Couple Falls For Loan Scam

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Couple Falls For Loan Scam

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Internet lender takes down payment, then takes off
Posted: 9:11 PM Nov 30, 2008
Last Updated: 12:02 AM Dec 1, 2008
Reporter: Mike McKnight
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

31 comments

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An Omaha couple expecting a baby and trying to find a place of their own applied for a loan, only to be scammed out of what little money they had.

Kyle and Miranda Fry are married without rings. “We pawned our wedding rings just to get money so that we could get a loan," said Miranda.

The couple couldn't qualify for a conventional loan, so they hoped to borrow $5,000 from Clearview Lending of Orlando. However, the Internet lender required $750 down and then demanded more.

"I knew right then it was a scam,” said Kyle. “They were just going to keep doing it to get as much money as they could out of you."

The Frys have no more to give and without the promised loan they can't get their wedding rings out of hock. "The only thing we could call our own," said Miranda.

Unfortunately for this couple, complaints about this lender didn't start flooding in until after they wired their down payment money. A Better Business Bureau Web site shows 34 complaints were made against Clearview Lending in just the past month.

The Florida attorney general has received 18 complaints so far. Since the loan offer may have ties to a Canadian loan scheme, it will likely be difficult to track down refunds.

Clearview Lending used to have a phone number with multiple extensions. Now Kyle dials and gets only a recording. “That really sucks. We're worse off than we were before."

Living with relatives, the Frys counted on the loan to rent a place of their own and buy furniture like a crib. Kyle's mom can afford little more than encouragement.

“Two people that are trying to start out on their own and making minimum wage and for this to happen is really sad,” said Jackie Fry.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Tim on Dec 9, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I too fell for a company out of New York with ties to Canada as well. We lost $1468.75 and now are looking at losing our apartment. The company's website is still up and running, but I contacted BBB, the Attrny General of NY, the FBI, and even the Chamber of Commerce for NY.I plan on hitting this company hard before they have a chance to even blink. I don't think I'm getting my money back, but you never know.

Posted by: Tim on Dec 8, 2008 at 07:22 PM
These people im sure now go by Mcallister and Burnes Finicial. I too fell along with this Contacted the FBI So far nothing is being done

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 6, 2008 at 04:42 PM
for everyone who has negative comments you can just leave them to yourselves...and who the hell are you to say who can and can't have kids..thats none of your damn business..just because your not a millionaire doesn't mean you can't have kids..get a damn life..you stupid losers...there just trying to make it and to know the joy of having a family..

Posted by: Jackie Fry on Dec 6, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Thank you for all your comments. We did have a bank check the loan papers to make sure that the loan was liqite. I will not name the bank. If you would like to help please e-mail kgfrysos@yahoo.com. I agree this is a learning experience.

Posted by: Rob on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:13 PM
They got me also.This has just about cost me everthing.Lost 900.00 but has cost alot more.

Posted by: Listen Up 1:32 on Dec 2, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Hey, 1:32, everything in business life gets marked up, if no one has told you that already, even shipping costs. You want banks to just break even? They'll sure stay in business a long time doing that.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 2, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Joe, if you don't understand the reasons a woman becomes pregnant, even when unplanned, you shouldn't be making comments. All forms of “birth control” (other than abstinence) have a positive failure rate. It happens. What do you propose: abstinence in monogamous marital relationships?

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 2, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Wow, sorry I offended you with my "ignorance" Listen Up...except that the origination fees they charge are far more than the amount they put out for that information, including the bankers "time". Origination fees are BS fees, as are most fees charged by banks during the mortgage process. It's simply a way for the bank to make money without a blink of an eye from most borrowers, who accept all the fees as part of getting a mortgage.

Posted by: LLR on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
With the exception of a mortgage, I have never had to pay up front to get a loan of any kind. With mortgages, you have points and closing costs, etc (all of which can be negotiated into the sale). But I have had any number of loans from banks (auto loans AND unsecured loans) and not one of them charged me a fee up front.

Posted by: Ford blue on Dec 2, 2008 at 09:04 AM
anonymous at 1:16 said it all!!!! IF you dont have the money to get the loan why would you pawn something knowing you have payments coming? This is sad especially during the holidays.

Posted by: Joe on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:32 AM
If they are in such bad financial shape why is she pregnant? That just adds to the problem.

Posted by: Too Bad on Dec 2, 2008 at 05:47 AM
They're young, and that was a cheap lesson in life. if you're deperate for $$$, go out and earn it.

Posted by: LOST on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:37 PM
IKEEP GETTING THESE IN THE MAIL FOR CREDIT CARDS FROM SOUIX FALLS S.D THEY WANT 69.00 T 69.00 I LAUGH AND ALL THE PAPER THEY WASTE GOES THROUGH THE PAPER SHERDER

Posted by: Listen Up 2:03 on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Well, 2:03, mortgage companies charge an origination fee, because they pull 3 different credit reports (due to the large amount of money usually involved). There are a few other things, like checking that the property to be mortgaged has clear title and is free of legal encumbrances, and so forth. All that costs money, and that makes a mortgage loan different from a small personal loan or a simple car loan. If they didn't charge an origination fee to cover all that expense, they'd just have to recoup it some other way, like a slightly higher interest rate. Some posters are so thick-headed. BTW, no, I'm not in the banking or finance biz.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Unfortunately, until mortage companies are forced to stop charging for loans people are going to think that giving money up front is ok. Why is it OK for mortage companies to engage in a practice which other loan companies are called "predatory" for engaging in? And yes, I know this unfortunate couple wasn't trying to get a mortgage loan. My point is -- why is it legal to charge upfront for ANY loan?

Posted by: Marie on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Although this is very sad, common sense tells you, or should, that you don't have to give money to get money. That being said, I have several like new baby items, clothes and several other items that I am willing to give to this couple. If someone knows how I could do this, please say. I already tried to call the news station and they don't give out info.???

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:36 PM
You should always run from any non-mortgage loan that requires an origination fee!

Posted by: AB on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Anonymous with each comment made here you make yourself sound that much more pig-headed. Consider yourself lucky if you've never had to pawn something you cared about just to buy groceries or pay your rent/mortgage payment. Others aren't sipping from the golden cup as you seem to make yourself out to be, and things take a turn for the worst sometimes... Yeah I know you're self righteous mind finds that a little hard to believe doesn't it? And who is to say that the baby was planned, you sit here and literally blame this couple for trying to do right for their baby like you have a right? So you must be an abortion for convenience supporter as well as a self described "perfect" human being. Get off your high nag, join the real world, and just stop being so, well, fickle minded. And well being stupid justifies not being able to keep your comments within balance so you don't end your sentence with illega? Doesn't it? Stupid is as stupid does.

Posted by: Steve on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I hate to say it, but.....People are STILL nieve ! ! !

Posted by: Nick on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Donna, that is very generous of you. I'm assuming if you call the TV Station at (402) 346-6666, they might be able to get you to right the party.

Posted by: donna on Dec 1, 2008 at 09:59 AM
I have a crib that they can have, if someone knows how I can get it to them. I know how it feels to be in need and after all, it is the holiday season.

Posted by: J from Bennington on Dec 1, 2008 at 07:58 AM
@Anonymous: The Frys weren't trying to buy a house, they were trying to rent. Renting generally means a deposit, first and last month's rent - expensive. You have to put basic furniture in that house - expensive. C'mon, even if you didn't go to church yesterday and listen to a sermon on being charitable, this is the season where a baby born without a crib grew up to be King. I think we've all said they used poor judgment - don't keep kicking them now that they're down. It's possible to get past these things and grow stronger - my family did. But some pawnbroker in Lincoln got our high school class rings, and our family got groceries and a month's rent. So, I have a little empathy for the Frys.

Posted by: ME on Dec 1, 2008 at 03:33 AM
At least they have a roof over their heads and family to support them. It will be okay. It may not seem like it now, but it will. People just need to remember that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is and if anyone asks for money upfront for a loan, it's a scam. Never deal with the Snake oil salesman. You'll never win.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:16 AM
If you have to pawn your wedding rings to get a loan then common sense should tell you you can't afford the loan.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 30, 2008 at 11:45 PM
They had to pawn their wedding rings to get a loan and you think they should take the burden and expense of having children at this time. You people are the ones that need your heads out of your rears. I guess this housing crisis hasn't taught any of you anything. If you don't have money for a down payment you should not be buying a house. Fortunately for you, being stupid isn't illega.

Posted by: AB on Nov 30, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Anonymous get your head out of your rear. Many minimum wage couples have had children and make it through, scarred but stronger for the struggle. We are getting by and have had just as much bad luck as this couple. Are your parent's millionaires might I ask? Look at the comments below, one commentor's child is making thousands and is sucessful, and he came from a struggling family. Don't base your decisions on money alone. Just recently I have already given my baby's items away to needy mothers-to-be but I wouldn't have thought twice on helping them with a crib and other baby necessities. Hopefully there are those out there who have big hearts that will help them out.

Posted by: Me on Nov 30, 2008 at 10:49 PM
To "Anonymous" What's up w/that comment? C'mon if people who made minimum wage didn't have babies you yourself probably wouldn't be here. My husband and I made min wage all through our 20's and we raised three boys and today those 3 boys are very successful. One is a UFC fighter making thousands, the other is in his 5th year of med school and the 3rd is in his 2nd year of law school. C'mon don't pull that card. You can be poor and do a hell of a job raising your family so long as you give love, attention and structure. Gee whiz are you that bored?

Posted by: J from Bennington on Nov 30, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Despite their poor judgment, I feel sorry for this couple. I'm left with a question - where did they get the money to pay for rings worth $750 to a pawn shop if all they make is minimum wage? What I'm afraid of is that they owe money on those rings to a jeweler and now they have no rings, no loan to redeem the rings, no crib and no home to call their own. The paper prints these kinds of hard luck stories all the time in their Goodfellows stories and people donate toys, cribs, furniture - you name it. Maybe we posters should help out here. Perhaps WOWT could add a sentence or two to the story as to how that help could happen? Thanks, WOWT.

Posted by: curtis on Nov 30, 2008 at 09:35 PM
all email loans are frauds waiting to happen.omg, some people will believe anything.wise up folks.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 30, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Sure it's sad, but people with this type of income problem should not be having babies.

Posted by: pete on Nov 30, 2008 at 09:14 PM
DUH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 WHEN ARE PEOPLE GOING TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY DON'T GIVE MONEY TO GET MONEY.. THERE ISN'T A PRICE FOR STUPID..."HERE'S YOUR CARD"