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TUCSON - A warning for consumers from the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona about the Utah-based online payday lender, Zeal Funding Services, also known as 'My Cash Guardian', 'Money Leaf' and 'My Money Toolbox'.

BBB has received more than 280 complaints from across the country in the last four months, including seven complaints from Arizona and one complaint from Tucson.

Complainants tell BBB that they submitted information attempting to receive a payday loan from a website, then noticed unauthorized debits from Zeal Funding for $29.95.

Zeal Funding initially responded to the complaints by stating that the charge is for a membership fee or account protection, which they say is required for all first time applicants. However, the business has now stopped responding to complaints and consumers are not receiving refunds for the unwanted charges.

Payday loans are illegal in the state of Arizona. This includes not only payday loans from brick and mortar businesses, but from online lenders as well. Arizona classifies any loan with an annual interest rate above 36 percent to be a payday loan.

BBB offers the following tips for consumers to protect themselves when doing business on the Internet:

1. Verify the business's contact information (name, address, phone numbers) before you give out any personal information.
2. Read the terms and conditions carefully. If you don't understand them, ask. If you are unable to get a suitable response, don't do business with the company.
3. If a pop-up box appears after purchasing an item, read the box carefully to see how you can close it out without agreeing to a purchase.

For more information about Zeal Funding, or to find a business you can trust visit www.tucson.bbb.org <http://www.tucson.bbb.org>.