2009

NDBF Warns Consumers of Loan Scam (6-22-09)

The NDBF is issuing a warning of a scam targeting consumers who need to borrow money. A company calling itself Hillsboro Financial Group, which lists its address as 4060 Vinton Street, Suite 4, Omaha, NE, offers personal loans to consumers and requires up-front fees for “lender’s insurance” in advance of funding a loan. The Department has verified that the company does not have an office at the Omaha address listed.

Department Warns of Mystery Shopping Scam (5-14-09)

The Department issues a warning of a scam targeting consumers who want to become mystery shoppers. A company calling itself Global Compliance, Inc., offers consumers an opportunity to participate in a paid customer research program known as “mystery shopping” or “secret shopping.” The Department has verified that the company does not have offices at the addresses listed.

Read News Release

Department Issues Warning of Two Internet Loan Scams (2-20-09)

The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is issuing a warning of two scams targeting consumers who use Internet-based companies to borrow money. Companies calling themselves Bennett Financial Group and Westmont Financial Group, which list their respective addresses as 10665 Bedford Street and 8401 West Dodge Road, both in Omaha, NE, offer personal loans to consumer and require up-front “collateral payments” in advance of funding a loan. The Department has verified that the companies do not have offices at the addresses listed.

Read News Release

Nebraska Banking Department Closes Sherman County Bank (02-13-09)

The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance (NDBF) announced that at 4 p.m. Feb. 13, it closed Sherman County Bank of Loup City, Nebraska. The bank’s branch offices in Farwell, Dannebrog and St. Paul, which operated under the name Howard County Bank, were also closed. The NDBF had been closely monitoring the bank and had ordered it to increase its capital reserves to a safe level. However, efforts by the bank to do so were unsuccessful. The Department named the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver of the bank. The FDIC has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Heritage Bank headquartered in Wood River, Nebraska, to assume all of the deposits. Heritage Bank has branch offices in Aurora, Doniphan, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Neligh and Stromsburg, as well as mobile branches in Adams, Buffalo and Hall counties.

Customers who have questions regarding Sherman County Bank and their accounts can call the FDIC toll free at 1-800-823-5346. Customers can also visit the FDIC’s website at www.fdic.gov for more information.

Read News Release

State Agencies Investigate Grand Island Insurance Agency (1-16-09)

On Monday, January 12, 2009, First Americans Insurance Service, Inc. of Grand Island filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. First Americans is registered with the Department of Insurance as an insurance agency. The bankruptcy filing indicates more than 200 creditors and over $100 million dollars in liabilities. Many of the creditors appear to be investors who purchased notes from First Americans.

The Nebraska Attorney General's office has authorized a criminal investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. All of the state agencies are working closely regarding the investigation to determine possible violations of state laws.

Any investors that have questions or complaints can contact the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance at 402-471-2171 or its toll-free consumer number at 1- 877-471-3445. Any insurance customers that have questions should contact the Nebraska Department of Insurance at its toll-free consumer hotline at 1-877-564-7323.

NDBF Cease and Desist Order (PDF)
U.S. District Court Bankruptcy filing (PDF)
Nebraska Department of Insurance

Click here for news release archives