JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Whitney Davis leased her vehicle just days before the Memphis-based American Car Care Center closed shop at multiple locations across the country, including three in Jacksonville, in February.
Five months later, she is still trying to get permanent license plates for her Chevrolet SUV from Westlake Portfolio Management, which bought the loans made through American Car Center’s subsidiary.
Davis said she has been subjected to taking monthly trips to the tax collector’s office to purchase a temporary license plate. She has held five license plates since February.
“Money’s being wasted, and nothing is being done,” Davis said.
The News4JAX I-TEAM looked into Davis’ complaint and learned that Davis is not the only customer having issues with Westlake Portfolio Management.
According to filings by the Better Business Bureau, there have been multiple complaints against Westlake’s services since American Car Care Center’s closure.
The I-TEAM contacted the company on Monday and was told that they were not able to talk about Davis’s situation or other customers. The company also urged its customers to be patient as it deals with thousands of leases following the sudden transfer in February.
Davis said the tax collector’s office has instructed her to email the governor and file a formal complaint with the Division of Motorist Services. She has already done both, with no luck.
Northeast Better Business Bureau president Tom Stephens said it typically costs $300 to $400 to take legal action against a company.
Davis said she either wants the title to the vehicle or her money back.
