Seattle Metro News and Events for March 3-10, 2016

Department of Financial Institutions Warns of Loan Collection Scam

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) received two reports against ACS Incorporation. It appears that this entity is operating a loan collection scam.

It was first reported that the consumer received a threatening email which alleged he had a delinquent loan. The email contained a PDF attachment entitled, “ACS Settlement Agreement.” The consumer was asked to fill out the form and include a copy of his photo identification and credit card information.

In the second report the consumer received an email that contained a case file number, amount due, and stated that if there was no payment within the next 24 hours, the consumer’s information would be sent to the “United States District Court 99 E Bro ward Blvd # 108, Fort Lauder dale, FL 33301, United States” for lawsuit proceedings.

ACS Incorporation is not licensed by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions as a payday lender under the Check Cashers and Check Sellers Act. This entity is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State.

Washington residents are advised that 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 is uncollectible and unenforceable in Washington State.

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.

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.

Washington State residents, if you are suspicious of unlicensed activity by a payday lender please contact the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334), or online at www.dfi.wa.gov.

If you live in another state, find your state regulator.

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; or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (855) 411-CFPB or online at www.consumerfinance.gov. Because the scammers have access to bank account information and social security numbers, victims should consider themselves victims of identity theft and take appropriate precautions. The Federal Trade Commission has information for victims of identity theft available 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.

Alzheimer’s Association Offers Support Group in Kent

Alzheimer’s Association family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss.

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E Smith Street, Kent. For information Susan Dailey at (206) 471-2351.

Applicants Sought for the City Events and Recognitions Committee

The Tacoma City Council is looking for applicants to fill the District No. 4 position, and two At-Large positions on the City Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC).

The nine-member committee consists of Tacoma residents, with representatives from each of Tacoma's five Council Districts, who bring a range of perspectives and expertise that focus on the City’s commitment to celebrate civic engagement and special observations. Committee members are recommended by the Economic Development Committee and appointed by the City Council.

The CERC serves as an advisory and action committee on matters pertaining to City-hosted events and special recognition programs. The committee is responsible for planning, reviewing and evaluating events, engaging the community in its fundraising efforts, and soliciting corporate and private sponsorships to leverage funds for City-hosted events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and the City of Destiny Awards.

For additional information on the City Events and Recognitions Committee, please contact Kala Dralle at (253) 573-2523 or [email protected].

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by March 13, 2016. To apply, please visit cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication or contact Amanda Punsalan at (253) 591-5178, [email protected], or the City Clerk’s Office, Room 11, Municipal Building North, 733 Market St., Tacoma, WA 98402.

For more Seattle and Portland area events, see our Community Calendar.