Beware of Loan Scams

Francisca Montoya
October 13, 2021
Uncategorized
49 likes
Beware of Loan Scams

RDF encourages all Paycheck Protection Program loan borrowers to visit the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s website to learn about their data sharing policies. Be in the know about the types of personal information released and the companies who are able to access that data.

Private companies may access this data and use the information to send you a solicitation for a small business loan. We are aware many small business owners who received a PPP loan from Raza Development Fund have already received a solicitation letter listing RDF as your lender.   

Be aware, sometimes it is difficult to spot a legitimate request from a scam. That’s why it is important to be extra careful to avoid becoming a victim of a loan scam. Here are some tips to help you avoid making this mistake: 

  • Check for a company website 
  • Check for the company’s physical office address 
  • Check for a company representative name or contact person 
  • Check for a company phone number
  • Offer may appear to be an official letter from the federal government, but isn’t 
  • Offer requires no credit check 
  • Offer is too good to be true 
  • You are pressured to act immediately 
  • Lender asks for money upfront 
  • Lender does not disclose interest rate, term of loan or origination fees 

And lastly, remember, it is important to do your research and check with the Better Business Bureau to validate the business is legitimate.  You may also want to check for customer complaints before taking the next step to apply for a loan.   

The best advice Raza Development Fund can offer small business owners is to work with a lender you trust. That may be your local banker, credit union or community development financial institution such as RDF.   

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Francisca Montoya
As RDF's Director of Community Development & Special Projects, Francisca Montoya oversees the PPP program managing all aspects of program operations, including policy and quality improvement to achieve department goals. Previously, Ms. Montoya was employed with Friendly House, Inc., as Director of Strategic Development. Her recent experience includes working with MALDEF as Regional Director for the 2010 Census and Arizona Regional Director of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation where she was responsible for community relations, corporate fundraising, and program and grants management.
Phone 602-417-1400
Raza Development Fund (RDF) is the largest national, Latino-focused nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Driven by a mission to close wealth and opportunity gaps in Latino and other under-resourced communities across the United States, RDF provides responsible and attainable financial solutions to community-based organizations focused on health, education, affordable housing, climate resilience, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. RDF was founded in 1999 as a support organization to UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy nonprofit, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza. As a testament to its exceptional financial strength and impact, RDF stands out as one of the few CDFIs with a prestigious AA- S&P rating. Since its inception, RDF has invested more than $1.3 billion across 38 states, leveraging over $6 billion in additional capital.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination, by mail to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity , 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202) 622-0367 (fax), or email crcomplaints@treasury.gov (email).

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