SEATTLE — The Washington attorney general’s office says it has settled for $63,000 with a company accused of unfair debt collection practices and deceptive advertising aimed at military service members.
The allegations against Freedom Stores, Inc., include filing lawsuits against Washington service members in Virginia without their knowledge and contacting commanding officers with details of service member debt.
The Virginia company closed its only Washington store, in Lakewood near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in August. It sold furniture, electronics, jewelry and other items, mostly to military service members.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson says Freedom Stores has agreed to $25,000 in suspended civil penalties and $38,000 in costs and fees to resolve allegations it violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act.
