A television ad for Western Sky before it ceased operations.

Former clients of an Internet loan firm that was operated by a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota can apply for refunds under a settlement with the state of New York.

Consumers are entitled to refunds on illegal interest paid to Western Sky Financial. More than $20 million could be distributed.

"Thousands of New Yorkers who were the victims of exorbitant and illegal interest rates can receive meaningful relief through our settlement fund,” Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said in a press release. “I encourage all those eligible to take full advantage of this program. In these tough economic times, my office will continue to pursue all avenues for consumers and seek justice against anyone who defrauds them."

Claims must be submitted by August 5. More information can be found on www.westernskysettlement.com.

Get the Story:
Western Sky Accord to Yield Up to $20 Million, New York Says (Bloomberg News 5/20)

Related Stories:
Blog: Internet lenders can longer hide behind tribal immunity (4/11)
Indian-owned online lender enters settlement with Connecticut (4/10)
Indian-owned payday lender pays $1.5M fine in New York (1/24)