Aafes
Viernheim,#2Consumer Comment
Tue, May 09, 2006
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your money is simply gone. This advance fee loan scam is prevalent, preying on those in financial need. Western Union will not refund your money as they view themselves as only a money transfer service. Once you complete the transaction the money is simply gone. Western Union was sued, by the a state atty general for this, the result was that they paid some fines and agreed to "educate" their customers - slap on the hand. An investigation shows "More than $113 million was swindled in 2002 from U.S. residents through wire transfer fraud to Canada alone, according to a survey conducted by investigators in seven states." The address for this supposed loan business comes back to a 2 story office building in Miami with an attorney and a CPA firm listed several years back. It was purchased in 2005 by a development company that is planning a hotel tower. It is likely vacant at this time. The toll free number comes back to a US/Canada assigment with no listing shown. It is possible to purchase a personal, anonymous toll free number that is unlisted. The telephone call likely went directly to Canada, the scammer picked up your money in Canada so although you can report it to the FBI it will only be added to thousands of reports on the same scam. The problem with sending money Western Union is that often they don't even require picture I.D. to pick up the money as the fee was already paid and they simply don't care - they will tell you I.D. is required but I have personally picked up money with no I.D. in the past. Additionally, the money you send can be picked up at any Western Union office worldwide.
Dave
Jacksonville,#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, May 08, 2006
Try to play along with the 'lenders'. Contact the FBI and tell them you have been a victim of the 'Advance Fee Loan Scam', which you have by the way... and see if they will help you get your money back. Western Union can tell you at which location they picked up the money, if they used the same location both times, then it's likely they will a third time too. See if the Feds will send someone out there to watch the W.U. office, and catch these bastards. Paying for a loan is illegal. You will not get a refund in any way, shape or form. The phone will probably be disconnected soon, and you won't be able to contact them. You've been scammed, pure and simple. You would've had better luck taking that $2000 and playing poker or blackjack! Your odds would've been 100% better than getting this non-existent loan.