First Summit Lending/Mortgage loan scam requiring collateral money no loan /no money returned Grand Rapids Michigan

Looking for a loan I responded to an ad in a local small paper. After calling the company First Summit Lending I applied for and was approved for a loan to consolidate my bills. The loan was for $16,500 and I was told that a collateral payment of $1500.00 was required which would be applied to the loan if I did not default. Josh at that company faxed me a loan agreement which I signed and faxed back. They also required a copy of my drivers license and Social Security card. On the loan papers I put my bank information so the money could be direct deposited. After receiving the money which was sent to Canada the loan would be released to me the next morning. When no money appeared in my account I attempted to contact Josh. For 2 day I left messages with no call back. The third day I got thru and was informed that they tried to call which since I have called id I knew was a lie. Josh told me that I needed to send an additional fee which I refused to do. I requested a refund and was told that it would be sent in 3-4 weeks. I feel that the money is lost forever. The company address is a fake.

Over the past few days the following have been contacted Canadian Phone Busters Fraud Division, the BBB,Michigan State Attorney General,the Federal Trade Commission Identy Theft Hotline. Please pass this along so no-one else falls victim to these scam artists. All I was trying to do was get my credit under control and now will have to sell my home. Thank You

Scotty
Buchanan, Michigan
U.S.A.