest rates given to borrowers exceeded 300%. CLA paid $2.2 million in restitution to consumers, and canceled the remaining $3.7 million in outstanding consumer debt.
- $87,000 settlement reached with online personality and influencer Dana Chanel over businesses that she co-owned and promoted which failed to deliver the purchased goods and services. Dozens of consumers had their money returned as part of the settlement and Chanel is prevented from promoting or selling credit repair services.
- $18.4 million Mortgage Assistance Program launched following redlining settlement reached with Trident Mortgage Company. In 2022, the settlement was reached to allow families to purchase or refinance a home, and access $10,000 in funding for eligible residents. Last year the fund was established to remove historical barriers in often-redlined districts in Philadelphia.
If you believe you were harmed by a business, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in a variety of ways:
- Online here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/
- By calling the hotline: 1-800-441-2555
- By emailing: scams@attorneygeneral.gov
Go to https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/ for more information. Also, visit www.ftc.gov/ncpw to learn how to get free consumer education materials and read the latest from consumer protection experts.
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