Please help I was ripped off by a loan scam what can I do?

[Yulisysses]

I responded to an ad in the newspaper last week. I wanted to buy a car with a low interest rate so I decided to get a unsecured loan instead of holding the car as collateral. They sent me some paperwork that I filled out and faxed back with copies of my drivers license, passport and social security card as well as an application with all the rest of my financial information. I spoke with a woman named Eileen Patterson with Mertitechi Loans and after an extensive phone consultation she told me I was approved for a unsecured loan for $7,000. I was so happy when I was told that I would receive my check within 30 days. I am really nervous now that over 45 days have passed. I sent them an application fee of $299 and I think now I have been ripped off because she never answer her phone or returns calls. I looked them up and dont see them anywhere... What do I do, who can I complain to, do you think I can get my $300 bucks back or am I at a complete loss??

Your responses are appreciated. Thank you for the great forum, I have sent links to my two best friends....

Yuli

[BarkBarkMarly]

I recommend you contact the 3 big credit agencies equifax, experian and transunion and look at your 3 credit reports to see if anyone has been attempting to open credit in your name without your knowledge. You can put a security freeze by calling each of the 3 agencies and asking the to "freeze" your credit. If they did open any accounts, you will need to file a police report and send it to all of the creditors that the crook opened. You should also check chexsystems and find out if they opened any bank accounts. Theres no doubt you already lost your application fee because all of those loan companies that charge fees to lend money are scams. Good luck and may the force be with you.