http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts.htm Consumer alerts from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions http://www.finra.org/Newsroom/NewsReleases/2012/P126297 The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a new Investor Alert called Nutraceutical Stock Scams—Don't Supplement Your Portfolio With These Companies to warn investors about stock scams related to companies selling everything from fortified foods and energy drinks to natural medicines. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2012/crowdfunding.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions issued an advisory today warning investors to approach crowdfunding investment opportunities with great caution. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/sterling-lending-group-website.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that sterlinglendinggroup.net appears to be operating a loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/island-finance-llc.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Island Finance LLC is not licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State. http://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/pre_ipo_scams.htm The Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is issuing this updated Investor Alert to warn investors about investment scams that purport to offer investors the opportunity to buy pre-IPO shares of companies, including social media and technology companies such as Facebook and Twitter. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/pacifica-credit-services.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that PCS Pacifica Credit Services appears to be conducting a payday loan collection scheme. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/fore-foundation.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Fore Foundation is not licensed to offer short sales services in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/blumer-chase-financial.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Blumer and Chase Financial is not licensed to provide escrow services in Washington, especially regarding the sale of timeshares. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/another-level-capital-group.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Another Level Capital Group is not licensed to provide loan modifications in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/new-caledonia.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that New Caledonia Inc appears to be conducting a loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/usa-payday-loan.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that USA Payday Loan appears to be conducting an advance fee scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/global-group-holdings-llc.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Global Group Holdings LLC is not properly licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/correa-loan-firm.htm Correa Loan Firm appears to be offering unlicensed consumer loans to Washington residents. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/us-loan-servicing.htm US Loan Servicing LLC may be conducting an advance fee loan scam. They do not have a listed address but are representing themselves as operating in Seattle, WA. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/home-care-alliance-group.htm Consumers have reported that they were contacted via telephone by Home Care Alliance Group a/k/a Home Protection Firm (Home Care Alliance). Home Care Alliance Group was paid fees for third party loan modification services that were not provided. The principals of record have been identified as Dan Clark, Mark Sanders, Dennis Scott, Stephanie Smith, Oliver Hamilton and Ryan Lopez. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/unauthorized-use-of-loan-originator-name.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a tip that an individual posing as a Washington State loan originator is offering loans and soliciting non-public personal information, possibly in preparation of identity theft or an advance fee loan scam. The e-mails use the name "Ryan John Lengle," and the address 1818 Westlake Avenue, #317, Seattle, WA 98109. DFI contacted the loan originator in question, Ryan Christopher Lengle, who indicated that the address above is his former address. Mr. Lengle also confirmed that he is not the source of the e-mails. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-legal-help.htm The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has been notified that a group using the names “855LAW5559” and “National Legal Help” has misrepresented that the OCC has directed their organization to send foreclosure grant review correspondence to banking consumers. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/olympia-federal-savings-counterfeit.htm Olympia Federal Savings has reported that counterfeit official checks issued in the bank’s name and using a correct routing number of 092005411 are being presented for payment nationwide in connection with online employment opportunities. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/counterfeit-checks-law-firms.htm The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) continues to receive reports of counterfeit check schemes targeting U.S. law firms. The scammers contact lawyers via e-mail, claiming to be overseas and requesting legal representation in collecting a debt from third parties located in the U.S. The law firms receive a retainer agreement and a check payable to the law firm. The firms are instructed to deposit the check, take out retainer fees, and wire the remaining funds to banks in China, Korea, Ireland, or Canada. After the funds are wired overseas, the checks are determined to be counterfeit. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/ccr-associates.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents of a payday loan collection scam where an individual claims to be collecting debt on behalf of CCR and Associates. The caller threatens legal action against the consumer for nonpayment of the debt. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/platinum-acceptance-corp.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents Platinum Acceptance Corp is not licensed to provide loan modifications in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mcadden-group.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that McAdden Group LLC was paid fees for third party loan modification services that were not provided. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/first-heritage-financial.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that First Heritage Financial appears to be operating an advance fee loan scam and is not licensed to provide loans in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/intertrust-financial-services.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning Washington residents that Intertrust Financial Services appears to be operating an advance fee loan scam and is not licensed to provide loans in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/advantage-cash-advance.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a complaint from a consumer who reported they obtained an online payday loan from Advantage Cash Advance. The consumer alleged that after receiving a payday loan the company was unwilling to provide a payment plan and charged excessive fees. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mynextpaycheck.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a complaint from a consumer who attempted to obtain an online payday loan from the entity, MyNextPayCheck, using the website, mynextpaycheck.com. The consumer alleged that this entity improperly processed her application for a payday loan and may have disseminated her personal information to third parties. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/insight-capital.htm Consumers have reported that they have been contacted by individuals claiming to represent Insight Capital/TTG Services/M. Callahan and Associates, LLC using the representative name of Brad Owens. The representative has called from telephone number 800-402-4043 and has been reported to threaten criminal charges for check fraud, and other behavior not compliant with federal and state collection agent laws. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/ecash-advance.htm The Washington State Department of Financial (DFI) received a complaint from a consumer related to transactions entered into with e-cash-advance.com. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/olympia-credit-union-counterfeit-checks.htm Olympia Credit Union has contacted the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Olympia Credit Union are in circulation.. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/payday-quick-cash.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a complaint from a consumer who obtained an online payday loan from the entity, Payday Quick Cash. The consumer alleged that this entity withdrew excess funds from his bank account. Payday Quick Cash is not licensed to do business in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/archway.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a complaint from a consumer who obtained an online payday loan from the entity, Archway. The consumer alleged that this entity withdrew excess funds from his bank account. Archway is not licensed by DFI, or registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/i-lenders-ast.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received a complaint from a consumer who obtained an online payday loan from the entity, I Lenders AST. The consumer alleged that this entity withdrew excess funds from her bank account. I Lenders AST is not licensed by DFI, or registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/de-la-cruz-law-firm.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has received complaints from consumers relating to transactions entered into with De La Cruz Law Firm (De La Cruz). De La Cruz is not licensed to do business in Washington State. http://www.ic3.gov/media/2012/120221.aspx The FBI is warning of new variations on telephone collection scams related to delinquent payday loans. http://federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/other/20120215a.htm People seeking a review of their mortgage foreclosures under the Independent Foreclosure Review now have until July 31, 2012, to submit their requests. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USFDIC-2effb0 The FDIC is warning of another fraudulent email making the rounds with their name on it. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2012/settlement.htm State attorneys general negotiate deal with five major mortgage servicers, including funds to assist homeowners with under water mortgages, those facing foreclosure and victims of unfair foreclosure practices. http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USFDIC-2e2d32 The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent e-mails that have the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/timeshare-scams.htm A warning from the FBI. Timeshare owners across the country are being scammed out of millions of dollars by unscrupulous companies that promise to sell or rent the unsuspecting victims’ timeshares. In the typical scam, timeshare owners receive unexpected or uninvited telephone calls or e-mails from criminals posing as sales representatives for a timeshare resale company. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/high-returns.htm Following the Federal Reserve’s announcement that interest rates are expected to remain low until at least late 2014, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is cautioning investors to beware of risky or outright fraudulent investments promising higher yield or returns. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/st-armands.htm DFI has received complaints from residents regarding St. Armand's offering unlicensed payday loans and withdrawing funds from consumers' accounts without their permission. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/manchester-capital-trust.htm DFI has received complaints from residents regarding Manchester Capital Trust operating an advance fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/etrade-ars-website.htm The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) announced that a toll-free hotline and website have been established to assist investors who purchased auction rate securities (ARS) through E*TRADE Securities LLC. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/department-of-justice.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding a debt collection scam fraudulently using the Department of Justice name. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/everest-cash-advance.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Everest Cash Advance not being licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State and possibly charging undisclosed renewal fees. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/prevention-solutions.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Prevention Solutions LLC not being licensed to provide loan modifications in Washington State despite mailing Washington residents with advertisements, and possibly being involved in a mortgage rescue scheme. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/one-click-cash.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding One Click Cash not being properly licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State and possibly exceeding Washington loan limits. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/bottom-dollar-payday-loan-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Bottom Dollar Payday Loan Services not being properly licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/action-payday.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Action Payday not being properly licensed to provide payday loans in Washington State and possibly withdrawing excess fees from borrowers. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/countrywide-doj.htm Information about the Department of Justice Countrywide settlement and who to contact if you have questions. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/law-office-of-loan-mod-scam.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding scam artists posing as employees of the Law Office of Matthew T. Desrochers to conduct a loan modification scam. http://investor.gov/sites/default/files/REITs.pdf Investor bulletin from the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/citizens-home-advocacy.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Citizens Home Advocacy and Mandy Peacock not being licensed to provide loan modifications. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/us-loan-assistance-center.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding US Loan Assistance Center not being licensed to provide loan modifications. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/saint-judes-home-rescue.htm Washington State consumers have reported that Saint Judes Home Rescue LLC, William Alvaro, and Seth Clements were paid fees for third party loan modification services that were not provided. After Consumers paid fees to these individuals, all contact with the consumer stopped. More in the alert from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/foreclosure-review.htm Information for Washington homeowners regarding the independent foreclosure review program announced by the Federal Government. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-housing-modification-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding National Housing Modification Services providing unlicensed loan modification services. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/armstrong-lending-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Armstrong Lending Services of Seattle providing unlicensed consumer loans. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/legacy-group-lending.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding individuals using the legitimate company name, Legacy Group Lending, to conduct an advance fee scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cash-usa.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Cash USA conducting a possible payday loan collection scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/ids-solutions.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding IDS Solutions conducting a possible payday loan collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/penny-stocks.htm Information from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) about Penny Stock fraud and how to protect yourself. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/internet-finance-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Internet Finance Services and Corey Webber harassing Washington residents with a payday loan debt collection scam. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/payday.shtm After the Federal Trade Commission filed an action in U.S. district court, a payday lender that allegedly attempted to illegally garnish consumers’ wages has agreed to stop the challenged conduct pending trial. As part of its continuing crackdown on scams that target consumers in financial distress, the FTC complaint alleges that Payday Financial, LLC, doing business as Lakota Cash and Big Sky Cash, along with other defendants, illegally attempted to garnish consumers’ wages without obtaining a court order, to collect payments on payday loans. As a result, the defendants illegally revealed consumers’ supposed debts to their employers and deprived consumers of their right to dispute the debts or make payment arrangements, the FTC alleges. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/save-my-home.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Save My Home, Selig Law Group and Krista Selig not being licensed to provide loan modifications in Washington State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/education/investments/social-networks.htm Tips from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and North American Securities Administrators Association on how to avoid social networking investment scams. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/fidelity-national-legal-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Fidelity National Legal Services operating a possible loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/pacific-credit-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Pacific Credit Services harassing Washington residents and operating a possible payday loan collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/namakan-capital.htm DFI received a complaint from a consumer relating to a transaction entered into with Namakan Capital. The consumer alleged that she obtained an online payday loan from this entity and that it debited more money from her account than was owed. http://fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/index.html The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of fraudulent emails that have the appearance of being from the FDIC. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/western-sky-financial.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Western Sky Financial, Martin Webb, and Payday Financial LLC dba Lakota Cash not being licensed to offer payday loans to Washington residents. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/nationalpayday.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Nationalpayday.com not being licensed to offer payday loans to Washington residents. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/guardian-advocate-group.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Guardian Advocate Group conducting a possible loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/accreditation-consideration-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Accreditation Consideration Services conducting a possible debt collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mod-help-usa.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Mod Help USA conducting a possible loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/law-group-of-california.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Law Group of California conducting a possible payday loan collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/summit-alliance-group.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Summit Alliance Group conducting a possible loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/dca-law-office.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding DCA Law Office conducting a possible payday loan collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cashadvanceusa2.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding CashAdvanceUSA.com conducting a possible payday loan collection scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/dld-consulting.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding DLD Consulting operating a loan modification scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/ezzy-cash-international.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding EZZY Cash International engaging in unlicensed activity and defrauding consumers. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/lenroc-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Lenroc Services and Cornell Wallace not being properly licensed to provide loan modifications in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2011/foreclosure-mediation.htm The Washington State Foreclosure Fairness Act Mediation Program begins Friday, July 22. The program, a result of bipartisan legislation (SSHB1362, Chapter 58, Laws of 2011) during the 2011 session, makes Washington the third non-judicial foreclosure process state in the country with a program designed to help homeowners find a resolution to foreclosure proceedings with their lender or servicer. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/huskhawk-marketing-group.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Huskhawk Marketing Group not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents and charging fees in excess of Washington law. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/easycashusa.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Easy Cash USA not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/paydayloans-seattle.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding PaydayLoans-Seattle.com and 1-hour-cash-advance.com not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/checkadvancenow.htm DFI has received complaints from Washington consumers stating that CheckAdvanceNow.com is sending text-messages advertising payday loans. CheckAdvanceNow.com is not licensed by DFI or registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. DFI was unable to locate or contact CheckAdvanceNow.com. Many businesses advertising payday loans use similar names. CheckAdvanceNow.com may be in the practice of engaging in unlicensed lending activity. . http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/reverse-mortgages.htm Due to uncertainties associated with valuations in the housing market, some large well known lenders have stopped providing reverse mortgages. If you are interested in a reverse mortgage be sure you carefully investigate any company you may do business with, beginning with whether it is authorized to do business in Washington. DFI is happy to help you confirm proper licensing or regulation of any company. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/kramer-kaslow.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding California law firm, Kramer and Kaslow offering unlicensed loan modification services and conducting a possible advance fee scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mynextdaycash.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding MyNextDayCash.com not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents and making debits from borrowers bank accounts in amounts that may be in excess of the loan terms. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/quick-loan-audit.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Quick Loan Audit conducting a possible loan modification scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/jnc-services.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding JNC Services of Las Vegas Nevada conducting a possible loan modification scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/summitgroup.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Summit Group LLC aka SSM Group not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents and renewing loans automatically if the consumer does not opt out, which results in the debt increasing steadily with additional fees and interest added. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/onestepcash.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding onestepcash.com not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents and making debits from borrowers bank accounts for a longer time and for larger amounts than necessary to repay the loan. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/247advances.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about 247 Advances not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/fastcash-advance.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about FastCash-Advance.com not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/acc.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about individuals using the company name ACC to conduct a payday loan collection scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/advancemetoday.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding AdvanceMeToday.com not being licensed to provide payday loans to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/dave-harding-finance.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding individuals using the company name Dave Harding Finance Inc. to conduct an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/sandpoint-capital.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Sandpoint Capital and Clearwater Bay Marketing not being licensed to provide payday loans via the internet to Washington residents. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/quick-cash.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about Quick Cash aka Financial Law repeatedly harassing Washington residents regarding supposedly delinquent payday loans. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/us-loans.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about US Loans repeatedly harassing Washington residents regarding supposedly delinquent payday loans. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hope-now-alliance.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding individuals using company names such as Hope Now Alliance and National Mitigators to conduct loan modification scams. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/instantcashusa.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Instant Cash USA not being licensed to provide payday loans and harassing borrowers with threatening phone calls. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mycash.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding mycash.com advertising payday loans to Washington residents via text message. The company is not licensed to do business in Washington State. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/check-n-go-impersonators.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions about a scam where Check N Go impersonators are contacting Washington residents regarding supposedly delinquent payday loans. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/1st-american-law-center.htm The FBI has shut down 1st American Law Center of Oceanside California for operating a loan modification scam. Victims of the scam are being asked to file a complaint with the California Bar Association. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/iraqi-dinar-scams.htm Several websites have recently begun advertising investment opportunities in Iraqi Dinars, the currency of Iraq. These websites are asking the consumers to send a check, wire, money order, or pay cash upon delivery of the Dinars. What consumers are not told is that the Dinars can be redeemed only in Iraq, as most of the established currency exchange houses and banking institutions cannot convert the Dinar to US dollars. Since no exchange exists for the Iraqi Dinar, dealers can charge whatever they want to sell and buy back the Dinars. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/star-cash-processing.htm An alert from the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding Star Cash Processing not being subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Washington. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/fast-financial-funds-company.htm Washington consumers report that Fast Financial Funds Company may be conducting an advance fee scam. The company is not licensed to do business in Washington. http://www.finra.org/Investors/ProtectYourself/InvestorAlerts/FraudsAndScams/P123316 The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a warning about scams that purport to offer investors' access to pre-IPO shares of well-known social media companies, including Facebook. Seizing upon investor demand for shares of the private stock of high-profile companies, the con artists behind these scams are swindling the public by peddling non-existent shares of these companies. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/resort-escrow-exchange.htm Washington consumers report that Resort Escrow Exchange and International Event Coordinators are working together to conduct a timeshare escrow scam. International Event Coordinators offers to rent their Mexican timeshare condominium at a very high price. Once International Event Coordinators has gotten a preliminary approval from the consumer, Resort Escrow Exchange is presented as the company that will provide the escrow services for the transaction. Once Resort Escrow Exchange receives approval from the consumer, the consumer is presented with a number of fees that Resort Escrow Exchange claims is owed to the Mexican government. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/american-cash-services-usa.htm Washington consumers are contacted at their home and work telephone numbers regarding supposedly delinquent payday loans. In some instances, the consumer applied for a payday loan but was turned down, and then subsequently started receiving collections calls. The representatives of American Cash Services USA make numerous and repeated harassing telephone contacts with the consumer, threatening legal action unless the consumer pays the requested fees. The callers are also reported to have contacted consumers’ relatives or other references. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/vip-pdl-services.htm VIP PDL Services, LLC, provides payday loans to consumers. Washington consumers report that VIP PDL Services, LLC, takes out more money than originally agreed. Additionally, VIP PDL Services, LLC, is reported to have created fraudulent checks to submit to consumers’ bank accounts. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/quantum-law-center.htm Quantum Law Center solicits Washington homeowners who are having difficulty making their mortgage payments, promising to use supposed loopholes and flaws in loan paperwork to force banks to renegotiate with the borrower. However, after the borrower pays money to Quantum Law Center no services are provided and the company no longer communicates with the borrower. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/southwest-recovery.htm Washington consumers are being contacted at their home and work telephone numbers regarding payday loans made sometime in the past by Ace Cash Express that defaulted and were sold to collections. No affiliation between Ace Cash Express and the scam collection activities has been identified. The representatives of Southwest Recovery aka Rick Williams make numerous and repeated harassing telephone contacts with the consumer, threatening legal action unless the consumer pays the requested fees. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/easy-cash-online.htm Easy Cash Online Store aka Camosun Financial Services Group provides payday loans to consumers via the internet and is located in British Columbia, Canada. The company is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions. The company is not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mte-financial-services.htm MTE Financial Services under one or more of its trade names, such as Rio Resources, XtraCash Inc.Quickest-PaydayLoan.com, and TenDollarPaydayLoan.com provides payday loans to consumers via the internet and is located in Ohio. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is warning Washington residents that the company is not licensed by DFI. The company is also not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/magnum-cash-advance.htm Magnum Cash Advance provides payday loans to consumers. The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is warning Washington residents that the company is not licensed by DFI. The company is also not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/pdl-ventures.htm PDL Ventures LLC may be doing business on the internet as PDL Loan Center, SpotOn Payday Loans, and Extra Funds Payday Loans. The companies are engaged in lending money short-term to consumers who pay back the loans by authorizing repayment from their checking accounts on specific dates, typically on the next payday. PDL Ventures LLC also operates a payday loan collections system via the internet. PDL Ventures LLC may make debits from consumers’ bank accounts for a longer time and for larger amounts than necessary to repay the loan. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/100-day-loans.htm It has been reported that 100 DAY LOANS is sending out unsolicited email messages offering consumers a personal loan. The company is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions. The company is not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/fast-cash-online.htm Washington consumers are being approached by an entity claiming to act as a collection agent for payday loan transactions that are stated to still be unpaid. However, this entity, using the name Fast Cash Online, is not licensed to do business in Washington and is using harassing and otherwise abusive collection practices that are not permitted. http://fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2010/sa10152.html The FDIC is warning that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the name Cashmere Valley Bank are in circulation. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/northway-financial.htm Northway Financial d/b/a Cash Transfer Centers d/b/a Zip19.com provides payday loans to consumers via the internet and is located in Malta. The company is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions. The company is not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-payday-loan.htm National Payday Loan provides payday loans to consumers via the internet. This company uses other internet names such as US National Payday Loan, SignMyLoan.Net, Invcity; Enom Inc, Aboriginal GR Enterprises, and GoMyTown LLC. Consumers report that they complete an application online and are provided the loan proceeds once they provide the representative with their banking account routing information. Over time, the company then removes funds from the banking account allegedly without the Consumer’s permission and in excess of the repayment amounts that were agreed upon in the initial loan agreement. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/500fastcash.htm 500FastCash.com is not licensed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). It appears 500FastCash.com, which is owned by MTE Financial Services, is a subdivision of the Moduc Tribe of Oklahoma, a federally-recognized Indian Tribe. As a result, 500FastCash.com may not be subject to the DFI’s jurisdiction. DFI strongly recommends consumers only deal with those payday loan companies that are properly licensed to offer loans. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2010/columbia-city-cinema.htm DFI's Securities Division alleges the Seattle company failed to complete the registration process to sell shares and failed to provide full, accurate information to potential shareholders regarding risks. http://www.fbi.gov/news/pressrel/press-releases/paydayloanscam_120710 The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received many complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. Callers claim the victim is delinquent in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other Internet check-cashing services. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/desktop-loans.htm Desktop Loans is contacting Washington consumers facing foreclosure offering loan modification assistance for $700. Ultimately, no loan modification services are actually provided. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-cash.htm National Cash II / Cash-Advance.us is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions to offer payday loans. In addition, the company is not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cashadvanceusa.htm cashadvanceusa.com is not licensed by the Washington State of Department of Financial Institutions to offer payday loans. In addition, the company is not registered to do business in Washington by either the Department of Revenue or the Washington Secretary of State. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2010/unlicensed-internet-lenders.htm DFI issued a news release on October 18, 2010 urging Washington consumers seeking short-term and/or small loans from companies seen on TV or online to be vigilant, read the small print and make sure any company they do business with is licensed to make loans in the state of Washington. http://sec.gov/investor/alerts/imperia.htm The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has charged an Internet-based investment company, Imperia Invest IBC (“Imperia”), with securities fraud for soliciting several million dollars from U.S. investors and promising guaranteed annual returns in excess of 1.2% per day while in reality siphoning the funds into foreign bank accounts and not paying any money back to investors. http://sec.gov/investor/alerts/govimpersonatorsalert.htm The staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is issuing this Investor Alert about an individual who is falsely representing to be an employee of the SEC and offering to provide assistance with settling federal tax obligations with the United States Internal Revenue Service. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2010/chesterfield-mortgage-investors.htm On Sept. 10, 2010, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Division of Securities obtained a Temporary Restraining Order in King County Superior Court against the Seattle-based Chesterfield Mortgage Investors, Inc. (CMI). On September 13, 2010, Judge Suzanne Barnett modified the Temporary Restraining Order to allow wage and salary payments for CMI employees. http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/index.html The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of suspicious telephone calls where the caller claims to represent the FDIC and is calling regarding the collection of an outstanding debt. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2010/celebrity-short-term-loans.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) urges consumers seeking short-term and/or small loans from companies seen on TV or online to be vigilant, read the small print and make sure any company they work with is licensed to do business in the state of Washington. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/news/2010/investment-traps.htm The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) today released its annual list of traps that investors should avoid when seeking to jump-start their investment portfolios. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/mit-associates.htm A representative from MIT Associates, Inc. contacted a non-US investor and provided the investor with fabricated documents containing DFI letterhead, the signatures of DFI staff, and seals of the State of Washington and the City of Seattle. http://www.finra.org/Newsroom/NewsReleases/2010/P121734 The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is warning investors about Internet-based Ponzi schemes called high-yield investment programs (HYIPs), which purport to offer returns of 20, 30, 100 percent or more per day. HYIPs are unregistered investments sold by unlicensed individuals using sophisticated-looking websites. http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2010/sa10094.html Qualstar Credit Union, Bellevue, Washington, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/blackrock-lending-group.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is issuing an alert regarding Blackrock Lending Group. Blackrock Lending Group advertises on the Internet, claiming to provide personal loans. Prior to approving the loan, the company asks for advance payments to be made. Consumers are told to wire funds and the consumers never receive their loans. http://sec.gov/investor/alerts/oil.htm The Securities and Exchange Commission is warning investors of scams promising financial gains from investments in companies that claim to be involved in oil spill cleanup operations. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Olympia-WA/State-of-Washington-Department-of-Financial-Institutions/11404931983 The Department of Financial Institutions has joined Facebook. Click the like us button and receive updates from DFI staff. http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2010/sa10061.html From the FDIC - Counterfeit official checks bearing the name Rainier Pacific Bank, Tacoma, Washington, are reportedly in circulation. http://www.sec.gov/investor/alerts/sea.htm The staff of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is warning investors to beware of an entity calling itself the U.S. Securities and Equities Administration and other similar names, including the U.S. Securities Administration or the U.S. Securities Bureau. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt177.shtm If you are facing default on your mortgage or foreclosure on your home, watch out for the latest scam: phony forensic mortgage loan audits. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/internet-merger-rumors.htm DFI is alerting Washington residents to use caution when assessing internet rumors of mergers and acquisitions. http://www.yvcu.org/pages/fraud_alert.php Scammers are now inciting Yakima residents with free money. Members and non-members may receive messages (by text, phone, or e-mail) asking to follow a series prompts for a chance to have money deposited into their account. Do not respond. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/first-cash-international.htm DFI is warning residents that scammers using the name First Cash International or National Federal Credit Union appear to be conducting a payday loan debt collection scam. http://www.quimpercu.com/fraud.html Scammers have been contacting Quimper Credit Unon Members asking for their account numbers. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/williams-law-office.htm DFI is warning residents that scammers using the name Williams Law Office appear to be conducting a payday loan debt collection scam. The scammers are calling Washington residents claiming that the resident has defaulted on a payday loan, are being being prosecuted for loan fraud, and must pay Williams Law Group. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/rhonda-breard.htm Statement from DFI and information for investors regarding Rhonda Breard and Breard and Associates. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/financial-accountability-association.htm DFI is warning residents that Financial Accountability Association appears to be conducting a debt collection scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/amway-finance-group.htm DFI is warning consumers that Amway Finance Group appears to be conducting an advance fee scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-payday-service-cashnet.htm DFI is warning consumers that National Payday Service aka Cashnet.com appears to be conducting a loan collection scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/reliance-lending-group.htm DFI is warning consumers that Reliance Lending Group appears to be conducting an advance fee scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-lending-group.htm DFI is warning consumers that National Lending Group appears to be conducting an advance fee scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-payday-loans.htm DFI is warning consumers that National Payday Loans appears to be conducting a possible loan collection scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/national-advance-payday-services.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions is warning consumers to verify the license of any lending professional they are considering doing business with to avoid becoming victims of potential scams. Please note that these scammers are frighteningly well informed, very persistent and extremely threatening. Anyone who has been contacted by them should take steps to protect their personal financial information and treat this as a matter of identity theft. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/settlements/wells-fargo-buy-back.htm On November 18, 2009, the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) announced a settlement in principle with Wells Fargo Investments LLC. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/stonewater-and-associates.htm Stonewater and Associates and Erika Giron may be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/alerts/index.html The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has received numerous reports of a fraudulent e-mail that has the appearance of being sent from the FDIC. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/capital-financial-service.htm Capital Financial Service may be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/valley-financial-loan-co.htm Valley Financial Loan Co may be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hoss-mortgage-restraining.htm On October 14, 2009, an order granting a preliminary injunction was issued in King County Superior Court against Todd Allan Hoss and others, prohibiting them from distributing or otherwise disposing of assets or destroying records belonging to Hoss Mortgage Investors, Inc. until the receiver for Hoss Mortgage Investors, Inc. can take control of the company’s assets. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hoss-mortgage-restraining.htm On October 6, 2009, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions obtained an order in King County Superior Court appointing a receiver for Hoss Mortgage Investors, Inc. The receiver is charged with gathering the assets of the company; making an accounting to the Court and to disburse funds and assets as appropriate. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/wells-fargo.htm An update on DFI's investigation into Wells Fargo. http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2009/sa09173.html Peoples Bank, Lynden, Washington, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit official checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hoss-mortgage-restraining.htm DFI has obtained a temporary restraining order against Hoss Mortgage Investors, Inc. and Todd Allan Hoss. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hoss-mortgage.htm Hoss Mortgage Investors, Inc. and Todd Allan Hoss broker-dealer and salesperson registrations have been suspended. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/tip-top-cash.htm TipTopCash.net is advertising payday loans in excess of the Washington State limit on Washington radio stations. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/berkshire-capital-funding.htm Berkshire Capital Funding appears to be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/castlefield-lending-group.htm Castlefield Lending Group appears to be conducting a loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/tbw.htm Answers to frequently asked questions about Taylor, Bean, and Whitaker (TBW) shutting down all lending operations. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/goldmark-financial-group.htm Goldmark Financial Group appears to be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/prime-life-finance.htm Prime Life Finance appears to be conducting a loan scam. http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/SpecialAlert/2009/sa09106.html Venture Bank, Lacey, Washington, has contacted the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to report that counterfeit cashier's checks bearing the institution's name are in circulation. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/echo-premium-lenders-financial.htm Echo Premium Lenders and Financial appears to be conducting a advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/southern-california-financial.htm Southern California Financial appears to be conducting a advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/standard-lenders.htm Standard Lenders appears to be conducting a advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/westpark-lending-group.htm Westpark Lending Group appears to be conducting a advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/skye-financial-loan.htm Skye Financial Loan Co. appears to be conducting a loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/pse-lending.htm PSE lending appears to be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/sahara-limited-assurance.htm Sahara Limited Assurance appears to be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/sherbourne-financial-lending-group.htm Sherbourne Financial Lending Group appears to be conducting an advance fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/cornerstone-lending.htm CornerStone Lending's name has been used in an internet advanced fee scam. CornerStone Lending Inc. is a licensed mortgage broker in Washington. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/aylmer-financial-group.htm Aylmer Financial Group may be part of a potential advance fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/parkway-lending-group.htm Parkway Lending Group may be part of a potential advance fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/saxton-financial-trust.htm Saxton Financial Trust appears to be conducting an advanced fee loan scam. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/hfc-beneficial-closure.htm HSBC Finance Corporation announced on 3/2/09 that its Household Finance Corporation (HFC) and Beneficial branch offices have discontinued all new loan originations in HFC and Beneficial branches. In upcoming weeks, the branches will close. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/stanford-financial-group.htm The FBI and DFI wants to hear from investors who invested with Stanford Financial Group. http://www.twitter.com/dficonsumers Twitter users can now receive alerts about financial fraud and scams targeting Washington residents. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/education/home_loan/loan-modification.htm The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) advises homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage to be cautious about using the services of someone offering to help them work with their lender to modify the terms of their home loan. http://dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts/sovereign-trust.htm Sovereign Trust “Bank,” also known as, “Sovereign Trust Enterprise Group LLC”, advertises on the Internet as a “bank” that claims to offer mortgage rescues. This appears to be a mortgage rescue or advance fee scam based in Canada.