Have your bank send you a letter stating that you have to close your checking acct. At that point go in to the bank and close the checking acct and open a savings acct. Also, make arrangements to pay off the checking acct. The bank can make this a loan repayment plan. The key here is to talk to your bank and settle this.
I have gone through this. Payday loan company's claim that they can file charges, have you arrested for check fraud, breaking federal laws, etc. A loan is a loan is a loan. You cannot be arrested and put in jail for owing money. These companies scare people by using thier checking/savings accounts against them.
In my case, I tried debt consolidation with CCCS and they wanted $700, $800, $900 a month. I would not have borrowed money from payday loan places if I had that kind of extra money available. I filed Chapter 13. I can hold my head up now. I have settled with all my creditors (including the payday loan companies). I have a low monthly payment and can have a life again. Everyone, has to decide what is best for them in matters of handling debt.
Polly I apprieciate how you have stood up for yourself. I too have had to file complaints against two of the payday loan places I owed money to. I have contacted the Atty General's offices in FL, and WY, the FCC, and the BBB. To everyone who reads this. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF PAYDAY LOAN THREATS. THESE ARE INTIMIDATION TACTICS. FIND OUT WHAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE. TALK TO YOUR BANKS AND ASK THEM TO ASSIST YOU. USE THE INTERNET TO FIND OUT ABOUT THESE PLACES IF YOU ARE BEING HARASSED. FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE ATTY GENERAL OFFICE IN THE STATE THE PAY DAY LOAN HAS A ADDRESS IN. ALSO, FILE WITH THE FCC AND THE BBB.
Reflect on what got you in the situation you are in and how to move forward wiser and with a smile on your face. Poor spending habits and lack of a financial plan came to the fore when I had to have two surgeries in 6 mos and 15 weeks out of work on disability. I learned FIRST THINGS FIRST. Pay bills on time and save for a rainy day. I am rebuilding my financial life and I have resolved to never go down this road again.
Finally, I hope that at the least these payday loan places can be tighly regulated in the United States. I wish Polly well in her quest to take on these places and I hope she gets well financially.