Benjamin Steffen has filed a class action lawsuit against Green Arrow Solutions, Integra Financial Services, Nevada Impact Management, and several individuals for allegedly issuing usurious and illegal loans to Illinois residents. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on May 30, 2024.
The lawsuit claims that Green Arrow Solutions, operating under the name Green Arrow Loans, along with its affiliates and key personnel—Dan Shaw and Greg Jones—engaged in making high-interest loans to Illinois residents via the internet. These loans reportedly carried annual percentage rates exceeding 700%, far above the state's legal limit of 36%. Steffen alleges that these actions violate multiple state laws including the Illinois Interest Act, Illinois Predatory Loan Prevention Act, and Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. Additionally, he seeks treble damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
According to the complaint, Steffen received a loan from Green Arrow Solutions on February 13, 2023. The $350 loan was structured to require repayment totaling $1,132.28 if paid on schedule—an interest rate of 852.42%. The plaintiff argues that this rate is more than twenty times higher than what is permissible under Illinois law. The suit further alleges that despite Green Arrow Solutions' claims of tribal ownership by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians of the Big Valley Rancheria, all significant lending operations are conducted outside tribal lands by non-tribal members.
Steffen's complaint outlines how Green Arrow Solutions' operations—including loan application reviews, underwriting processes, payment processing, and marketing—are conducted from locations such as North Logan, Utah. He asserts that these activities benefit individuals who are not members of any tribe. Furthermore, it is alleged that other similar internet lenders also falsely claim tribal ownership to evade state regulations.
The plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment to void these loans and an injunction against their collection. He also demands restitution for amounts already collected from borrowers and statutory damages for violations of state interest laws. Moreover, Steffen requests compensatory and punitive damages under consumer fraud statutes as well as treble damages under RICO provisions.
Representing Steffen in this case are attorneys Daniel A. Edelman, Tara L. Goodwin, and Dulijaza Clark from Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin LLC based in Chicago. The case has been assigned Case ID: 1:24-cv-04488.