BBB was no help with Eastside Lenders

Wow, it looks like the BBB didn't really look into what you sent them. Have you filed a complaint with the FTC?

not the FTC but the BBB, Calif AG & Dept. of Corp-who by the way told me to reread my contract(!). Has anyone had anyluck from the California AG or DOC lately? I havent heard anything. I couldnt believe that the BBB couldn't help as alot of people swear on these boards about them helping. You would think with an order from the DOC that they would back off but not. So, just when I think I'm close to taking back my life I'm back to square one with calls to deal with........

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I am in California and dealing with three illegal lenders. I filed complaints with BBB, FTC and AG earlier this week, but haven't heard much back yet. I haven't filed complaints with the DOC yet. How long ago did you file your complaint?

Shazzers-i included the link, attachedment and even copied the important info onto my responses and neither ESL nor the BBB acknowledged it! As for my complaints to the AG etc, its been 2 weeks.

So I can file again with the BBB for the same issue?

Shazzers-i included the link, attachedment and even copied the important info onto my responses and neither ESL nor the BBB acknowledged it! As for my complaints to the AG etc, its been 2 weeks.

So I can file again with the BBB for the same issue?

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I have been doing some thinking lately (lol). I have seen a lot of complaints most recently in this forum about Eastside Lenders and complaints against them hasn't seemed to encourage them to change their business practices, so I am thinking maybe we need to take this a step further. I am seriously considering writing an article about their business practices and submitting it to 'the consumerist' to give them a little exposure on their failure to comply with the law, maybe if we all use this type of tool it may give them a reason to reconsider the way they do business!

Shazzers, it might be a good idea to write to The Consumerist about illegal internet-based payday loan companies in general. I read that website all the time, but I don't think they've ever had an article about how many of these companies are illegal.

Have you heard of Web Biz or Select platinum credit? Both of these online lenders made unauthorized withdrawals from my bank account. Small amounts of $39.99 & $49.99, I suppose such amounts do not raise any red flags. I had to close my checking account and file a complaint with the bank investigators. I wrote blogs, including all information I had so others could avoid this. I filed complaints with Consumer Complaints in California. I then checked a website, Complaints Board & found a myriad of complaints. I spoke with the SD Police but, there isn't anything they can do. I recommend avoiding ANY online debt lenders. They are 'predators' and they charge exorbitant fees, APRs of 400% & higher. Do you know that anyone with your bank account number can withdraw money? When I closed my account, the bank suggested I use only my debit card and not give anyone my bank account number. I am currently doing research on legality, but there is very little information available. The internet is nearly impossible to regulate. I just discovered this website & I will take the advice about writing to The Consumerist.

so i filed a second complaint with the BBB and haven't heard from them, i'm losing hope here and i thought being in California armed with a Desist and Refrain order would help me out....may still i guess. i did received an acknowledgement from the Dept. of Corp and they are looking into the matter.

ESL has started contacting me about my past due account. They have left multiple messages on my work phone that is the department phone and not a confidential number-meaning whoever gets in first empties the messages. The person from ESL had no qualms leaving information on the voicemail stating that they are calling from Eastside Lenders(full name) and that they are trying to reach Ms. xxxx regarding her past due account. Please call immediately at 800 blah blah blah. Can they do that? I thought they cannot disclose information like that especially at a work number that does not state it is a confidential mailbox of myself?

What should I do now? How should I handle the calls? I still owe some principal and offered to pay them last month but they never responded. Thank you for any advice that you can provide me as I am not good with confrontation and would prefer to deal with them via writing.

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You can tell Eastside that if one more phone call is received at your work, that they won't see a dime! I, too, tried to pay my balance with them to no avail. They ignored my e-mails, just kept sending e-mails demanding payment. They wouldn't provide a mailing address. So I never sent them a payment.

They eventually turned it over to collection agency Smith Haines Watson, and we did the same dance. The CA never validated; I never paid. and that was last September.

I would send them a certified letter, RR, advising that you are not permitted personal phone calls at work except in emergency, and that their calls are jeopardizing your job. Tell them they are only to contact you via e-mail or US mail - you can even give your cell phone (I did).

I would include a copy of the CA C&D order to remind them, along with a copy of your letter to the CA agency you wrote to. This might get them to back off if they know you know they are illegal.



I have found the BBB useless. and the FTC seems to just collect statistics.