By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced a $7.8 million settlement with American First Finance (AFF) resolving allegations that the company used unfair and deceptive business practices to mislead consumers with expensive lease-to-own contracts. The settlement requires AFF to pay $2 million to the state which will then distribute it to impacted customers as restitution. The settlement also includes nearly $5.8 million in credits to existing consumer accounts.

“Consumers making significant purchases deserve to be presented with clear, straightforward payment options,” said Campbell. “When companies mislead buyers and profit off the confusion they create, that violates our consumer protection laws and unfairly puts our residents at risk. My office will continue to hold companies that take advantage of consumers accountable, especially when they target our most vulnerable communities.”