Common Loan Scams
Scammers seem to employ varying schemes to get their hands on Borrowers. The following are some of the most common loan scams:
Advance-Fee/Upfront Fee Scam
An Advance-Fee/Upfront Fee Scam involves a fraudster promising a large reward (money, loan, job, inheritance, rental) but requiring the victim to pay small fees first for taxes, processing, or admin costs, with the promise these fees will be repaid from the large sum; the scammer takes the upfront money and disappears, often escalating requests for more fees until the victim is drained. Key red flags include unsolicited offers, pressure to pay quickly via untraceable methods (gift cards, crypto, wire), and promises that seem too good to be true, like guaranteed high returns or no credit checks for loans.
Guaranteed Approval/No Credit Check
The promise of "guaranteed approval" or "no credit check" for a loan is almost always a scam (an advance-fee loan scam). Legitimate lenders and financial institutions will never guarantee a loan before reviewing your credit history, income, and ability to repay.
Government Impersonation Loan Scam
A government impersonation loan scam uses fake officials (IRS, SSA, etc.) to demand urgent payment for "fees," "taxes," or "processing" to release a non-existent loan or avoid arrest, threatening jail or lost benefits. Key red flags: unexpected contact, demands for gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or cash, threats, and urgent pressure; real agencies never demand immediate payment this way.
Foreclosure Rescue Loan scam
A foreclosure rescue loan scam targets struggling homeowners with fake promises of saving their home, often by charging high upfront fees, telling them to stop paying their mortgage, or tricking them into signing over their property deed, only for the scammer to take the money and leave the homeowner to lose their house and credit, so never pay upfront fees, stop payments, or sign over your deed without consulting a HUD-approved counselor or lawyer.
Grant Loan Scams
Grant and loan scams often promise "free money" in exchange for an upfront "fee" or personal information. Legitimate government agencies and non-profit organizations do not operate this way. You are asked to pay a "processing fee," "tax," or "disbursement fee" to receive the money. This is a definitive sign of a scam; legitimate grants are free to apply for and receive.
Stay Safe – If you suspect a Loan scam, act fast and report it to financial authorities.
