James
San Francisco,#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, September 22, 2006
Not long ago I was short on cash and needed a loan to consolidate bills. I applied for a few loans on-line and immediately I received a response from a loan company that was unfamiliar to me. They were going to lend me $25,000; however, I needed to pay $1400 via Western Union prior to the proceeds being distributed. It sounded great, and I so badly wanted it to be true, but I knew there was something wrong. I completed limited research and my suspicions were of course confirmed. The company was a scam. A few red flags I immediately noticed included: - The loan company stated they were in Florida, yet caller id indicated they were calling from a New York area code. - When using a search engine there were almost no hits for the company name. - They called me daily, like clock work, to make sure I was going to accept the loan and send the money Western Union. -The loan application was incredibly short. -They asked me for money period, prior to loaning me money. This company obviously had practice at thisi scam because they did have quick answers for all my questions. They said they were a subsidiary of an actual legitimate company. Their documents even had the alleged parent companies logo. I followed up with the alleged parent company and confirmed there was no such relationship. I was even transferred to a supervisor of the rep I spoke with and she tried to convince me it was legitimate. When I last spoke with them I got on my soap box and told them they should be ashamed of preying on people period, but especially those that are having financial problems to begin with. I also advised the rep that I had reported them to the BBB, and anyone else I could. Bottom line is that if it is to good to be true, it is, an immediate red flag should pop up in your head. Also, by doing just a little research about the company in question, you can save some heart ache. Pop the companies name in any search engine, the BBB, etc., and you will receive some helpful information. Remember to always do your research, and then report the jerks so it will not happen to anyone else.
Dave
Jacksonville,#3Consumer Comment
Tue, September 12, 2006
And, this has never happened to me. If I had ever applied for a loan on-line, and they wanted money from me to get the loan, I would have told them to shove it. I almost fell for the Nigeria scam about 5 years ago, but as soon as they asked for my bank account, I told them to take a hike. I was just stating that anybody that is about to spend money for something a little fishy should ALWAYS check the internet, especially this site, to make sure it is legit. And as a side note, anytime somebody, no matter who, wants you to send money via Western Union, IT IS A SCAM, period. Never send money via Western Union for ANYTHING!!! (Except to a friend or relative of course). NEVER NEVER NEVER.
John
Philadelphia,#4Consumer Comment
Tue, September 12, 2006
I am very sorry to hear about the losses. Dave is right that you have lost your money and advance fee scams are illegal, however I did not find that out until i lost $1000.00 about a year ago with the same type of scam. Dave, this more than likely happened to you or you wouldn't be reading these comments so relax, because this happens to millions of people because these conartists know exactly what to say. It is idiotic but i'm sure he'll learn his lesson like I did. Dont be cruel. John
Dave
Jacksonville,#5Consumer Comment
Mon, September 11, 2006
You son got scammed. There is no lender, there is no loan. All they wanted was his money. These guys are not even in this country. Advance fee loans are illegal. Next time you son wants to do something like this, tell him to use a little common sense, and read up on these types of scams on the internet.