Attorney General Larry Long and MetaBank Find Resolutions for Some Dan Nelson Automotive Victims 

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Larry Long and MetaBank of Sioux Falls announced today that help is on the way for some Dan Nelson Automotive customers. 

The Attorney General’s Office has received complaints and inquiries from consumers who have fallen victim as a result of Dan Nelson Automotive’s failure to satisfy liens on several trade-in vehicles. MetaBank is now offering to satisfy the unpaid liens.

"MetaBank has been proactive from the beginning and should be commended on their efforts," said Long. "My office has been working closely with MetaBank to find resolutions for these consumer issues and will continue to do so with those complaints that remain."

MetaBank President Tyler Haahr indicated that "Dan Nelson Automotive had agreed to pay these liens in connection with sales of vehicles to customers" and that "MetaBank had no obligation to pay the liens." Haahr also added that the Bank intends to liquidate the trade-in vehicles and assert a claim against the dealership bonds maintained by Dan Nelson Automotive in an attempt to recover a portion of the lien payoffs.

Fifteen South Dakota consumers are eligible to benefit from MetaBank’s offer. Some of these consumers had been making car payments on a vehicle they no longer owned, and MetaBank is also offering to reimburse consumers for such payments.

Long’s office contacted affected consumers by telephone last week and mailed letters to those consumers today. Consumers may contact Long’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986.

-30-