Date Posted: 
Monday, October 3, 2016

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers to never give any nonpublic person 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. Consumers can determine whether 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. Consumers can also check license status for collection agencies in the State of Washington with the Department of Licensing at www.dol.wa.gov.

DFI has received a complaint of what appears to be a possible debt collection scam. A Washington consumer reported receiving an email from individuals claiming to represent “OWW and Associates.” The email contained an agreement instructing the consumer to make payment arrangements for an alleged debt with “GTI Holdings” using “Intrinsic Tel Secure” processing.

The consumer then reported receiving threatening calls from a man claiming to be Steven Sanders. The caller instructed the consumer to make a payment to Diana Marshall or he would forward the consumer’s case to the sheriff’s department and issue a warrant for her arrest. The consumer proceeded to make two payments, via money transmission, to Diana Marshall.

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

Individuals:
Lauren Johnson
Steven Sander
Wayne Johnson
Diana Marshall

Address:
809 S West St
Atlanta, GA

Phone numbers:
866*285*0664
561*200*3378
410*220*0822
405*253*4755

Email address:
[Owwassoc@gmail.com]

OWW and Associates is not licensed by DFI nor registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing (DOL), the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State.

Debt Collection Laws

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 (FDCPA). If you receive a communication from a party claiming that a debt is owed, you should 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 debt collection laws, contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP, or online at www.ftc.gov.

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. See below for how to contact the appropriate state and federal regulator.

Prevent and Report Identity Theft

Consumers should never make payments over the phone or via email to a third part 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 and you should take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has information for victims of identity theft available online at www.ftc.gov.

Report Suspicious Activity, Scams or Fraud

Washington State residents only: If you suspect illegal or fraudulent activity involving a financial product or service, please contact the Department at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you feel you have been the victim of a 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 (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov. You may also wish to contact the Office of the Attorney general at www.atg.wa.gov.

If you feel you have been the victim of a scam involving the internet please contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov.

If you live in another state, go to this webpage to find the regulator in your home state. http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/contact/Pages/StateAgencyContacts.aspx.