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.
A Washington State consumer reports that he was targeted by a collection scam. The consumer confirmed that he was targeted after he applied for loans from unlicensed companies online. In the scam, people sent threatening e-mails demanding payment for a debt that the consumer did not owe. The scammers told the consumer that the “FTC” would file criminal charges against him if he did not pay and that his “SSN is put on hold” until he pays. A phony arrest warrant was attached to the e-mails.
The scammers claim to represent the “Bureau of Defaulters Agency – FTC Incorporation.” At least one of them claimed to work for Coley Law Associates in Columbia, Maryland. No such law firm exists. The scammers identified so far claim that their names are Chris Matthews, Mike Johnson, and Steven Brown. They are using the following contact information.
m.davis.law156@hotmail.com
usa.attorney.lawcourt@outlook.com
court.lawsuit.mike@outlook.com
attorneyoflaw345@hotmail.com
fdcpa.law.usa@outlook.com
205-679-3971
317-268-5660
410-501-5474
443-938-9229
The Bureau of Defaulters Agency – FTC Incorporation is not licensed by DFI. It is also not licensed as a collection agency by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Consumers should also be aware that the Federal Trade Commission does not file criminal charges against consumers who default on consumer debt.
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.
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.
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.
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; or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online at www.consumerfinance.gov. 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.
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.
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.