I am so glad this website is here! I applied for a HOME loan on lendingtree.com, they are a legitamite company, I also applied on credit.com to see what kind of offers I'd get. Well one of them gave my information to two fraudulant companies, possibly more.
I thank god, I did not fall for the scams, but so many other people do and I have a few pointers! Both of the companies, Variety Financial Services and Spherion Group offer a GREAT finance rate with a great payback option with low monthly payments and terms, but they want YOUR money so that you can get money... That makes no sense to me, but alot of people unfortunately, fall victim to this. I want to stop these types of companies and I want to help others fight too. Here are some pointers when these types of companies call you:
Ask for a LOCAL address and a LOCAL phone number
if they give you one or the other go to anywho.com and do a reverse look up. If the company does not pop up then start being concerned. You can also call information or 1-800-555-1212 to see if they are listed.
If they give you a PO Box ask for a physical address, if they refuse to give you one advise them that by law they are required to give this information to you. (they will usually hang up on you).
If you do manage to get a local address (I got one for the Variety Financial Group) go to whitepages.com and do a reverse look up on the address, if the address does NOT have thier name tacked on to it, call one of the business the address is tacked to and ask them if they know if that company is there (I guarentee you, it is not).
Also check the BBB website and see if they have a rating. All lending institutions are supposed to be registered with the Better Business Bueareu.
Anyone that asks for money to be wired to them is running a scam. Loan companies that want collateral for a loan are looking for personal collateral such as a house, cars, jewelrey. (contact citifinancial for information on collateral loans), not money up front. Variety Financial told me they use Brinks security to transport the money, Brinks is a home security company so I had to laugh at that one.
After being contacted by these companies contact the Federal Trade Commission. Their website is http://www.ftc. Gov. You can file a complaint with them. You can also contact the police department in the state the company is running in or contact that states local FBI. (I called the FBI in conneticut and they were very friendly and willing to help!)
If you have poor credit, then try rebuilding your credit with a local company or your bank. If neither of these work then contact a reputable credit repair company. There are many ways of getting a loan without having to deal with these types of companies. Ask your financial institution about different options.
I hope this helps those of you who have fallen victim or have been contacted by these companies.
0 comments