Alert number: CA051662_02/04/20(2/21)
Alert updated: 02/04/2020
Originally posted: 06/04/2012
The State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received complaints from Washington consumers against Plain Green, LLC d/b/a Plain Green Loans (Plain Green). Consumers alleged Plain Green charged excessive fees and interest and did not provide consumers with repayment plan terms consistent with Washington State law. These allegations have not been verified by DFI.
It appears that Plain Green is operating as an online tribal lender not licensed in Washington State. Plain Green claims to be wholly owned by the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in Montana.
Plain Green is associated with the following contact information:
[plaingreenloans.com]
Phone: 866*420*7157
Fax: 866*420*7159
PO Box 42560
Philadelphia, PA 19101
1900 Frost Road, Suite 100
Bristol, PA 19007
93 Mack Road, Suite 600
PO Box 270
Box Elder, MT 59521
93 Mack Road, Suite 600
Box Elder, MT 59521
If you have a complaint against Plain Green, you can mail it to:
Plain Green Loans
Attn: Customer Support
93 Mack Road, Suite 600
PO Box 270
Box Elder, MT 59521
Plain Green is not licensed by DFI and is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing or the Secretary of State.
DFI warns Washington State 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.
Important Information for Consumers About Tribal Lenders Not Licensed in Washington State
- Washington State residents are informed that Washington 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 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.
- Washington State residents are also informed that Washington State law provides in RCW 31.04.035 that fees or interest charged in the making of a nonresidential loan by an unlicensed lender must be refunded to the borrower.
- Washington residents only: If you suspect unlicensed activity by a consumer loan company, please contact DFI at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov. Even if the activity involves a loan you obtained over the internet, a license is generally still required. If a collection agency is attempting to collect a debt from you, check that the company is licensed by the State of Washington Department of Licensing.
- Collection activities by payday lenders in the state of Washington are subject to RCW 31.45.082, which limits the time, place, and manner by which a payday lender may collect a debt. 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.
Important Information for All Consumers
- If you received a loan from a lender and someone else is now attempting to collect the loan, collection activity may be subject to the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). If you are contacted by a third party claiming you owe a debt, you can request a “written validation notice,” which must provide 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 (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at www.ftc.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a scam you can contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or online at www.ftc.gov; or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at 1-855-411-CFPB (2372) or online at www.consumerfinance.gov.
- If the scammers already have your bank account information, social security number, or other personal information, you may be a victim of identity theft. You can contact your bank and the three major credit bureaus take appropriate precautions. The FTC has information for victims of identity theft online at www.ftc.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a scam involving the internet you can contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center online at www.ic3.gov.
- If you feel you have been the victim of a financial scam, and are concerned about your personal financial information, you can contact your banking institution and the three major credit bureaus. Procedures for contacting the credit bureaus are available on the FTC’s website at www.ftc.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.