How to Avoid a Business Loan Scam

Loan Scams

Some things you can spot from a mile away, but business loan scams are a different story. With the recent influx of companies offering alternative lending options for your small business, it’s now easier than ever to access the money you need to reach your goals. However, this also means an increase in loan scams—usually online, and usually catastrophic. Business loan scammers mask themselves as representing respected brands or banks, making them nearly impossible to spot yourself; they capitalize on your need for quick, affordable funding, with the ultimate goal of stealing your money and personal and business information.

That’s not to say there aren’t respectable online lenders from which to choose, and these establishments are highly valuable to help you secure financing for your business. Let’s have a look at the ways you can spot—and avoid—a business loan scam.

Advance Fee Loan Scams

If you’ve ever encountered a company asking you to pay an “application” or “processing” fee up front in exchange for easy access to funds, that’s called an “advance fee loan scam.” It’s one of the top five marketplace scams out there today. The loan scammers claim they’ll lend to any business, regardless of poor credit or former bankruptcies. A credible lender will have credit score minimums and bankruptcy restrictions you must meet (and the lower your credit score, the higher interest you’ll pay).

Advance fee loan scams can be tricky to spot. The FBI has a helpful list of tips to avoid these schemes, which include:

• If the offer of an “opportunity” appears too good to be true, it probably is. Follow common business practice.
• Know who you are dealing with. If you have not heard of a person or company that you intend to do business with, learn more about them. Depending on the amount of money that you plan on spending, you may want to visit the business location, check with the Better Business Bureau, or consult with your bank, or an attorney.
• Make sure you fully understand any business agreement that you enter into. If the terms are complex, have them reviewed by a competent attorney.
• Be wary of businesses that operate out of post office boxes or mail drops and do not have a street address. Also be suspicious when dealing with persons who do not have a direct telephone line and who are never in when you call, but always return your call later.

Website Ads

Scammers will often post ads on legitimate websites advertising guaranteed approval or too-good-to-be-true interest rates. Remember that just because someone is paying for advertising doesn’t mean they are credible lenders.

Fake Websites

It’s easier than ever for folks both inside and outside the US to create a website. Loan Scammers will develop a website to lend credibility to themselves, so if you’re already suspicious of their intent, check for things like verified contact information and state licenses on the website to make sure you’re dealing with the real deal.

Cold Calling

Scammers use text messaging, emails, phone calls, or social media to entice you to go to their website. Be wary of this, and never click on a text message or email link from unknown numbers or addresses. And speaking of email addresses, proceed with caution if a potential lender is sending you messages from a generic address (such as Gmail or Yahoo). Credible businesses will have official business email addresses.

What to Look For

A legitimate business lender will make it easy for you to access several pieces of information on them. Before you give them your business, make sure you know:

The name of the company representative you’re speaking with and the name of the company itself
Once you know these things, do some homework: Check the business license number and ensure it matches the company name, physical address, and public phone number. You can also do a search of the company’s name online and be on the lookout for red flags from other business owners. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or state attorney general’s office and ask if complaints have been filed against the lenders.

When it comes to avoiding a loan scam, the most important piece of advice is to be smart. If something sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is. ARF Financial understands that you want to make your business goals a reality, and we also understand you might have less-than-perfect credit. That being said, we’ll never ask for any fees up front or engage in risky lending practices. Our seasoned loan experts have been in the business for decades and are here to help you decide which restaurant loan type is right for you—no gimmicks, we promise. APPLY NOW to see if you qualify for a loan today.