A Jacksonville agent has suddenly closed 3 locations, leaving customers wondering where to make the payments

Jacksonville, Florida. – Many customers of a suddenly closed car dealership fear that they can get their cars back through no fault of their own.

American Car Center is a Memphis-based company that laid off more than 300 employees at its headquarters last Friday. It also closed its doors at the three Jacksonville locations of Atlantic Boulevard, Cassat Avenue and Blanding Boulevard.

News4JAX I-TEAM has learned that the American auto hub has 45 dealerships in 10 states and, according to multiple reports, closed its doors the day after closing a deal that could have helped the company’s finances.

Customers who spoke with I-TEAM said they had received no warning of the company’s closure and that they did not know where to send their car payments.

Janet Steward rented a 2016 Ford Escape through the dealership and fears the implications of not being able to pay her bill.

“When I tried to log into my account to enter information, it was deleted. My account was deleted. The site was deleted. Steward said.

All American Car Center vehicles have trackers and immobilizer switches, which have the ability to disable the vehicle when the bill is not paid, Steward said.

“If you’re driving and let’s say you’re parked somewhere, to the store. If you don’t pay anything, they can turn off your engine since you can’t start your car at all,” she said.

Steward said she received a text message Wednesday night from Westlake Portfolio Management Group, which read in part:

“The best way to manage your lease is through the MyAccount portal,” which requires her to enter her personal information.

The Steward and other American auto center News4JAX customers who spoke with questioned the company’s legitimacy.

Officials in Tennessee said Westlake Financial Services is purchasing loans offered through the American Car Center subsidiary.

American Auto Center It has an updated website for customers to make paymentswhich includes a payment gateway, the option to pay by phone, and a site where you can pay by check.

Also, if you’re one of the hundreds of clients who’ve received a text message from Westlake Portfolio Management, you can call them, but just give them your account number and let a representative provide you with your personal information.

CFO Noah Logan reportedly sent the following email to employees:

“We have worked diligently over many months to avoid this outcome, but at this point, we have no effective choice. As of business closing today, February 24, 2023, employment of all Company employees will be terminated. On behalf of the Company, I thank you for your efforts and wish you well in your endeavours. future.”

American Auto Center is also now facing a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of its employees who were not notified that they were out of work.