The vast majority
of lenders are owned and managed by legitimate professionals. But fraudulent loan brokers
and other individuals misrepresenting the availability of credit and credit terms
definitely are in business. One of their favorite strategies is the
"advance-fee" loan. That's when they guarantee you'll get a loan or other type
of credit - but you must pay before you apply.
Recognizing An Advance-Fee Loan Scam
Advertisements that promise loans generally
appear in the classified section of local and national newspapers and magazines, and on
the Internet. They also may appear in radio advertisements, on local cable stations, and
in flyers circulated in neighborhoods, shopping centers and at military bases. Often,
these ads feature "900" numbers, which result in charges on your phone bill, or
toll-free "800" numbers. Unfortunately, advertising in recognized media outlets
or on the Internet does not guarantee the legitimacy of the company behind the ad. In
addition, these companies often use delivery systems other than the U.S. Postal Service,
such as overnight or courier services, to avoid detection and prosecution by postal
authorities.
Some companies claim they can guarantee you a loan for a
fee paid in advance. The fee may range from $100 to several hundred dollars. Indeed, small
businesses have been charged as much as several thousand dollars as an advance fee for a
loan. Whether you are an individual consumer or an owner of a small business, the result
is the same: you don't get your money; the con artist does. And once con artists get your
money, they disappear.
Don't confuse a legitimate pre-approved credit offer with
a legitimate pre-qualified offer from mortgage brokers, banks, savings and loans, and
credit unions. A pre-approved offer requires only your verbal or written acceptance. A
pre-qualified offer means you've been selected to apply. However, you still must go
through the normal application process, and you still can be turned down.
Protecting Yourself
According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, if
someone guarantees or suggests that there is a strong chance they can get or arrange a
loan or other form of credit for you, it's against the law to ask you to pay - or accept
payment - for their service until you get your loan or credit.
Here are some points to keep in mind before you respond to
ads that promise easy credit, regardless of your credit history:
- Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that
you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad
credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy.
- If you apply for a real estate loan, it is accepted and
common practice for lenders to request payment for a credit report or appraisal. However,
legitimate lenders never ask you to pay for processing your application.
- Never give your credit card account number, bank account
information, or Social Security Number over the telephone or Internet unless you are
familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.
- If you don't have the offer in hand or confirmed in writing
and you are asked to pay, don't do it. It's fraud and it's against the law.
If You Are A Victim
If you think you've been a victim of an
advance-fee loan scam, contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney
General or local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to report the company.
HOMELOAN Source may be able to help you or your friends get established
with the most appropriate financing, even if your credit is less than
perfect. Let us look at your situation with you, before you go
anywhere else.
