Consumers in North Carolina who were paid money to a Florida debt relief firm but didn't get help should see some refunds, state Attorney General Roy Cooper's office announced last week.
Payday Loan Debt Solutions has been ordered by a federal judge in Miami to provide $100,000 in refunds to consumers in North Carolina, Hawaii, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Attorneys General in the five states and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau joined forces in the investigation.
The investigation found evidence that PLDS routinely charged consumers upfront fees before settling their debts, which violated state and federal laws.
About 80 North Carolina consumers paid PLDS for debt relief, according to the AG's office. Consumers who are eligible for a refund will be contacted by the office.
Mary Cornatzer has worked at The News & Observer for more than 25 years, covering the local music industry, state movie industry and travel. She has been the paper's Business editor since 2000. Contact Mary at 919-829-4755 or