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My Ship Was Sinking

Date: Fri, 10/05/2007 - 02:47

Submitted by submarinesailor
on Fri, 10/05/2007 - 02:47

Posts: 114 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 14


Okay, i'm a submariner, my ship is supposed to sink. I guess I should say my ship wouldn't surface!

The how and the why isn't important I guess. We probably all have similar reasons why we get into the messes we get into, mine is really no different than everyone else.

I blame myself mostly, but I had some help along the way. Ignorance is my biggest enemy. I will say that this is something new to me, having financial difficulties. That fact, plus pride, fear, etc, helped lead me to the mess I'm currently in.

Here's my story. Once again, the how and why is irrelevant.
I currently have, gulp, 13 loans. Only 4 I have determined to me "legit" if you can them that.
I'm currently working with CheckNgo, Dollarwise, MoneyTree (the best by far) and CashnetUsa on reasonable payment plans.
The others are all internet based are not legal in my state.
cashtransfercenters.com I have taken out 13 loans, and have overpaid (according to Washington State Laws)1825.00
oneclickcash - Overpaid 647.50
500fastcash - Overpaid 437.50
impactcash - Overpaid 15.00
eastsidelenders Overpaid 125.00
militaryfinancial Overpaid approx. 2000
militaryfunding Overpaid approx 500
arrowhead Borrowed 300, haven't paid a dime
cashinawink Borrowed 300, haven't paid a dime

I'm in the Navy, and after hitting rock bottom, I finally swalloed my pride and went to my command for help. The first thing I've done right in a long time.
They referred me to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, an origanization that helps military members in times of need. They didn't help me pay the loans, but they helped me with my budget, gave me an interest free loan to catch my mortgage back up and gave me advice on how to handle these people.
They ordered me to close my checking account, which I did with no problem. They also told me to try to work out a reasonable agreement with these companies, but that if they're not legal, I legally don't have to pay. I tried this route, and each and everyone of them refused. They're loss. They also sent my story to the state Department of Financial Institutions. They pointed me in the right direction when in comes to the laws in Washington.

Basicially, if a company gives a payday loan on the internet, and they're not licensed, that loan is neither collectible nor enforceable. Also, it's against the law for them to garnish my wages, regardless of the wage assignment, and they're not even allowed to contact my chain of command (although they already know about this.)

So far the law is on my side. I made an attempt to pay, but not I have no intention of paying a single cent to any of these crooks.
Arrowhead sent my account to AIS Services, LLC, a collection agency in California.
I'm sending them a "debt validation" letter requesting that they basicially validate the debt. If anyone wants to see the letter I sent them, send me a message and I'll send it along. This letter is allowed under the Fair Debt Collection Act. I really don't care how these companies respond, but hopefully it will shut them up and they'll leave me alone. I don't care if they call me, or my work even (like I said, calling my work is against the law,and I could sue them for that), but I really don't want them calling my family, friends, etc. Once again, the law says they can't do that once the right paperwork is sent to them, and if they do, I can sue them for violating those laws.
Short of what I have written, I'm not sure what else to do to fix this. I was at a point where I had set a date that if I didn't have my problems fixed, I was going to put "Plan B" into action. I have a really nice life insurance policy, and in the state I was in, it seemed like it was going to be the only option for me. Luckily a couple things happened. I found this site, did some research and my sister in law called my wife after I asked her for a loan to help with this. My wife had no idea this was going on (thats a story in itself) and when she confronted me, I broke down and told her the story. Thank God for my sister in law and my wife for loving me.
Other than the obvious, "don't use payday loans", the only advice I can give is don't give up, it's not as bad as it seems, and please, don't keep this to yourself. You have to tell someone. I'm lucky that the military has helped me, I know not everyone has that luxury, but there is help out there. You just have to look for it. Check out your laws, contact your state government and don't give up! I almost did I'm ashamed to say.
Good luck to everyone, I really hope we can all get through this.

Going Deep


Wow! Thank you for posting that. You have stated what many of us have felt during our long road to recovery from the damage that internet payday loans have caused us.

It is great that you received such support from the military as well understanding from your family. You have made the effort to rectify everything with these lenders, and if they choose not to play ball, then it's not your problem. Unless I'm wrong, and someone correct me if I am, I thought it was now illegal to give payday loans to military personnel. It is in my state.

Keep us posted as to how this turns out for you. Also, your experience can greatly benefit others on here.


lrhall41

Submitted by Tiffany99 on Fri, 10/05/2007 - 07:19

( Posts: 1058 | Credits: )


Thanks Lady and Tiff. You know what's funny (well, not really funny) but when I was talking to the civilian counselor, she laughed. I wasn't in any mood to laugh, so I kinda called her on it. She said that the people she sees, they always think they're the only ones going through this. Boy was I wrong. After finding this site, I couldn't believe how serious this problem is. This board is just the tip of the iceberg. Imagine how many people out there are going this who haven't posted about it. It's mind numbing to think about it.
I know I'm lucky to have the military on my side. I just wish there was an organization that helped everyone that wasn't in the military, had an understanding boss, etc.
As for illegal to loan to the military, I'm not quite sure, but I believe it's still legal, but they can only charge 36%. They wouldn't make any money on that deal, so basically the legit companies don't loan to the military anymore. I guarantee you though, that most of the internet companies still do.
I received an email today from Military Financial. Of course he threatened to send me to collections, ruin my credit, etc etc. Hahahah. I used to be scared to death to get these kind of messages. Now I look forward to it. At th end of the message he wrote
"To avoid these actions, you must contact me within five (5) business days of the receipt of this letter. This notice will serve as evidence, and will be employed in any legal proceedings against you".
Too funny. I'm going to email him back, inform him of all the laws they're breaking, and I'm going to demand a refund. I'm going to use his quote at the bottom of my message. Hahahha. I'm a nice guy though, I'll give him more than 5 days to get back to me.
Take care ladies. I'll keep you posted. I haven't read your "my story", but I hope all is working out with you.


lrhall41

Submitted by submarinesailor on Fri, 10/05/2007 - 19:50

( Posts: 114 | Credits: )


Thanks LeeLee. Yeah, I just told myself why be scared? That's not going to get me anywhere. Instead i'm focusing all my energy on getting out of this mess. Believe it or not, I'm actually kinda enjoying this. Bottom line, I just don't care. What makes me mad the most, is that I tried to work out a plan with these guys, they didn't want to hear it. Even after I discovered I didn't have to, I just felt obligated to. After going through that, they can all go to hell.
I will tell you this, I really hate to admit it, but of all the companies I've ever done business with (I'm talking every company) The Money Tree by far has been the easiest to work with. I'll never ever ever get a payday loan again, but I'm extremely grateful to them for at least willing to work with me. I'm sure others here have had bad experiences with them, and I'd never defend the Money Tree, but I've had nothing but easy times with them. I wouldn't care if they went out of business, well, other than the employees losing their jobs, but like I said, I legally owe them money, and they have been nothing but patient and kind to me. Which I really appreciate.


lrhall41

Submitted by submarinesailor on Fri, 10/05/2007 - 23:10

( Posts: 114 | Credits: )


Welcome to the Community Sailor :D Thank you for being so open and honest with us! Your story will be of help to others, along with the hope for better things to come! I hope you will continue to post here, we would love to get to know you.

I was in a terrible mess when I first joined here-saw no way out. This forum changed my life- it gave me hope and courage to step up and stand up. Now, almost a year and a half later, we are almost debt free. As sson as I get rid of this Collection agency, we will be-knock-on-wood :lol:

I'm glad you posted this about the military- this needs to be kept in the fore front, so it will help others in that situation.

You are so right about sharing your problems- makes them alot smaller, and relieves alot of stress!!

Good Luck to you- keep safe-you are in my prayers--oh, btw- thank you for your service to our country!! Karen


lrhall41

Submitted by Bossy4455 on Sat, 10/06/2007 - 08:01

( Posts: 5854 | Credits: )


Welcome, welcome!!!!!! I am the wife of a former submariner who served on five of them, so I am glad to see you here. You have made a great start and are an inspiration. And when it comes to calling your work, all I can say is LOL!!!!! Yeah, trying calling Control when the boat's in port, right?? And we're not talking weekly ops, right?? :D
One thing I learned about the sub community is that they really take care of their own and it sounds like you'll be OK in your fight with these scumbags. What you might want to do as well is this: discreetly find out how many other guys in the crew have also taken out these loans and maybe you could band together to fight them? Just a thought.


lrhall41

Submitted by kscornell on Sat, 10/06/2007 - 11:10

( Posts: 4407 | Credits: )


Thanks for the kind words everyone. I do feel a ton better since I decided to do something about this big fat mess.
Kscornell, haha, yeah, good luck getting ahold of anyone on the boat. Hell, it's hard enough calling from one space to another when you're on board.
My Chief of the Boat is on my side, and I'd love if they talked to him! He'd reach through the phone and choke them! Hahah. Trust me guys, there are a few groups of people you don't want to piss off, and Chief Petty Officers are one of them. They think they're invincible, and they really, and I mean REALLY stick together. It's kinda like being a fraternity brother, but only deeper in the levels they take it.
cashtransfercenters tried to get me to pay, I told them no way, the Navy, the state, etc etc said I didn't have to and they owe me money. He called back today (his name is Ty) and he said he had different news, he said that the laws of Malta apply. Hahahha. Okay!
Aarowhead sent my account to collections (AIS). Haven't heard a word from AIS yet though. They're licensed in my state, but I'm gonna ask them to validate the debt. I'd like to see how they're gonna do that.
500fastcash is threatening collections, etc. This is what they sent me " You must notify this office within 30 days after receiving the first notice, that you dispute the validity of the debt or any portion thereof or the office will assume the debt is valid. This communication is from a debt collector. This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose." I'll send them the same letter.
As for the rest of them, haven't heard a word. I kinda hope I do. This is kinda fun battling with these crooks.
As for my credit report (I see where a lot of people are concerned about this), I'm not gonna worry about that until the rest of this mess is taken care of. If any of these illegal companies put anything on my credit report, I'll get it removed (with the Navy's help of course) and if the bureaus don't want to remove it, I'll have to fight them on that too. Bottom line, the credit report will have to wait.


lrhall41

Submitted by submarinesailor on Tue, 10/09/2007 - 20:13

( Posts: 114 | Credits: )


Here is an email I received today. This is definitely good news! Hopefully these crooks know I have alot of people on my side and there is no way in hell they're gonna scare me. Hahahah. They're absolutely pathetic!!

"Sounds like you're full speed ahead! Katherine Mele Hetter, Washington Department of Financial Institutions, finally returned my call but while I was gone last week. I plan on getting in touch with her, hopefully today. I'm sure she can provide additional insight in how to deal with these companies, especially Check n Go. I'll forward her your email addresses.
I'm very proud of you and all that you have done and am grateful you are able to reach out to those that can help you.
We all make mistakes, but you are the proof to all of us that you can rise above them and conquer.
Keep hanging in there.
r/

Director, NMCRS Bangor


lrhall41

Submitted by submarinesailor on Tue, 10/09/2007 - 20:33

( Posts: 114 | Credits: )


Hahaha, yeah, I guess they can send me a family gram? Hahha. Actually, I finally got done with sea duty. I'm on shore duty now. I work in a Communications Center. It's located at the submarine base in Bangor, Washington. Hahaha, without giving it away too much!! Hahahaha. I miss going to sea actually. Like you said, no one could harass me out there! Well, except for the crew. But I knew where they slept, so that didn't happen too much!;)


lrhall41

Submitted by submarinesailor on Tue, 10/09/2007 - 23:38

( Posts: 114 | Credits: )