pdl nightmare

Well, it's very hard to make sure you don't get any calls at work. One thing that you can do though is tell your boss and coworkers ahead of time that your ID was stolen, and that someone took out a bunch of payday loans under your name. That way when the places start calling at least your coworkers will not think they are talking about you.

Can you list out the companies you are dealing with and the amounts you borrowed? Also, the amounts you have paid back so far on each loan in fees?

You have come to the right place for help. We can guide you in the right direction, and most all of us have been in your shoes and know exactly what you are feeling.

browneye, I'm in Kentucky. Please post the information Goudah requested. You can probably fight these yourself. If you list out your internet pdl's, the amount borrowed (principle only), the amount paid back, we can help you! Believe me, being in the same state, I can probably help you out a little bit! Everyone on here is here to help you. And do not feel bad about yourself! We are all in this together and we all help each other! If you would like us to help you do this yourself, just post the needed information. browneyedgirl, do not be afraid. We're here for you.

browneyedgirl, you did register, right? So you're not going to continue showing up as a guest? Because if you register, we all can pm to each other (private message).

This is a long list:

Instant Loans Now - 200 (240 fees)
Impact Cash - 300 (360 fees)
Pay Day Loan Yes - 350 (360 fees)
One Step Cash - 300 (360 fees)
Pay Check Today 400 (600 fees)

Two I am not sure of:
Laser Lending ? 300 (460 fees)
Another with no name on statement - 300 (460)

You can contact your bank and they should be able to give you a bit more information about who the mystery company is that has no name.

Also, please read this thread about important information you need to know before you close your bank account:

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/paydayloan/close-account.html

And listen to Cannr - She has done a lot of research into the laws in KY. She knows her stuff.

And really, 7 loans is not that bad. I'd say that's about average. It could be a lot worse.

It looks like you've paid back at least principle on every loan, so you really need to get that bank account squared away so these places will stop sucking you dry.

Thank you..I read that earlier and will admit I need to read it again. The whole idea of closing my bank account is a little intimidating.

It can be scary, but everyone here will tell you that it is a must. If you keep it open and unprotected, these pdl's will just keep taking out the money.

Suzi...the very first thing any of us will tell you is close that account!! There is hardly any other way around it...read the thread Goudah posted for you...and do it..then come back and Cannr and the rest of us can walk you through the process. Believe me, when the account is closed and you open a new account at a new bank...and the ipdls can not get your money any more...you WILL finally be able to sleep, eat and actually smile as you get to keep your whole check and actually live normal!! I know this is true cause I did it too...

DO I have to go to a new bank...There are not many choices where I live..

MOst of the time it's the best thing to do Suzi..if you keep the same bank and your account goes negative due to the pdls..they can take the money from the other account...or what if someone posting your normal payments makes a mistake and lets one of the pdls through...now they would also have access to the new account too...one thing you need to know is that you can not trust these ipdls to do anything the way you think they will.

Okay, my Kentucky friend. Here we go venturing into the wonderful world of internet pdl's! :D Don't be scared. You are fine. We're going to go slowly here. So pm me if you have any questions regarding Kentucky. First of all, as goudah and morningstarr (and they are wonderful!) stated, you need to work on your bank account. This is the first step in getting control of your money. Right now, the pdl's are debiting your account to death and they will continue to do so until they are unable to access your account any more. This means getting rid of the account that they have the information on. If you have issues regarding closing your account for some reason (personal reasons) pm me. However, I'm going to go over it for you anyway! If you have direct deposits going into your existing bank account, stop them immediately. Tell your employer/payroll/whoever that fraudulent charges are on your existing account and you need to close it immediately. They can do this. Don't let them tell you otherwise. If they can not immediately stop the direct deposits and re-direct them to a new account, then tell them to stop the direct deposits and issue paper checks until you get a new account. Then give them the information to start using the new account. Yes, they can do this. This way your paycheck(s) are not being put into that account the pdl's have access to. However, you do not want to go into the negative with that account. Ugly, ugly, ugly. You need to go to your bank, explain to them that you have unauthorized debits being taken by illegal companies. And this is the truth. If your account is in the positive, they can close the account. Do not let them tell you otherwise. You can close the account. If you have to, tell them you are working with an attorney against these illegal companies. I said that. It just made my request a little bit more important to them! If they do close the account, you have to ask them (and this is very important) if any pending debits will force the account to re-open. This happened to me. Thought the account was closed, had pending pdl debits, account was forced open, debits went through, went into the negative, bank fees were added, ugly, ugly, ugly. If they can not PROMISE you that your account will not be forced back open, you need to tell them to put a hard debit block/hard hold on the account. Tell them absolutely no debits are to go through. Now, this is a pain in the butt because you can not use your ATM card, write checks, etc. No debits of any kind will go through. Credits will be able to go through though. So if you want money, you will have to physically go into the bank and get money out and make sure the debit block is still on the account before you walk back out that door. You honestly need to go to another bank and open a new account. Call me paranoid, but the ugliness happened to me and I just wanted to get a whole new account at a whole new bank so the pdl's could not get my money anymore. Are you in a small town? Is that an issue with you regarding the new bank? You can pm me and tell me where you are located, if you like. But, please, take it from me. Your first step is to get rid of that account. Read this post carefully. Take each word in. I'm trying to get it so that your account does not go into the negative, so that your account does not get forced open and the pdl's get more money, so that your account does not get bank fees added on that you have to fight to have removed. If you have any questions regarding the bank account issue, please post or pm. It's fine. But please take this as your first step in getting control. You will have your paycheck(s) back again and be able to pay your bills. I'm posting another post regarding your pdl's. I know this is a lot to take in, but we're going to do it step by step.

Okay. Now for your internet pdl's. Usually we tell people to see if they are licensed in their state. Well, you have it easy! I can tell you that they are not licensed in our state. These are all internet. I have it directly from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (yes, I have documentation!) that internet lending is prohibited in our state. I also have it directly from the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions that these loans are uncollectible, as they are not recognized as a legal debt. So don't worry. You're okay. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Your internet loans are paid. Actually overpaid. You are only obligated to pay the principle amount borrowed, since you did receive the funds. So all your internet loans you listed (and I hope I read it correctly) have been paid plus extra. You have overpaid every one of them. This sucks because you paid them money you didn't have to, but it's also good because they're actually paid! Are you beginning to feel better yet? You're next step is to start sending your pdl's letters and filing complaints with the government agencies regarding these pdl's. This is very easy and they work with you, so it's a good thing. After saying all this, I'm going to stop (just in case you've fallen asleep now!). I want you to absorb what I've said so far! You're first priority is to get your bank account taken care of ASAP. These pdl's do not need to get any more money from you. You have already overpaid. Your next step is to figure out WHO IN THE WORLD the pdl is that you don't know the name of that you borrowed $300 from and paid back $460. We need to know that one. If you can, look and see on your bank statements what the debit says. It should have a name or something next to it. Maybe a phone number. We can try to figure out who it is. Please post back that you've read this and ask any questions at all. Anything. No question is a stupid question. Once we get this into your brain (it's a lot of info!), then we'll start on the letters you need to send and the complaints you need to file. You're going to be okay. You've got the state on your side, you've already paid these people back plus some, and you've come to the right place to get help.

I checked my bank statement and on the ghost pdl entry under description it only has "fee deposit electronic payment". Would it be possible for the bank to tell me who the company is.

suzi - it should be ENTIRELY POSSIBLE for your bank to tell you where that debit came from - they have that information, you merely need to ask for it.

Have you closed your account yet? If not, it's definitely a good idea to do so - that will be the only way you can regain control of your money. As mentioned above, these companies will bleed you dry, and continue to do so, even after you have no money left...they will debit repeatedly, and if you block their ACH access, they will slip a fake "paper check" through with a dummy check number on it in order to get the money. And if there's no money in the account, too bad, they'll still try, and you'll still be hit with an overdraft fee.

Keep us posted on your progress..this may seem like a long, painful process, but in the end, you'll be victorious - and you'll have your full paycheck back again! :-)

I keep telling myself...not nearly as painful as balancing a checkbook with no money after working 40 -60 hour weeks. Thank you all for the support. I plan to take care of the bank account as soon as possible. There is no more blood in this stone.

"Fee deposit". That's a new one! Every single pdl that deposited money in my account had a name on it. Hello! Apparently they are trying to be "secret". LOL! Call your bank and ask them if there is a name or phone number associated with that transaction. Usually on your bank statement it will say a name or at least a phone number or something. This is a "ghost" pdl! But if you call your banks customer service department, I think they might hook you up with the ACH department who will then be able to tell you the name. I had to call on a few refunds I got deposited and ask "Who is this from?" Talk about looking stupid! But they told me right over the phone the company name that deposited the money.

I contacted my bank and they are working on locating my mystery PDL..She was very nice and asked that I call her later today. I called the branch. I figuered I should since I was going to need them later this week. Yes, I am going to close my account on my next day off. I work 12 hour days.... ALSO...I contacted my payroll department and they can rerout my direct deposit to a new account as long as it is within 48 hours of my pay date... That is pretty good...she said 24 hours but 48 hours to be safe. I am feeling a little better about the whole bank account issue.

Awesome, suzi! Your bank is working with you! You should be fine with them. And, yes, stay on the "good" side of the branch! They are who will help you! Please let us know if you find out who the "ghost pdl" is. I'm really curious! Keep on going the way you are. You're doing great!

Great job Suzi...you will feel so much better when this part is behind you and you get to decide where your money goes on payday!!!

SO... I decided ...in a moment of self loathing and fear...to look up my aacounts with the PDL's to see what they say I owe and how much I have paid... It made me sick...I wish there were some way to let others know DO NOT DO IT NO MATTER WHAT.... I think my bounced check fees would have been significantly less that what I have paid to these people. One of them I paid off awhile back and when I looked to see what it cost me.... over 1100.00 for 500.00. UGH!!! And then to see the commercials on TV or hear them on the radio on my way home...Yesterday I alomst called the local radio station and gave them hell for playing a commercial for Check N Go. When I first signed in it was all about me and what I needed...now I feel so bad for everyone else, especially those who do not know about this site. I am so glad I accidentally found you...Talk about having a bad day and desperately needing sleep.

suzi, that's why we're here. We all know what the feeling is like. And we want others, who do find this site, to know they are not alone. And we are here to help people get out of this situation. You are not alone. And I know you want to kick yourself for all the dollars spent on nothing (pdl's). I know I do. But we can't look back. We can only learn from this and help others who come looking for help. That's why we give advice, offer support. I'm sorry you're having a bad day, but you're still thinking of others. It takes quite a person to be like that. Thank you.

I agree with Cannr. I hope you stick around, and then you can help others by your experience. :D

OK, I am going to ask the dumb question because after reading all these posts, I get more and more confused. What is the difference between and wage assignment and a wage garnishment. If I am understanding this correctly, they are two different things. I have seen them used interchangebly and then corrected but each time it is explained I get more confused. I am sure there may be another post answering this but I have not found it yet and I am reading as much as I can. So..if some one could give me a simple ..remedial ..explanation, it would be great. This legal and financial stuff goes over my head.

suzi, stop cracking me up! :lol: Yes, there are probably 200 posts going on now regarding that subject! LOL! :lol: In a nutshell - a "wage assignment" may/may not have been attached to some of your pld's. A "wage assignment" can be sent to your employer regarding taking out wages. However, a "wage assignment" is voluntary on the part of your employer, if they have a copy of you revoking it. They don't have to honor it if the pdl sends one in and they have a copy stating you revoked it. If you have not done so already, you need to send every single pdl a statement telling them you revoke any wage assignment you may have signed with them. You need to revoke this before the pdl has the opportunity to send a wage assignment to your employer. So do this ASAP if you haven't already done so. You may not have even signed a wage assignment. However, I sent one to every single pdl of mine to cover my butt and be on the safe side and not have to worry about it. A "wage garnishment" is when the pdl would need a court order to get this done. Your employer would have to abide by this. A "wage assignment" can be revoked if you revoke it before the pdl sends it to your employer (do this immediately if you haven't already to each pdl & keep copies & give copies to your payroll department in case the pdl's try to slip this in). A "wage garnishment", I don't believe, isn't something that you can revoke. I believe they have to abide by a "wage garnishment", but like I said, they would need a court order to get a "wage garnishment". I hope this is in plain english for you! If I need corrections on anything, someone come along and correct me! But, suzi, if you haven't revoked any wage assignment you may have signed, do it right now for all your pdl's.

OK..Is there a standard letter somewhere to give me an idea. I remember someone (you I think) saying that you included everything in one long letter. What is everything and is there an example...

P.S. You will have to excuse my typing mistakes, I broke my wrist today :twisted:

suzi, you broke your wrist? :cry: I'm so sorry! How in the world are you typing at all! Anyway, in my letter (and this is just me) I tried to include everything so that I didn't have 1,000 letters going out to the pdl's. Just one. Basically, I typed one up, saved it, then tailored it to fit each specific pdl, printed them out. I put the pdl name/address/phone/website/etc at the top. Then stated that I had taken out a loan for xxx dollars with xxx company. After researching, I found that internet lending is illegal in my state of xxx. However, according to xxx state law, no rollovers/extensions are permitted, which is what you have been charging, blah, blah. I stated if they were even licensed in their own state (some aren't even licensed - so mention that)that they were charging illegal fees. I revoked their debit authorization of my bank account. I revoked any wage assignment that I may have signed with them. I demanded that they contact me via email or USPS only. No telephone communication was permitted. I informed them that I had filed complaints with the BBB, the FTC, and my state AG. I used a lot of "your company or any of your affiliates" instead of just saying the pdl name. Also, I attached my state law for them to review (so they knew that I knew the law). Draft up one "basic" letter revoking everything, stating your loan amount, how much you've paid, how much they are legally owed (if they were even legal!). If you have already paid the principle, tell them you have paid the principle amount and that is all you are going to pay. If you've overpaid, tell them the dollar amount and demand a refund of the overpayment amount. If you haven't paid the principle amount, tell them you will pay the principle amount only. But let them know you will only pay via money order and to provide you with a mailing address. Each pdl letter is going to be different. Just type one up (basic), go back an put in the information (dollar amounts/overpaid/paid/etc) and either demand a refund or PIF or payment arrangement. Just be sure the key points covered are the revoking of the debit authorization (you can tell them you blocked your account if you want), the revoking of any wage assignment you may have signed with them, and the fact that internet lending is ILLEGAL in your state. Point out that you've already filed complaints. I gave them a "deadline" in which to respond to me. Of course, they didn't, but I put it in there anyway! Sorry this is so long.............

Cannr, Thanks..I will work on that. I like the idea of covering everything in one letter. It will take awhile. Typing with one had goes soooooo slow. I am sure I will have questions along the way. I hope you are feeling better today.

suzi, I'm fine! I'm not freaking out any more! LOL! :lol: I have to have my initial "panic attack" and then I'm fine! If you get to typing your letters up (with one hand) and have ANY questions, please ask! No question is a stupid question. Ask anything. That way you'll know you've covered all the angles.

I am worried about that. I am afraid I will leave something out or mess up the wording...I have read several posts where people have used the wrong wording and it caused them more trouble in the end. I am going to print the stuff you have posted and pm'd me to used as guides while I am typing. I will also look up the form letters on the site as a guide as well. Someone recommended them on another post.

That's what I did Suzi...I copied a form letter from here and then changed all the info to suit my particular area. Works well....and I didn't mess anythingup..LOL>

suzi, if you have ANY questions regarding what to include or the "wording", please let us know! If you want to post questions, post them, by all means. If you want to pm me with your letter and see if it covers everything, feel free. Until you feel sure, please ask! This way you'll be covered. Hope you're doing okay typing out the nasty letters with the one hand!

OK...I looked in the do it yourself section for a sample letter...which one do I use??? I can go thorugh other posts becuase people have posted theirs however, that makes me really nervous. This one handed thing really stinks. It is getting easier now that they have changed my cast. I can use three fingers on my right hand.... before they were so swollen I could only type left handed. I guess all those years of piano lessons and secretarial work has paid off.

Suzi...I am going to PM you my letter which covers everything...you will just have to insert your state laws and details...you can change the wording around a little if you like...but this will give you a base of what to say and cover everything.

Thank you soooooo much. I was so afraid I would make things worse for myself..and I am not sure how much of that I could take. After reading other posts where people have made mistakes, I was very leery about writing this letter. It continually amazes me how strong you all are and how dedicated you are to helping people like me.

No problem Suzi...that's what we do...help in the same way we were helped..I hadn't slept in a month when I found this place!!!

Know how that feels...Thanks again!

That was me..I forgot to log in.

suzi, we LOVE you! :D Whatever you need, you know where to come! Anything! Let me know if you need any more info. I see morningstarr pm'd her letter to you. Cool. If you want to see one of mine (same state), I don't mind. But if morningstarr's covers everything, then the only different on mine would be the state law, the dollar amounts, and the fact that internet lending is illegal in our state.

Thank you...Do I use the contact information off the web sites for the addresses to send my letters to? And send them certified correct....

suzi, go to the bbb site to see if you can find address information (www.bbb.org). If you can't, post who you need and we can find it. I put ALL the information on mine. Name/address/phone/fax/website/email. That way I had it all in front of me if I needed to refer back to it. I, personally, emailed everyone one of them, faxed every one of them, and also mailed every one of them. Just trying to cover all angles! LOL!

I pm'd you a couple of letters. If you are unable to get them, let me know. And, if you need anything else, or have questions about them, just let me know!

All this calculating is making me ill...... I have SERIOUSLY overpaid all of them. And to think there were two I paid down and off even before I found you all. Even if I were "feeling generous" and use the KY interest and add that to the ammt borrowed, I have SERIOUSLY overpaid these people. Now I really feel stupid and when I think about what I could have done with that money, I could cry...Not even Calgon can take me away from this....my kickboxing class won't even help me today.. Times like this I wish I drank, smoked and everyting else. What a time to be on a health kick...

suzi...been there and cried over it...I still tear up when someone posts how much over they paid!!! It is sad...our best bet is revenge...that's right..educate everyone you know and post it 1000 times...I am always saying if I can stop one person from making the same mistakes then it is all worth while!!!

I will agree with that. I read other' posts and atleast I am not as bad off as some and my heart goes out to them all. Sometimes the anger and feeling sorry for yourself are too overwhelming. I really have no other people who can understand what I am going through and it is too embarassing to tell the people around me. I have found others to be very judgemental on this subject and really do not want to deal with or need that right now. The undconditional and nonjudgemental support and advice offered here has been lifesaving.

On another note..when do I start filing with the BBB , Ag and other agencies, or do I wait for a response to my letters. The ones that have been pm'd to me are great and have been very helpful.

suzi, do NOT feel bad! You're NOT the only one! We can only hope for refunds! Might not get them, but we can always hope! And, yes, it's a shame looking at it all on paper and seeing all that money that could have been spent on bills, a vacation, etc. But, please, do NOT feel bad. We are all victims of this. You're not alone. And, now, at least you're going to prevent them from getting money any further. At least that will help. I'm sooo sorry. I know exactly how you feel, suzi.

Suzi...I actually started filing all my complaints the day after I sent my letters out. After reading on here how much of the time they don't bother to respond to your letters...although they are a good safe guard for us in proving we did try to contact them...I filed BBB first, followed by the AG and then at everyone else's urging I filed the FTC. Doesn't really matter in which order you go...took me a couple of days to get it all done. On my AG site you can't file on line so I had to type up the form print it and mail it in with any documentation I had. The BBB I think always allows on line filing so that should be easy...so did the FTC.

Do not feel stupid and don't be so hard on yourself. You were in a desperate situation and therefore needed to do what you had to at the time. Now that you have your new bank account set up and have controlled your finances you should give yourself a pat on the back. We all have one thing in common we had the desire to stop the vicious cycle and we are getting out:)

Congrats you are making wonderful progress.

ladybug

suzi, file the BBB first. Sometimes you get a good response from them. Some of mine were resolved just through the BBB. You can file on line. Short and easy. Then file with the FTC. You can file on line. Short and easy. Then file with the state AG. In our state, you can't file on line. You have to go under "consumer protection" and then "file a complaint". You'll have to download the complaint form, fill it out, put any attachments with it, and mail two copies in to them. It's well worth it. File complaints to all these agencies on all your pdl's. You will get some kind of response.