Alert number: CA055976_041323(4/24)
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a complaint from a Washington State consumer against Sokaogon Chippewa Community Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Sokaogon) doing business as Post Lake Lending, Inc. (Post Lake Lending). The consumer reported obtaining a loan from Post Lake Lending with excessive fees and interest.
According to its response to Department inquiries and its website, Post Lake Lending is a “Native American owned business operated by the Tribe” and “a federally recognized sovereign Indian nation (the "Tribe") that adheres to federal consumer financial protection laws and operates within the boundaries of the Tribe's reservation.” Post Lake Lending maintains it is a “Tribal Entity” that is a “domestic dependent nation” that exercises “inherent sovereign authority.” Post Lake, therefore, further claims it has immunity from state enforcement and investigatory actions.
Post Lake Lending is not licensed in Washington State by the Department, by the Washington State Department of Licensing, by the Washington State Department of Revenue, or by the Washington State Secretary of State.
It appears that Post Lake Lending operates a website at [www.postlakelending.com] and lists its contact information as:
Post Lake Lending
P.O. Box 368
Crandon, WI 54520
Toll Free Number: 888*204*9549
Corporate Hotline: 888*205*0023
[support@postlakelending.com]
Fax: 920*442*4679
DFI warns Washington consumers that before doing business with a financial service provider the consumer should:
Make sure that the entity is licensed. Consumers can use the “Verify a License” feature on DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov to check whether a payday or consumer loan company is licensed to conduct business in the state of Washington.
Not provide any personal information, such as social security number or bank account number or access if the company is not licensed or authorized to conduct business.
Report Unlicensed Lending Activity or Fraud
Washington State residents only: If you suspect unlicensed activity by a payday lender or consumer loan company, please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov. Even if your activity involves a loan over the internet, a license may still be required.
If you live in another state, find the regulator in your home state.