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Callers Hit Up Eugene-Area Residents With Loan Scams

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

The Better Business Bureau is warning Eugene-area residents to watch for a scam loan operation. KLCC’s Brian Bull talks to a local man who was nearly bilked by the perpetrators.

The target – whom we’ll refer to as “Sam” -- says he was called by a person claiming to be with First Community Financial. They offered a $2000 loan at a 10 percent interest rate for two years.

Sam was game.

“That’s awesome, let’s apply for it,” he recalls telling the caller.

Sam gave his personal information over the phone, including his address and social security number. 

“And then they say, ‘We can give you an increase on your loan for the cost of this insurance.’ And the insurance was going to be $2000.  And I’m like, ‘That’s a lot for insurance.’ And they said, ‘You have to either send a money order or get these Google Play Cards.’ That’s when I knew it wasn’t real.”

Sam ended the call, but realized he’d already shared lots of sensitive information. He called his bank and managed to avoid losing $2000 dollars to the scammers. He says he’ll either take a loan directly from a bank in person, or verify the phone number and return the call to ensure it’s legitimate.

Copyright 2018, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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