Eastside Lenders - Do I trust their advice?

You need to close your account....PDL;s are illegal in NY and you owe principal only.

Go in and talk to a branch manager...tell them about your lost ID. There may be alternatives with someone else verifying your ID. (People have their ID's, check books stolen frequently...banks can help in cases like that.)
Report them to your state AG's office.

I think you already know the answer to this. NO, you shouldn't listen to them. They're operating illegally. They owe YOU $700!!!!!

Do as Soap says. Close the account, open a new one, file complaints and ask for a refund.

Stop payments don't work and they cost you money. Close the account!

Thank you. I guess I am going to have to deal with at least one more payment coming out of my account.

As I mentioned above I have an issue where I don't have a photo ID (govt issued) available.

I moved from one state to another and my liscense from the old state is expired (which means now that I misplaced it I cannot order a replacement without reknewing). In order to get the ID for the new state I need to wait for my next pay day to come so I can hopefully afford to do so.

I called my bank today and they confirmed even if I brought a photo ID from my work, my Soc. Sec. card, birth cert, and paycheck stubs they would not let me close my existing account and open a new one. They need that magical little photo ID from the govt - so now I'm stuck in this loop for now.

The above is why I considered doing what ESL was advising because I just don't have lots of extra funds, as embarassing as it is even getting a photo ID at this point is a lot of money to me.

Which is exactly why you need to do everything in your power to NOT give these people any more money AND get a refund of all the money you've given them that they've STOLEN from you!!!

Think about what you're saying. The money for the ID is what...under $100? And instead of paying that, you want to pay ES another $550?

Believe me, I understand being strapped. A year and a half ago, I had about 10 payday loans and my paycheck didn't even cover the rollover fees they were taking out. Right now it seems like it's an impossible battle, but it's not.

You will win this and when it's over, you'll feel SO much better :)

Is there any way to keep these folks out of my bank account aside from closing the account?

I spoke with the bank and offered to bring multiple forms of back up ID but was told no deal, it has to be a federal ID or they cannot work with me.

Basically I'm trying to think of how to stop this situation before my paycheck next week rather than saying "ok this week will be the last" and risk getting sucked into a cycle of saying that like I have been for the past several months.

I can go work on the ID after my next check - in the mean time do I continue to lose money to them? If a payment were to be missed could they try to dip into my account for the whole amount and make my life even worse next time around?

I tried to ask Chase to block transactions from East Side Lenders and they told me that was impossible - they said I either needed to do a stop payment (which ESL can just wiggle the amount around and get around) or to cut off ALL ACH transactions (my paycheck is direct deposited so this would stop me from getting my check wouldn't it? - the direct deposit is a condition of my bank account so I dont think I can remove that...)

Any advise on what I can do until I am able to close out my bank account?

I just want to go to bed and hide :(

You can absolutely block all ACH transactions. That applies to debits, not credits. Your deposit won't be affected.

Definitely get this done today :)

Sometimes, when they can't get their money via ACH, these illegal lenders will submit a demand draft (paper check) to try to get the money. They don't generally do this right away so you should be able to get your ID and get your account closed and reopened before that happens.

Once your money is secure, contact them and explain your state's laws (they'll say Delaware law applies but they're wrong) and demand a refund. File complaints with the FTC, your state's AG, etc.

The feeling of freedom you will have is AMAZING! Trust me ;)

Thank you OhioGirl - you have been amazingly helpful.

I think after work I will go in and block ACH Debits - I was scared I would not longer be able to get incoming monies if I did this, and without my paycheck I'm super screwed of course so that scared me.

I also wrote to the NY Banking Department to try to get them to put in an email to me that I only owe principle on this illegal loan. I'm sure it won't mean much to ESL but I would feel better if I had it addressed from the banking dept so I could use it as another peice of backup when I go to fight this battle.

Maybe one day I will work on my other back debts.... it is hard enough to just get through the day to day right now though...

Can you explain this demand draft/paper check thing to me?

How can they come take money out of my bank account by making up their own check? Wouldn't I need to give them one of my checks or at least sign their demand?

I'm trying to understand how this works too.

They have your account number, routing number, name of your bank and your name, address, etc.

They simply print up a check for the amount they're trying to collect and send it to your bank. It won't have your signature on it, but many banks process these (demand drafts) checks anyway.

That's how and that's why when you get a new account you NEVER share that information with anyone again.

Have had ongoing issues with East Side. Had a 500 loan with them, ended up repaying 1500. I sent them letters that I was revoking their authority to debit my account, etc. They did stop but never got back to me about a refund. I contacted my states (PA) dept. Of banking and filed a complaint with them. I just got a letter from PA dept. Of banking that I am getting a check for $997.50 from ESL! Hang in there, there is hope.