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Previous story: Cash loan scam traps victims in St. Louis and nation

(KMOV) - A fake loan company not only ripped off people across the country, it also hijacked a local company's name.

News 4 Tuesday covered a story about an online loan scam that used the name Alliance Lending.

Now the real company, in Chesterfield is trying to undo the damage done by the scammers.

Calls from Phoenix to New Jersey are coming into the Chesterfield mortgage lending company, from people who never got the quick cash loans promised by an online lender also calling itself Alliance Lending.

Scammers required applicants to wire money to Canada to secure the loans.

Experts say be very suspicious if a transaction requires you to wire money to a foreign country.

Victims who tried to track down the company ended up calling, Peter Wright who acted quickly to end the scam and do damage control.

He contacted the attorney general's office to head off any potential investigation.

Attempts to contact the scammers web-hosting company failed, because the website has since been shut down.

The real Alliance Lending spent thousands working to clear its name and some loan applicants lost thousands.

These are BBB tips for people who are seeking advanced fee loans:

Reputable lenders never guarantee or promise that you will receive a loan before you apply, or before they have checked your credit report.

Don't give your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number on the telephone, by fax, or via the Internet unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary. Don't send money or money orders for a loan by wire. Reputable lenders don't pressure you to wire funds.

Make sure the company's physical address and phone number are available on its Web site. Beware if the loan broker hesitates to tell you the physical location of the company. Refuse to do business until you have obtained and verified its physical address or location.

Obtain the company's number in the phone book or from directory assistance, and call to make sure you're dealing with the company you think you are.

If the broker claims to have connections to established financial institutions, ask which lender the company deals with, and ask for the physical address of the lender.

If you think you've been victimized by an advance fee loan scam, you may file a complaint with the BBB at www.bbb.org.