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FAKE APPROVALS · FAKE LENDERS · HIDDEN FEES

Is that loan offer real or a scam?

Paste the text, scan a screenshot or look up the lender. LoanShield gives you an answer in seconds — before you pay a single "fee".

Join the iPhone betaThe 6 warning signs

Everything you need to check a loan offer

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Scam message check

Paste any text, email or WhatsApp message — or scan a screenshot. We look for 20+ scam signs, right on your phone.

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Real lender lookup

Live search of FDIC bank records and the CFPB complaint database, plus NMLS license links. Spot copycat websites.

Calculator app over loan paperwork

True APR calculator

Fees, factor rates and short terms hide the real price. See what a loan or cash advance really costs per year.

The 6 signs of a fake loan offer

Upfront fees"Insurance", "processing" or "release" fees before you get the money.
Weird payment methodsGift cards, Zelle, Cash App, crypto or wire transfers.
Guaranteed approvalNo real lender guarantees a loan before checking you.
You never appliedA surprise "you're approved" text is bait.
Pressure and secrecy"Today only", "within 24 hours", "don't tell your bank".
No licenseNot a bank and not licensed on NMLS? Walk away.

Already paid? Call your bank right away, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Looking for a real business loan?

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SBAMatchPro

Compare real SBA-approved lenders for your business. Open SBAMatchPro

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DisputeMatchPro

Scammer hurt your credit? Make free dispute letters. Open DisputeMatchPro

Your privacy

Messages and screenshots are checked on your iPhone and never uploaded. Lender searches send only the company name to government databases.

LoanShield gives general information, not legal or financial advice. Photos: Unsplash.

Affiliates and partners

LoanShield may recommend products and services that fit what you are doing, such as trusted small business lenders and credit monitoring. For real financing we point you to our own free tools, SBAMatchPro and DisputeMatchPro.

Some of these links are affiliate links. If you buy or sign up through them, MD5TO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Partners never pay to change our recommendations, and we never share your personal data with them. As an Amazon Associate, MD5TO earns from qualifying purchases.

Have a product or service that fits LoanShield users? Write to contact@md5to.com with the subject "Partner: LoanShield".