newbieQC...
The new cyber criminals are very smart and well trained.. they're able to make their contracts look believable and as such have fooled thousands of people.

/archives/2007/09/interview+with+phonebusters+advance+fee+loan+scams.html

This is an interview that I did with CPL Louis Robertson of Phonebusters. He mentioned that the problem is huge in Canada.

If somebody asks you for money up front for admin fees on a loan, then it's probably a scam. It's illegal to ask for money up front in this manner.

Don't feel sheepish...

I'm glad you shared your story so that hopefully others won't get stuck with the advance fee loan scam.

Thank you - and yes I was. Feel very sheepish now but did conact phonebusters. I took comfort that they agreed the documentation and contract were highly believable!
Regards

newbieQC,
were you the victim of an advance fee loan scam?

If so... contact phonebusters..

As far as reputable lenders, the phonebook is a good source.

For those who may wish to try this avenue - it is only for refugees or protected persons.

Back to the drawing board!

Thanks for that - one step in renewing my faith that there are other helpful souls out there!
I'll give them a try...

Hello Newbie,

Try contacting Service Canada. They may be able to help you transport your personal effects to Canada thru their loan program. I'm not sure if your specific needs qualify for the program, however, it doesn't hurt to ask.

Here is their link.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/immigration_loan.shtml

TagaKawit

As a newbie to Canada - and with the added complication of residing in Quebec - I have an almost blank credit history. However, in trying to find a loan to have my belongings shipped over here, I was scammed out of $1000, had my identity stolen and now have umpteen searches on my file. I had to resort to payday lending - which despite the law in Quebec (I since found out!), there are firms here offering such high-interest services. I have a really good income - but need funds - and it's easy to see how things can spiral out of control......

Now getting back on my feet from parting with such a lot of money at Christmas time, I still need this loan to ship my belongings and pay back this darned short term loan. My bank said no (wait 18 months they said), Citifinancial said no (too many searches they said), wellsfargo just said no.......... so I am at a loss - and trying to remove all the other queries from my file.

Frustratingly, all links on the web lead to other links, not to actual lenders. Membership only sites (ie for a fee) promise sources - but my experience has made me very sceptical.

I am on a mission not only to find finance for myself but to help other people in my situation: genuine, hard-working people who have been victims but who really do need to find genuine sources of finance.

Can anyone advise - and I will post other blogs to share my experience and make sure others don't get scammed or end up in the same situation too.