Consumer complaint received 2025-08-27 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Payday loan debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened to arrest you or take you to jail if you do not pay
Company: Populus Financial Group, Inc. (F/K/A Ace Cash Express)
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/year>, I received a call from XXXX, with the caller claiming to represent my employers payroll department. The caller did not provide a name but stated that my paycheck was scheduled to be garnished and instructed me to call XXXX to resolve the matter. He stated the garnishment was related to Ace Check Cashing but could not provide documentation. 

I called XXXX and spoke with a woman identifying herself as XXXX. She asked me to verify my personal information, including my name and Social Security number. She then accused me of fraud and claimed my wages would be garnished, my drivers license suspended, and my background flagged for fraud. When I asked for details such as dates or documentation, she refused to provide them. I terminated the call. 

I later called back and spoke with a man identifying himself as XXXX. He stated that my employer would be served the following day and insisted that I provide debit card information for payment. He repeated what XXXX stated regarding garnishing wages, and my drivers license and fraud. Out of fear, I provided my card number. He claimed the account would then be transferred to XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ). Attempts to contact this number were unsuccessful. 

I immediately contacted my employers payroll department, who confirmed that no garnishment order had been received. 

On XX/XX/year>, I again called XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ), spoke with XXXX, and requested a written validation letter as permitted under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). He refused, stating we are past that point, and ended the call. I attempted to call back multiple times, but my calls went unanswered. 

I also attempted to reach XXXX XXXX XXXX at both numbers provided ( XXXX and XXXX ) but received no response. 

Summary of Concerns : The callers impersonated my employers payroll department. 

They used threats of wage garnishment, license suspension, fraud charges, and negative background reporting. 

They refused to provide written debt validation, as required under the FDCPA. 

They coerced me into providing debit card information under duress. 

Independent research confirmed that wage garnishment for payday loans is not permitted in Texas without a court order. 

Actions Taken : Contacted my employers payroll department ( who confirmed no garnishment order exists ). 

Filed a police report. 

Reported the matter to the CFPB. 

Requested debt validation in writing ( denied by caller ). 

Recorded XXXX of the follow-up calls for documentation. 

Contacted my bank regarding possible fraudulent use of my debit card. 

Requested Follow-Up : Confirmation that no garnishment request has been submitted to my employer. 

Investigation into the phone numbers and companies involved. 

Assistance in protecting against identity theft and fraudulent charges. 

Additional Information : Upon further research, I learned that callers can use a technique called caller ID spoofing, which allows them to display a false number on the recipients caller ID. I believe this was used in this case, as the initial call appeared to come from my employers number ( XXXX ). My payroll department confirmed that no such call was made from their office, which confirms the call was fraudulent and highly concerning.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation