Updated: November 30, 2015
Originally posted: February 22, 2011

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify the license of any lender they consider doing business with. If consumers are contacted by debt collectors, consumers should verify that debt that being collected is debt that the consumer actually owes. DFI urges consumers to verify the debt before making payment arrangements or giving out nonpublic personal information.

DFI has received complaints about what appears to be a collection scam. Consumers report receiving calls or e-mails claiming that the consumers owe debts that they do not actually owe. This scam appears to target consumers who applied for loans from unlicensed companies online. The people behind this scam claim that the consumers owe debt to companies with “ACS” in their names or the initials “ACS.” Examples include:

• American Cash Services
• American Cash Services USA
• Advance Cash Services
• Ace Cash Services
• ACS Legal Group

Some consumers report receiving repeated harassing collection calls. The callers call consumers at work and home. In some cases, they have called consumers’ credit references. The callers often threaten legal action. Many of the callers claim to be attorneys or members of law enforcement. The callers often have the consumer’s personal information such as checking account numbers and social security numbers.

Other consumers report receiving repeated harassing e-mails. These e-mails also threaten legal action, and may come from senders claiming to be attorneys or members of law enforcement. The people sending these e-mails also have access to consumers’ personal information.

The following contact information has been associated with this apparent scam:

210-775-2534
229-384-5700
303-261-8949
315-507-8391
347-468-8535
347-468-8964
404-410-2486
413-835-4855
607-595-1838
609-325-2479
629-325-2479
714-929-7223
832-232-0384

acs.legalassistance.us@gmail.com
collections@ace-cashexpress.com
collections.cashnet.us@gmail.com
collection.debt.acs@acs-settlement.com
corporations.legalorg@gmail.com
debt.collections@pcs-department.com
johnsmithacs@outlook.com
settlement.department@acscorps.com

None of the above-listed companies are licensed by DFI. These companies are also not registered with the Secretary of State, do not have a license to do business in Washington State, and are not licensed collection agencies.

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Payday Loan Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC HELP, or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) warns consumers to verify that any lender with which they consider doing business holds the appropriate license. Consumers are urged to verify licensing status prior to giving lenders nonpublic personal information, such as social security and checking account numbers.

DFI received a complaint against Instant Loan d/b/a instantloan.net (“Instant Loan”). It appears that this entity is operating an advance fee payday loan scam. Instant Loan is not licensed with the Department. Often times an unlicensed business will require that consumers pay fees in advance of receiving a loan but will not provide the loan after receiving consumers’ funds.

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the Department’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.

Payday Loan Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 382-4357 (1-877-FTC HELP), or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, go to the following webpage to find the regulator in your home state:http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that they any lender they considered doing business with is licensed by DFI. DFI urges consumers to verify licensing status before giving the lender nonpublic personal information, such as social security number and checking account access.

DFI has received complaints against Sierra Finance, LLC d/b/a Sierra Lending (Sierra Lending). Sierra Lending is an online lender that asserts that it is wholly owned by the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, a federally-recognized Indian Tribe, and that it has sovereign immunity. Based on its claim of sovereign immunity, it asserts that it is not subject to regulation by the DFI and that only the United States Government has jurisdiction over federally recognized Indian Tribes and their business activities.

Sierra Lending is not licensed by DFI. Sierra Lending is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State.

Sierra Lending operates a website at http://www.sierralending.com. Its contact information is:

Email: customerservice@sierralending.com

Mail Address: PO Box 647
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Phone Number: 855-556-9477
Fax Number: 877-727-0525

If you have a complaint against Sierra Lending you can contact the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel’s contact information is:

Phone Number: 760-765-0845
Fax Number: 760-765-2545
Email Address: info@iipaymantion-nsn.gov
Mailing Address: PO Box 130
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the Department’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.

Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 382-4357 (1-877-FTC HELP), or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, go to the following webpage to find the regulator in your home state:http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

Updated: 01/08/2016
Originally Posted: 02/18/2014

Washington State consumers report that entities calling themselves Priority Payday, Priority Payday Loan, and Priority Payday Loan Servicing LLC may be operating advanced fee loan scams.

One consumer reported that she submitted her personal information on several loan matching websites and, a short time later, she received phone calls and e-mails from entities offering her advance fee loans. Among those was Priority Payday. A representative of Priority Payday named John Benson offered the consumer a $3,000 loan if the consumer paid an advance fee of $219.98. Attached to John Benson’s e-mail were phony loan documents.

A second consumer received a similar e-mail from a person calling himself Robert Clark. Robert Clark claimed to represent Priority Payday Loan and Priority Payday Loan Servicing LLC. Phony loan documents were also attached to Robert Clark’s e-mail.

These apparent scams are associated with the following contact information:

209-916-4711
585-200-5788
585-633-7621
prioritydayday@hotmail.com
robertclark2717@gmail.com
http://www.pdiloans.com

DFI contacted the company providing phone service to Priority Payday. Based on phone records obtained, it appears that Priority Payday is located in India.

Priority Payday, Priority Payday Loan, and Priority Payday Loan Servicing LLC are not licensed to provide loans in Washington State. They are also not licensed to otherwise do business in Washington State. DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those consumer lenders that are properly licensed. Consumers can determine whether companies are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the Department’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) has received a complaint from a consumer in Washington against an entity by the name of Professional Legal Aid a/k/a Professional Law Assist (“PLA”).

This entity appears to be providing or holding itself out to the public as able to provide loan modification services, and is not licensed by DFI to do so.

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the Department’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, go to the following webpage to find the regulator in your home state:http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

Also Doing Business As

• Rolling Plains Cash
• Green Circle

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that any lender with which they consider doing business holds a Washington State license for providing payday loan services. Consumers are urged to verify licensing status prior to giving the lender nonpublic personal information, such as social security number and checking account access.

DFI has received complaints against The Wakpamni Lake Community Corporation (WLCC) d/b/a Rolling Plains Cash & Green Circle. It appears that this entity is operating as a tribal online small loan (payday) lender. WLCC claims to be owned by Oglala Sioux Tribe, a federally recognized Indian Tribe, which is protected by sovereign immunity and not subject to regulation by Washington State.

WLCC is not licensed by DFI and is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State. Washington residents are advised that state law provides in RCW 31.45.105(1)(d) and (3) that a small loan made by an unlicensed entity to a person physically located in Washington is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State.

WLCC operates the following websites:

http://www.rollingplainscash.com
http://www.getgreencircle.com
http://www.blvdcash.com
http://www.checkadvanceusa.net
http://www.arrowheadadvance.com
http://www.foxhillscash.com
http://www.cashoncloud9.com
http://www.easycashonlinestore.com

If you have a complaint against WLCC d/b/a Rolling Plains Cash & Green Circle, you can contact the following representative from WLCC:

Sue Arigi
Director of Compliance – WLCC
888-570-1161, Ext. 111
sarigi@learn2comply.net

Further, if an unlicensed organization attempts to collect a debt by threatening wage garnishment, criminal penalty, or other legal action, please contact the Federal Trade Commission at the contact information listed below.

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the Department’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov.

Payday Loan Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 382-4357 (1-877-FTC HELP), or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, go to the following webpage to find the regulator in your home state:http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

“ACE CASH GROUP” SHOULD NOT BE CONFUSED WITH ACE CASH EXPRESS, WHICH IS A LICENSED LENDER IN WASHINGTON

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a report of what appears to be a debt collection scam.

Recently, a Washington State consumer received an e-mail that claims that the consumer failed to repay a loan from “ACE Cash Group.” The e-mail threatens to contact the consumer’s employer and threatens legal action if the debt is not paid by a certain date. The e-mail also contains the consumer’s personal information. The consumer stated that he does not owe the debt being collected. This scam may have targeted the consumer because he applied for an online payday loan in the past.

The following e-mail address and phone number have been associated with this apparent scam:

Email: jackbrown@acecashgroup.org
Tel: 1-202-239-0781

ACE Cash Group is not licensed to make loans in Washington State and is not licensed in Washington as a collection agency or debt buyer. It appears that ACE Cash Group is operating from outside of the United States.

DFI cautions that unlicensed entities often engage in certain practices that indicate they are committing a fraud or otherwise violating Washington State law. For instance, such entities often use non-business email addresses (such as @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or other similar easily obtained email addresses) to send correspondence, threaten legal or criminal action if consumers do not reply immediately, or contain a variety of typographical and spelling errors in their correspondence to consumers.

However, at times, e-mails or letters from unlicensed entities engaging in fraudulent activity will contain accurate personal information, such as current or past addresses, active phone numbers, or social security numbers. DFI encourages consumers who receive communications containing personal information to contact their banks, credit reporting agencies, and the Social Security Administration to ensure there is no unauthorized activity on their accounts.

In all circumstances, DFI also strongly suggests verifying the business licensee of entity that is requesting personal or financial information, or attempting to collect funds.

Verify Licenses

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Report Fraud

If you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a lender, report directly to your state regulator: find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that any lender with which they consider doing business holds a Washington State license for providing any type of loan services. Consumers are urged to verify licensing status prior to giving the lender nonpublic personal information, such as social security number and checking account access.

DFI has received a complaint from a Washington State consumer against Mountain Summit Financial, Inc. It appears that this entity is operating as an online payday lender at the following website: http://www.mountainsummitfinancial.com and may be charging fees in excess of the fees permissible under Washington State law. Mountain Summit Financial, Inc. asserts that it is wholly owned by the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, a federally-recognized Indian Tribe.

Mountain Summit Financial, Inc. is not licensed by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions. This entity is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State. Washington residents are advised that state law provides in RCW 31.45.105(1)(d) and (3) that a small loan made by an unlicensed entity to a person physically located in Washington is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State.

Mountain Summit Financial, Inc. operates a website at http://www.mountainsummitfinancial.com and lists its phone number as 855-819-7200 and its email address as customerservice@mountainsummitfinancial.com. The address that has been associated with this entity is:

Mountain Summit Financial, Inc.
635 E. Hwy 20
Upper Lake, CA 95485

If you have a complaint against Mountain Summit Financial, Inc. you can submit it to the company through their legal counsel at:

Karina Alvarez, Esq.
Rosette, LLP Attorneys at Law
193 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 255
Folsom, California 95630

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.

Payday Loan Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC HELP, or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Debt collectors cannot state or imply that failure to pay a debt is a crime. They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. They cannot harass or abuse consumers, or contact consumers’ places of employment.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that any lender with which they consider doing business holds a Washington State license for providing loans. Consumers are urged to verify licensing status prior to giving the lender nonpublic personal information, such as social security number and checking account access.

DFI received a complaint for what appears to be an advanced fee loan scam. The consumer reported that she used an online lender portal “Personal Money Network” and was reportedly approved for $5,000.00 loan. The consumer informed the lender that she only needed a $2,500.00. The lender then told her she would need to provide “proof” that she could repay the loan by sending the lender $120.00 via MoneyGram. Though the consumer complied, the lender required several additional payments, and subsequently did not provide the loan amount. The lender also threatened to prosecute the consumer for “failing to pay her taxes” if she failed to provide additional funds. The consumer received paperwork from “Personal Money Network,” which appears to have contained a doctored company logo from personalmoneynetwork.com.

Previously, DFI received a complaint where a consumer received unsolicited phone call from someone from Easy Loans, claiming an association with Personal Money Network and Adworkz. The consumer was told he was approved for a $5000.00 loan, but would need to provide cash in advance to improve his credit score and the terms of the loan. After providing the cash amount, the consumer did not receive the loan and was not refunded the money he advanced for purposes of obtaining the loan.

Easy Loan is not licensed with the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions to make loans. They are not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State. Adworkz, Inc. d/b/a Personal Money Network is a registered company, and appears to have no affiliation with Easy Loan. Adworkz d/b/a Personal Money Network reported to DFI that it has notified relevant law enforcement agencies of the debt collection scam.

The following contact information is associated with Easy Loan.

Phone: 815-981-8750
224-333-1840
224-333-1734
224-293-4199
877-678-6771
239-400-0550
224-293-4199

Names: Fenny Oscar

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.

Payday Loan Debt Collection Laws

Collection activities are subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Therefore, if you have questions regarding debt collection laws please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC HELP, or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

Debt collectors cannot state or imply that failure to pay a debt is a crime. They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. They cannot harass or abuse consumers, or contact consumers’ places of employment.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a report of what appears to be an advance fee scam.

Recently, a Washington State consumer was contacted by someone claiming to represent Rosenblatt Financial Center. The representative stated the consumer was approved for a $5,000 loan but would first need to provide Rosenblatt Financial Center several payments via Western Union or MoneyGram. The consumer sent Rosenblatt Financial Center $748 via Western Union but has to date not received the proposed loan.

Rosenblatt Financial Center is not licensed to make loans in Washington State and is not licensed in Washington as a collection agency or debt buyer. Despite the address provided by Rosenblatt Financial Center to the Washington State consumer listed below, DFI has received information indicating that Rosenblatt Financial Center is operating from outside of the United States.

The following e-mail address and phone number have been associated with this apparent scam:

Email: Courtneysheppard@rosenblattcenter.com
Tel: (866) 724-8882
Address: 1620 5th Ave Ste 110
San Diego, CA 92101

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions cautions that unlicensed entities often engage in certain practices that indicate they are committing a fraud or otherwise violating Washington State law. For instance, such entities often use non-business email addresses (such as @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or other similar easily obtained email addresses) to send correspondence, threaten legal or criminal action if consumers do not reply immediately, or contain a variety of typographical and spelling errors in their correspondence to consumers.

However, at times, e-mails or letters from unlicensed entities engaging in fraudulent activity will contain accurate personal information, such as current or past addresses, active phone numbers, or social security numbers. DFI encourages consumers who receive communications containing personal information to contact their banks, credit reporting agencies, and the Social Security Administration to ensure there is no unauthorized activity on their accounts.

In all circumstances, DFI also strongly suggests verifying the business licensee of entity that is requesting personal or financial information, or attempting to collect funds.

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

Updated: 01/15/2016
Originally posted: 08/16/2013

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that any lender with which they consider doing business holds a Washington State license for providing payday loan services. Consumers are urged to verify licensing status prior to giving the lender nonpublic personal information, such as social security number and checking account access.

DFI has received a complaint against Arrow One, LLC d/b/a Arrow One Lending (Arrow One). The complaint alleges that representatives from Arrow One were attempting to collect on a small loan by engaging in unlawful debt collection practices, such as calling at odd hours, at an excessive frequency, by threatening wage garnishment, and threatening either civil suit or criminal prosecution.

It appears that Arrow One is operating as a Tribal online payday lender. Representatives from Arrow One stated it the entity wholly owned by the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel and that it is therefore not subject to DFI’s regulations (claiming that a concept known as sovereign immunity applies). As a result, Arrow One, LLC claims it is only subject to the United States federal government’s regulations.

Arrow One, LLC d/b/a Arrow One Lending is not licensed by DFI. This entity is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State. Washington residents are advised that state law provides in RCW 31.45.105(1)(d) and (3) that a small loan made by an unlicensed entity to a person physically located in Washington is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State.

Arrow One, LLC d/b/a Arrow One Lending has been associated with the following web address: http://www.arrowonelending.com, telephone number: (855) 836-3647, fax: (855) 727-0530, email address: customerservice@arrowonelending.com, and mailing address: PO Box 648, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070.

If you have a complaint against Arrow One, LLC d/b/a Arrow One Lending, you may wish to contact:

Arrow One, LLC
PO Box 648
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website atwww.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to verify that any lender they consider doing business with has a license to make loans in Washington State. DFI urges consumers to verify licensing status before giving lenders nonpublic personal information (like social security and checking account numbers).

A group calling itself “Lending Expo USA” appears to be operating an advanced fee loan scam. A Washington State consumer reports that Lending Expo USA offered her a $70,000 loan in exchange for an advanced fee. The consumer paid the fee and Lending Expo USA then demanded payment for additional fees. This cycle continued until the consumer paid nearly $14,000 in advance fees. In the end, the consumer did not receive the promised loan or a refund. The consumer advises that she located Lending Expo USA online. It appears that Lending Expo USA may be targeting distressed homeowners.

Lending Expo USA may be using the e-mail address lendingexpo@usa.com and may be advertising online. A phone number associated with Lending Expo USA is 323-473-3122. DFI has no other identifying information for Lending Expo USA.

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a complaint of what appears to be an advance fee scam.

Recently, a Washington State consumer applied for a consumer loan through Minkowski Finance Group. This entity required that the consumer pay three payments upfront prior to receiving the loan. The consumer provided payments totaling $487.00 but did not receive the promised loan. Subsequently, Minkowski Finance Group requested additional payments and the consumer refused. When the consumer requested a refund of funds provided to Minkowski Finance Group, he was continuously told that the payment would be deposited into his account, but the refund was never processed. It appears that Minkowski Finance Group is engaging in fraudulent activity or otherwise violating Washington State law.

The following contact information has been associated with this apparent scam:
Representative: Brandon Baxter
Email: contactus@minkowskigroup.com
Tel: 1-866-503-2568
Address: 98 Battery St Suite 405
San Francisco, CA

Minkowski Finance Group is not licensed with the Department of Financial Institutions to make loans in Washington State.

DFI cautions that unlicensed entities often engage in certain practices that indicate they are committing a fraud or otherwise violating Washington State law. For instance, such entities often require advance fees or personal information. Such entities often use non-business email addresses (such as @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, or other similar easily obtained email addresses) to send correspondence, threaten legal or criminal action if consumers do not reply immediately, or contain a variety of typographical and spelling errors in their correspondence to consumers.

In all circumstances, DFI also strongly suggests verifying the business licensee of entity prior to engaging in lending activity such as obtaining a loan.

Verify License

DFI strongly recommends that consumers deal only with those lenders that are properly licensed to conduct business. Consumers can determine whether lenders are properly licensed using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov.

Report Fraud

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov(link is external); or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online atwww.consumerfinance.gov(link is external). Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam involving the Internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov(link is external).

If you feel you have been the victim of a loan scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your banking institution, and the three major credit bureaus.