Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has opened an investigation into Atlanta-based US Auto Sales, following an influx of complaints from unhappy customers.
US Auto Sales had 39 locations in the metro Atlanta area. The company also financed many of its cars in-house, as well as provided gap insurance and extended warranties. When US Auto Sales and USAF Financing abruptly closed in April, shutting down all operations and filing for bankruptcy, their customers found themselves stuck in an administrative mess.
Westlake Portfolio Management has taken over servicing the loans. As WSB-TV has been reporting, former US Auto Sales clients are getting their cars repossessed because of the company’s poor recordkeeping. WSB reports that for some customers, Westlake has no record of their timely vehicle or warranty payments. The management company does not have correct customer addresses and account information. Additionally, there are some who purchased a vehicle from US Auto Sales who never even received their tags or titles.
These problems are especially devastating for those who have been involved in a car accident in vehicles purchased at US Auto Sales. When the vehicle owners try to file a claim, there have been issues with warranty payouts.
While Westlake said in a statement, “We are committed to making this transition as seamless as possible for all customers of US Auto Sales,” customers are growing increasingly frustrated by the lack of communication and poor handling of accounts. When customers try to call US Auto, there is no one to pick up. They end up spending hours on the phone, trying to sort things out with Westlake Portfolio Management.
The Attorney General is urging US Auto Sales and USAF customers who are having problems to file an official complaint. In addition to the Attorney General’s investigation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a lawsuit against US Auto Sales, alleging improper charges and wrongful repossessions. The CFPB alleges that US Auto Sales violated federal law.
Burrow & Associates has been following this story and will continue to provide updates. If you or a loved one were in an accident involving a vehicle purchased at US Auto Sales, or face wrongful repossession of a vehicle from US Auto Sales, please reach out. Our team of experienced personal injury and bankruptcy attorneys will walk you through your best legal options. You can call us at (678) 323-2394 or use our online contact form.
