Getting approved for a personal loan can be difficult if you have history of bad credit. However, consumers who suffer from bad credit can search for lending companies that extend personal loans even for those who are credit challenged.

Nevertheless, there is the risk of dealing with the wrong kind of lender. Consumers need to be aware that bad credit personal loan scams do exist in the market and the only way they can be avoided is by being aware of their tactics. Listed below are warning signs that you need to look out for when evaluating lending companies:

Guarantees your approval. Scammers can promise guaranteed approval to attract customers. Although there are lending companies that extend bad credit loans, the applicant’s credit history will always be considered before the loan is granted. In fact, the interest rate you will be given will depend on your personal credit score. Therefore, watch out for lenders that promise to grant you a loan without conducting credit check.

1-900 Customer Service number. Avoid loan providers that make use of the 1-900 telephone number to get in touch with customers. Remember that calling the 1-900 number is not free, so the caller will be charged for the call. A legitimate lending company must have its own independent landline number as it is a basic requirement for businesses.

Requires you to provide your personal information in exchange for a free quote. Consumers can compare loans by requesting for free loan quotes over the internet. However, make sure that you are not being asked to enter your personal information in exchange for the free quotation. NEVER give out your Social Security Number, Bank Account, Credit Card Numbers, full name, or residential address in exchange for quotes.

Sends unsolicited loan offers. Do not reply to bad credit loan offers that you may receive through your email or post mail. Do not even click on the links that are included in the email. Legitimate loan companies do not send unsolicited offers nor do they use deceitful marketing tactics.

The loan is offered via telephone. The Federal Law prohibits lending companies from offering bad credit loans through telephone. In case you receive a call from a so-called "bad credit loan" agent who may be asking for your personal information or encouraging you to sign up for a loan with their company, end the call right away and do not provide any details.

A loan company without a physical address. A legitimate business needs to have a physical office where it conducts its main operations. It is one of the basic requirements when seeking a business license. Therefore, avoid bad credit loan offers from lenders that only perform operations over the internet.

Creating a website is easy and scammers can make it look professional to attract borrowers. To be sure, check the office address of the lending company that is listed on the website and verify if the office does exists. As much as possible, personally visit the office and meet with the representative to find out more information about the loan offered.