Lakewood Financial Management, fraud, scam, phone East Greenwich Rhode Island

My mother was contacted by this 'company' over the phone. She was told she would receive a loan of $25k if she cooperated with this company. The 'representative' she spoke to, Shawn, said that a 'security deposit' of $1600 was needed to prove that my mother was 'serious about this loan'. She was told to MONEYGRAM it to Canada, but that no personal information was needed, and that would ensure it not being touched. They however took the reference number of the MONEYGRAM order for 'reassurance'.

After the first $1600 was sent, we were told by another representative 'Eric' that we would receive the loan in full in my mother's bank account the next day. [They had my mom's social security, as well as bank account number]. When my mom called to ask why the money had not been transferred, 'Eric' said that they needed another $1300 for 'loan insurance'. 'Eric' threatened that his company would take 'legal action' if she didn't comply. My mom believing them, sent it via MONEYGRAM again, same method.

The following day, when she repeatedly tried to get in touch with them, she received an answering machine. When I called MONEYGRAM, they told me that the money had been pulled the minute it was transferred, and that scams like this are common. Please be careful everyone, don't fall for this one.

Over the phone loan offers are bogus. Trust your bank and no one else!

Janetk
Van Nuys, California
U.S.A.