The state on Monday announced a $28.4 million settlement with Aaron’s, Inc., the nation’s second largest rent-to-own business, to resolve allegations the company violated California consumer protection and privacy laws. Aaron’s has a store in the Von’s Center in Yucca Valley. “Aaron’s concealed its illegal privacy and business practices from customers in a deceptive attempt to avoid California’s robust consumer protection laws and increase its profits,” Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement. The settlement calls for $25 million to be refunded to California customers who signed lease agreements with Aaron’s between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2014. About 100,000 customers may be eligible for restitution, Harris said. Aaron’s was accused in the state action of charging improper late fees, overcharging customers who paid off contracts early, installing spy-ware on laptop computers and omitting contract disclosures. Restitution notices will be mailed to the customers’ last known address in early 2015, Harris said. A claim can also be submitted by visiting www.rent-to-own-settlement.com or by calling 877-449-8548.
