Tom Dundon's accepted bid to purchase the Portland Trail Blazers has raised concerns due to his past involvement with companies accused of predatory lending practices. Oregon previously accused Santander Consumer USA, a company co-founded and led by Dundon, of exploiting residents through high-interest car loans. The state was also part of a multistate investigation into Exeter Finance, another subprime lender where Dundon held a leadership role.Local leaders, including Oregon's Governor and Portland's Mayor, have not publicly disclosed whether they were aware of Dundon's regulatory history. Financial experts suggest Dundon's record is significant, as his wealth was built on lending to individuals with poor credit. Dundon has defended his past practices, claiming he provided opportunities for those with bad credit to acquire vehicles.Santander Consumer USA stated that it has robust processes to protect customers and adhere to regulations. Exeter Finance is cooperating with the ongoing multistate investigation. The 2020 settlement with Santander Consumer involved over 265,000 borrowers nationwide, including 2,000 in Oregon.One consumer, AshLe' Penn, described a harrowing experience with Exeter Finance involving a high-interest loan and a late-night repossession attempt. Dundon's career in finance began in car dealerships, eventually leading to the growth of the subprime auto loan industry. Despite claims of providing access to transportation, companies like Santander Consumer have faced numerous consumer complaints. One Oregon resident, Kenneth Dost, detailed a dispute with Santander Consumer over a loan modification that resulted in his truck being repossessed and him still owing money.