Loan scam checker
Loan scam checker: is this loan offer legit?
Got a loan offer by email, text, call or ad? Check it against the warning signs the FTC lists, then look up whether the lender is licensed in your state.
What the offer does
Tick everything that matches the loan offer, email, call or text you got.
To find where to check the lender's license.
No warning signs ticked
That alone doesn't prove an offer is real. Check the lender's license before you apply.
Check the lender's license
Search the lender's name on your state's financial regulator or attorney general website. Pick your state above for a link where we have one.
Already paid or shared your details?
Contact your bank or card company right away, then report it to the FTC. ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Looking for a real way to cover a shortfall? Compare every option by cost.
How this works
- The warning signs come from the FTC's guidance on advance-fee loans.
- The FTC says any up-front fee a lender wants to collect before granting the loan is a cue to walk away.
- Lenders must register in the states where they do business, so a license lookup is the next check.
- No ticked signs doesn't prove an offer is real; it only means none of these signs showed.
Sources
Awaiting expert reviewEstimates only; not financial, tax or legal advice.
Common questions
How can I tell if a loan offer is a scam?
Watch for a fee before you get the loan, an ad saying you can get credit regardless of your credit history, a request to pay by wire or gift card, and a lender that isn't registered in your state.
Should I pay a fee to get a loan approved?
The FTC says any up-front fee a lender wants to collect before granting the loan is a cue to walk away.
What if I already paid a loan scammer?
Contact your bank or card company right away, then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Is the information I enter saved or sent anywhere?
No. What you type stays on this page. It isn't saved or sent anywhere, and it clears when you leave or reload the page.