
The American Web Loan lawsuit has finally come to an end, with a massive settlement of millions of dollars. This is a huge relief for the thousands of people who were affected by the company's predatory lending practices.
The lawsuit was filed in 2019, alleging that American Web Loan charged exorbitant interest rates and fees, leading to financial ruin for many of its customers. The company was accused of using high-pressure tactics to get people to take out loans, often with annual percentage rates (APRs) of over 500%.
American Web Loan's business model was built on exploiting people's financial desperation, and the company's actions had severe consequences for many families. The lawsuit aimed to hold the company accountable for its actions and provide some measure of justice for those who were harmed.
Lawsuit Details
The American Web Loan lawsuit was brought on behalf of individuals who took out high-interest rate loans from American Web Loan, an online lender that claims to be an arm of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.
Plaintiffs allege that certain individuals and entities unaffiliated with the Tribe created AWL in a scheme to circumvent state and federal law.
The class period in the action spans from February 10, 2010 through June 26, 2020, during which time plaintiffs took out loans with annual interest rates as high as 726%.
Loan documents associated with plaintiffs' loans were not provided until after they took out their loans, and purported to be governed by the law of the Tribe, not the law of the borrower's home state or federal law.
The loan documents also sought to force all disputes into arbitration governed by tribal law only, which plaintiffs alleged was unconscionable and unenforceable.
A settlement was reached in the action, which was granted final approval by the Court on July 9, 2021.
The settlement provides for an $86 million cash recovery for the class, as well as the cancellation of $100.5 million worth of outstanding class period loans.
Settlement and Outcome
The settlement of the American Web Loan lawsuit is a significant development. The proposed deal is worth $141 million, which includes a $65 million cash payout to borrowers.
American Web Loan has agreed to cancel $76 million in loans, covering over 39,000 borrowers. This is a major relief for those affected by the predatory lending scheme.
The settlement also includes other provisions, such as the CEO of American Web Loan resigning and the company being prohibited from using class members' information for debt collection purposes.
The plaintiffs have been seeking justice for those victimized by the "rent-a-tribe" online lending scheme. The settlement is a step towards resolving this issue.
The proposed deal awaits preliminary approval from U.S. District Judge Henry C. Morgan, Jr.
Case Settled for $141M; Court Approval Needed
A settlement of $141 million has been proposed in the lawsuit against American Web Loan and its affiliates. This significant payout is a result of the extensive negotiations between the parties involved.

The proposed deal requires U.S. District Judge Henry C. Morgan, Jr. to grant preliminary approval before it can move forward. This step is crucial in ensuring the settlement is fair and meets all legal requirements.
As part of the proposed settlement, American Web Loan has agreed to cancel $76 million in loans, covering over 39,000 borrowers. This is a significant relief for those affected by the predatory lending scheme.
A cash payout of $65 million will also be made to borrowers as part of the settlement. This amount is in addition to the loan cancellation, providing further compensation to those who were taken advantage of.
The settlement also requires American Web Loan's CEO to resign from his position before preliminary approval is granted. This change in leadership is expected to bring about a fresh perspective and potentially more transparent business practices.
The proposed settlement prohibits American Web Loan from using class members' information for debt collection purposes. This is a significant safeguard for borrowers, ensuring their personal information is protected.
Here is a breakdown of the key terms of the proposed settlement:
- Loan cancellation: $76 million
- Cash payout: $65 million
- CEO resignation: Required before preliminary approval
- Information protection: Prohibited from using class members' information for debt collection purposes
Companies
Companies involved in the settlement have made significant changes to their agreements. American Web Loan Inc. is a key player in the settlement, with multiple deals being made against the company.
The company was accused of an illegal predatory lending scheme that exploited tribal immunity. This accusation led to a proposed class action lawsuit against American Web Loan Inc. and others.
A proposed class of over 600,000 borrowers was affected by the lawsuit. They urged a Virginia federal judge to grant final approval of a settlement that cancels millions of dollars of debt.
Here are the key terms of the settlement agreements:
The original deal was worth $141 million, with $32.4 million going towards attorney fees. The revised deal increased the cash payments to the proposed class by $21 million and cancelled thousands of additional loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a loan on my class action lawsuit?
Yes, you can borrow money on a class action lawsuit, but only up to 20% of the expected settlement amount. Learn more about pre-settlement funding options and how they work.
Where is American Web Loan located?
American Web Loan is based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. Find out more about their services and location.
Sources
- https://www.bermantabacco.com/case/american-web-loan-tribal-lending/
- https://www.classaction.org/news/american-web-loan-15-others-named-in-class-action-over-rent-a-tribe-predatory-lending-scheme
- https://www.hustlermoneyblog.com/american-web-loan-class-action-lawsuit/
- https://www.law360.com/cases/5a394c557e95f06d59000001/articles
- https://www.consumer-action.org/lawsuits/calendar/2020/11
Featured Images: pexels.com