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Debbie Dujanovic Reporting There's a new development tonight in an Eyewitness News Investigation. Our investigative team exposed major troubles with a Provo debt relief company.
Debbie Dujanovic broke the story. She was with victims today when the learned they're getting their money back.
Fighting back tears, a former client told us today our investigation is why she's getting thousands of dollars back.
We were there today as Mascot Financial admitted to violating consumer law 232 times by illegally collecting up front fees.
Eyewitness News tracked down 40 unhappy customers in September who told us they fell deeper into debt after getting on the Mascot plan.
We took our investigation to state officials. Since, the company lost its permit and got hit with hundreds of thousands in fines.
Company president Scot Stobbe refused to comment after today's hearing, but former customers were happy to talk.
Reporter: "Are you going to pay victims back who were here today?"
Scot Stobbe/ Mascot Financial: "I told you I don't feel like discussing it."
Margaret Anderson/ Former Mascot Financial Client: "I had a lot of problems because of this. But I feel satisfied."
Reporter: "How much are you getting back?"
Margaret Anderson: "Thirty-nine."
Reporter: "Thirty-nine hundred?"
Margaret Anderson: "Uh huh."
Reporter: "How much money are you getting back?"
Lori Matthews/ Former Mascot Client: "Fifty-seven hundred."
Reporter: "Are you happy?"
Lori Matthews: "Extremely happy. This has been a real challenge for us, and it will help."
The state says it'll keep Mascot's insurance bond -- a hundred thousand dollars -- in reserve, in case more unhappy customers request a refund.
