Pa. consumers face deadline to file claims under Advance America settlement

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania consumers looking for restitution from payday lender Advance America have until Wednesday to mail in claims, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane.

Kane made the reminder on Wednesday along with Robin Wiessmann, acting secretary of Banking and Securities. Consumers were mailed claim forms, and those wishing to file restitution claims should send the forms back by Wednesday.

Advance America agreed to pay $8 million in restitution as a result of the settlement with NCA Delaware, LLC, which did business as Advance America Cash Advance Centers.

The lawsuit against the business, brought by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the state Department of Banking and Securities, was focused on the “Choice Line of Credit” offered by Advance America. The loan product required customers to pay a monthly participation fee, Kane said.

Consumers who were eligible to receive restitution were previously notified by a settlement administrator, which was required under the terms of the settlement. Claims sent in by consumers should ensure that the form is postmarked by May 13, Kane said.

Anyone who has questions about the form can call the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or the Department of Banking and Securities office at 800-722-2567.