Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube - Tribal Loan Company Not Licensed in Washington

Alert number: CA057535_3/1/24(3/25)

The State of Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has received a complaint from a Washington consumer against Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube. The consumer reported that they obtained a loan from Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube that included excessive fees and interest.

It appears that Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube may be operating as an unlicensed tribal lender. Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube claims to be a tribal enterprise wholly owned and operated by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, a federally recognized Indian Tribe located in California.

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube operates a website at [www.creditcube.com] and lists it contact information as:

Credit Cube
P.O. Box 133
Finley, CA 945435
Phone: 888*885*5646
[[email protected]]

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians dba Credit Cube is not licensed by the DFI and is not registered to conduct business in Washington State by the Department of Licensing, the Department of Revenue, or the Secretary of State.

DFI warns Washington consumers that before doing business with a financial services provider the consumer should:

• Make sure that the entity is lawfully entitled to conduct business in Washington. 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.
• Not provide any personal information, such as social security number or bank account number or access if the company is not licensed or authorized to conduct business.

Important Information for Washington Consumers About Unlicensed Lenders

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 (which is not otherwise exempt from licensure) 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 as a loan that does not exceed $700 and requires repayment between 7 and 45 days after the loan is made. You should consider obtaining legal advice to determine if your loan is collectable or enforceable in Washington before deciding not to pay.

Washington residents only: If you suspect unlicensed activity by a payday lender or consumer loan company, please contact the Department 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, the 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 to 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.

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