Consumer Alert:
Cash Advance America
Advance Fee Scam
October 26, 2012
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a report that an individual contacted a Washington consumer via telephone stating that the caller represented Cash Advance America. The consumer indicated to the caller that she did not obtain a loan from Cash Advance America as she refused to wire an upfront fee of $160. However, the caller threatened legal action against the consumer. Cash Advance America has been associated with the telephone number: 315-625-1913.
The company is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions, the Washington State Department of Licensing, and is not registered with the Washington State Department of Revenue or Washington Secretary of State.
Verify License
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 the DFI’s website at www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/findcompany.htm.
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.
Debt collectors cannot state or imply that failure to pay a debt is a crime. They cannot call before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. They cannot harass or abuse consumers, or contact consumers' places of employment.
Report Fraud
If you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the DFI at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.
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.
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.
