Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced the state's participation in a multistate lawsuit against Mariner Finance. The lawsuit accuses the company of violating consumer protection laws by charging consumers for add-on products that were not fully disclosed or agreed upon, adding significant amounts to what consumers owed. In 2019, Mariner reportedly charged $121.7 million nationwide in premiums and fees for these products.
"My duty is to ensure that companies treat Tennessee consumers fairly and honestly," said Attorney General Skrmetti. "Businesses that engage in deceptive practices deprive Tennessee consumers of making an informed choice, and that is illegal and wrong. I’m proud to join this bipartisan lawsuit on behalf of The Volunteer State."
The lawsuit also claims Mariner uses aggressive sales tactics to extend credit, potentially trapping consumers in debt cycles. On April 1, 2024, the court approved Tennessee's motion to intervene, allowing it to join the litigation with a Second Amended Complaint including other states as parties.
Mariner operates 34 branches in Tennessee. Consumers who feel deceived by Mariner can file complaints with the state. Besides Attorney General Skrmetti, attorneys general from Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin are involved in the complaint.