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Loan Scam Checker

Answer 10 quick questions about a lender or loan offer to get an instant scam-risk assessment. Protect yourself before you share any personal information.

Question 1 of 10 0% complete

1. Did the lender contact YOU first (unsolicited call, text, email, or ad)?

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. If you believe you've been defrauded, report it to the FTC, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and your state attorney general.

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Official Reporting Resources

FTC Report Fraudreportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3 Cybercrimeic3.gov
SBA Office of Inspector Generalsba.gov/oig
CFPB Complaint Centerconsumerfinance.gov

Loan Scam Checker

1. Did the lender contact YOU first (unsolicited call, text, email, or ad)?

2. Is the lender asking for an upfront fee (application fee, insurance, processing fee) before approving your loan?

3. Did the lender guarantee approval regardless of your credit score or financial history?

4. Is the lender pressuring you to act immediately or saying the offer expires very soon?

5. Does the lender have a physical address that you can verify independently?

6. Can you find this lender listed on the SBA's official Lender Match tool or your state banking regulator's website?

7. Did the lender ask you to wire money, pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other untraceable methods?

8. Does the lender's website use a free email service (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) as their contact address?

9. Were the loan terms (interest rate, repayment period, fees) clearly disclosed in writing before you signed anything?

10. Has the lender asked you to provide your SSN, EIN, or bank account information before any formal application process?