Alert Number: CA050228_4/29/19(4/20)
Updated: 05/06/2019
Originally posted: 11/16/2017

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received multiple complaints from Washington consumers of what appears to be debt a collection scam. Several consumers reported being contacted by entities alleging to be “Mediation Services” and “Mutual Mediations.” These entities claimed to be collecting debts owed for loans the consumers reported never occurred.

One consumer reported to receive threatening voicemails from Mediation Services. When the consumer called the number provided, the answering individual would not give the consumer any information about the source of the alleged debt. The consumer reported that several calls and voicemails were received.

Another consumer reported that someone claiming to represent Mediation Services had been leaving voicemails on the consumer’s personal phone. The caller identified himself as Kevin Reynold. The caller stated that he needed the consumer to contact him regarding a pending case against the consumer for an outstanding debt. The voicemail further stated that legal action would be taken if the debt was not paid immediately, and that the consumer would be waiving his rights if the consumer failed to respond.

One consumer reported being called by someone identifying himself as Brad Stevens from Mediation Services. The caller told the consumer he was collecting a debt owed for a payday loan, but refused to identify the name of the payday loan company. The caller claimed the consumer owed $700 for a payday loan taken out in 2010 that the consumer did not recognize. The consumer reported that the caller knew what bank the consumer used.

Another consumer reported being called multiple times by someone claiming to represent Mutual Mediations. The caller claimed the consumer owed $1,000 to National Group, LLC for a payday loan taken out in 2011 that the consumer did not recognize. The consumer reported the caller threatened that theft charges would be filed if the consumer did not enter into a payment plan.

These facts have been alleged by the consumers, and have not been verified by the Department.

The consumers reported the following contact information related to the calls:

Phone numbers:

1. 253*244*9739
2. 855*466*9581
3. 859*402*0778
4. 844*860*0904
5. 253*244*9981

Names: Kevin Reynolds |Brad Stevens

The entities perpetrating the apparent scams are not licensed by the Department and are not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State. The Department of Licensing licenses and regulates collection agencies under RCW 19.16.

Please note that the callers reported by the consumer should not be confused with the following businesses that are registered with the state:

• Mediation Services, LLC – Bellingham, WA (Inactive)
• Mediation Services, Melinda Branscomb – Vashon, WA

DFI warns Washington consumers:

Never send money or provide access to your bank or credit card in response to threatening telephone calls or emails you receive claiming that you owe a debt.
Never give any personal information, such as social security number, credit card, or bank account information to any individual, website, or company without first verifying their identity and license status.
Check that a financial services company or individual is properly licensed to conduct business in the state of Washington by using the “Verify a License” feature on the DFI’s website at http://www.dfi.wa.gov.
Check the license status of collection agencies with the State of Washington Department of Licensing at http://www.dol.wa.go