Fraud Alert: First Star Credit Union / First Start Lending Services
Provident would like to make you aware of a fraud alert issued by the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regarding an entity representing itself as First Star Credit Union or First Star Lending Services. Despite the name they are using, First Star is not a real credit union.
First Star purports to offer a variety of loans, including personal loans and mortgages. The scam involves an “advance fee” loan, in which consumers are asked to send money prior to receiving the loan. The target audience for these offers is generally individuals with poor credit. Those who are solicited are told that their credit will not be checked and are guaranteed an approval. Victims are asked to send the fee, generally via wire transfer, before the loan will be funded. The scammer takes off with the fee and the borrower is left with nothing.
First Star, which claims to have a Pennsylvania address, is neither licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, nor is it chartered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
If you are solicited by or have communicated with First Star, please contact DFI’s Legal Division at (213) 897-2160. If you have concerns or questions, please contact Provident at (800) 632-4600.
