The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns consumers that before doing business with a financial institution, company, or individual, they should make sure that the entity is properly licensed. Consumers are urged to verify license status prior to giving the financial institution, company, or individual any nonpublic personal information, such as social security number or bank account number or access.
DFI received a complaint indicating that “investigators” claiming to represent “Legal Mediation Services” contacted a consumer via telephone about the collection of a debt. The debt was purported to be from Direct Lending. The individuals alleged that an arrest warrant was put out for the consumer. The consumer reported that she has never conducted business with either entity.
Information included in the complaint:
Representative:
Tracey, “Investigator”
Mr. Wilson, “Investigator”
Phone number: 859*208*0826
BE ADVISED, “DIRECT LENDING” IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE FOLLOWING LICENSED AND REGISTERED COMPANIES IN WASHINGTON STATE:
DIRECT LOANS ONLINE, INC d/b/a DIRECT LENDING GROUP
B & E PERSONNEL SERVICES, INCORP d/b/a DIRECT LENDING
DIRECT LENDING GROUP, INC
Those perpetrating this scam are not related to the properly-licensed companies listed above, and are not licensed by DFI nor registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State.
Debt Collection Laws
Collection activities by third parties are 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 please contact the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC HELP or online at www.ftc.gov.
Report Fraud
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. 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.
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 feel you have been the victim of a financial scam and are concerned about your personal financial information, 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.