Company accused of abusive business tactics targeted service members and veterans
About 641 Pennsylvania customers of USA Discounters will receive about $1.5 million in refunds after the company settled allegations that it used abusive business tactics.
USA Discounters, which also did business as USA Living and Fletcher's Jewelers, "sold grossly overpriced household items on credit with high interest rates," the Pennsylvania attorney general's office said Monday. Merchandise included furniture, appliances, televisions, computers, smart phones and jewelry.
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According to the settlement, USA Discounters failed to clearly disclose terms; made misleading statements about the total cost of items; deceptively told customers they would receive an extension of credit with no interest for a year; failed to honor its debt cancellation program; and unlawfully garnished customers' wages.
The company was accused of engaging in "abusive tactics" in collecting customers' debts, such as contacting military members' supervisors and causing some service members to lose security clearances and face demotions, the attorney general's office said.
Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/watchdog/blog/mc-company-accused-of-abusive-business-tactics-targeted-service-members-and-veterans-20161003-story.html