Originally posted: September 1, 2015
Updated: July 7, 2017
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received reports of what appears to be a debt collection scam. Consumers reported that they have been contacted by telephone from people claiming to collect alleged debts owed to a company named Triple Services.
One Washington consumer stated “Ryan Snyder”, an individual claiming to represent Cardinal Services, contacted them via telephone, in an attempt to collect a debt allegedly owed to Triple Services. The consumer reported that Ryan Snyder stated a loan was taken out for $400 in 2010, and he threated to file paperwork in Clark County for a judgement of $1400. The consumer further reported that Ryan Snyder had their driver’s license number, last four digits of their social security number, current address, and their spouse’s phone number.
Another consumer was told by an unknown individual that legal papers would be filed and that the consumer needed to contact Ray Anderson, an alleged attorney, to make a payment of $671. The phone number showing on the consumer’s telephone was the actual phone number to a county courthouse. However, the consumer contacted the courthouse and confirmed there were no legal papers filed against him.
Another person calling himself “Michael Walker” claimed to be collecting a debt as an agent for a company called “Contact Solutions.” The agent alleged that the debt was owed to Triple Services, LLC. The consumer reported never obtaining a loan with Triple Services, LLC.
Here is the contact information that is associated with these apparent scams:
1*855*375*2986
773*270*1640
206*745*9693
officeofrayanderson@gmail.com
Those perpetrating these scams are not licensed by the DFI 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.
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 www.dfi.wa.gov
- Check the license status of collection agencies with the State of Washington Department of Licensing at www.dol.wa.gov.
Please note that these collection attempts should not be confused with the following company licensed to conduct business in Washington through the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and/or Department of Licensing:
CARDINAL SERVICES, INC.
Important Information for Washington State Consumers
Residents of the State of Washington are informed that Washington State law provides in RCW 31.45.105(1)(d) and (3) that a “small loan” (sometimes referred to as a “payday loan”) made by an unlicensed entity to a person physically located in Washington State is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State. A “small loan” is defined in RCW 31.45.073 and is a loan that does not exceed $700. Collection activities involving loans of $700 or less are subject to RCW 31.45.082, which limits the time, place, and manner in which a payday loan may be collected. Payday lenders must also provide borrowers with an installment plan if the borrower is not able to pay the small loan back when it is due.
Information About Federal Debt Collection Law
If you received a loan from a lender or owed money to a business and someone other than the lender or business is now attempting to collect from you, the collection activity may be subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. If you receive a communication from a party claiming that a debt is owed, you can request a “written validation notice,” which must include the amount of the debt, the name of the creditor you owe, and your rights under the FDCPA. If you have questions regarding federal debt collection laws, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftc.gov.
Prevent and Report Identity Theft
Consumers should never make payments over the phone or via email to a third party debt collector that refuses to provide a written validation notice. Even if the party seems to have some of your personal or financial information, you should not make payments or provide bank account or credit card information without receiving a written validation notice. If the scammers already have your bank account information, social security number, or other nonpublic information, you may be a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov.
If you feel you have been the victim of a financial scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, contact your bank and the three major credit bureaus. Procedures for contacting the credit bureaus are available on the FTC’s website at www.ftc.gov.
Report Suspicious Activity, Scams, or Fraud
If someone threatens to garnish your wages, contact your employer, or uses threatening, intimidating, or offensive language, report such actions to state and federal regulators.
Washington State residents only: If you are a victim of a collection scam or if you suspect illegal or fraudulent activity involving a financial product or service, please contact the Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov. You may also wish to contact the state of Washington Office of the Attorney General at www.atg.wa.gov.
If you live in another state, go to this webpage to find the regulator in your home state. http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/consumer/Pages/AgencyContacts.aspx.
All consumers, if you feel you have been the victim of a scam you might also want to contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov; or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at (855) 411-CFPB (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov.
If you feel you have been the victim of a scam involving the internet you may also contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov.