Rent-to-own business to pay $28 million settlement

(AP)—The California attorney general has announced a $28 million settlement with a furniture and computer rental business that allegedly violated consumer protection and privacy laws.

Kamala Harris said Monday that Aaron's Inc. overcharged customers, omitted important contract disclosures and installed software that could spy on laptop computer users.

The Atlanta-based business is the nation's second-largest rent-to-own business. It operates approximately 75 stores in California.

Harris says about 100,000 customers are eligible for $25 million in refunds for leases signed over the past four years. The company also will pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and fees.

A spokeswoman says the company admitted no wrongdoing or liability and was committed to following the law.

Aaron's last year settled a case with the Federal Trade Commission over spyware installed on computers.

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