UPDATE: State fields flurry of Payton Wells complaints

Four complaints have been filed with the Indiana Attorney General’s Office against car dealer Payton Wells since he padlocked his three dealerships in late January. The number is a flurry compared to his record in recent years of only occasional complaints.

Wells abruptly closed his Chevrolet dealership at 1510 N. Meridian St. and his Chrysler and Ford dealerships in Anderson after Regions Bank sued Wells for $2.9 million, claiming he defaulted on a $3 million loan. At the time, a manager said the sites would reopen.

Each of the four complaints claim a contract was misrepresented. However, the Attorney General’s Office would not describe the filings in detail.

“We are collecting complaints from consumers,” said spokeswoman Sarah Rittman. “If we see a pattern of deceptive practices, we do take actions against violators.”

Rittman said the office has not determined a pattern of deceptive practices, but has been in contact with a Wells attorney to try to resolve the complaints.

Wells could not be reached for comment.