Godfrey quick cash loan store targeted in class action

An Alton man claims a Godfrey quick-cash loan store illegally notified his employer of its intent to garnish his wages.

Mark A. Lewis, individually and on behalf of a group, filed a class action lawsuit May 31 in Madison County Circuit Court against Advance America, Cash Advance Centers of Illinois Inc.

Lewis says he signed a contract with Advance America in July 2010 that allowed for assignment of his wages if he failed to make proper payments on the loan.

In May 2012 Advance America faxed to Lewis' employer a notice of intent to assign wages, according to the complaint. Lewis contends that violates the Illinois Wage Assignment Act because the notice should have been served directly to him.

Lewis claims Advance America has served similar improper notices of wage assignment to employers of other customers. He asks to be appointed as representative for the class and seeks more than $50,000 in damages plus court costs.

Attorney Shari L. Murphy of Wood River represents the plaintiffs.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-924