A person may not perform an act, including advertising, or offer a service that would cause another to believe that the person is offering to make, arrange, or negotiate a loan that is subject to this subtitle, Subtitle C, or Chapter 394 unless the person is authorized to perform the act or offer the service as:

1. (1) a credit service organization under Chapter 393;
2. (2) a pawnbroker under Chapter 371; or
3. (3) an authorized lender.

Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1008, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.