Kenworth Lending Group reviews and complaints

I was almost taken in by this scam. I sent out a search for a personal loan from a reputable site and these jokers called me two days later saying I was already approved. Recieved their contract via fax, signed it and sent them a copy of my driv licence and a copy of a cancelled check (so they could direct deposit into my account). Next day i spoke to them they wanted me to sent 3 months advance payment (which meant i would not need to pay on the loan for three months - great hook isn't it) in advance via Western Union to a woman in Canada.

Luckily, I wasn't desperate for the loan. I already had one through Lending Club, but was hoping to pay it off for a lower interest rate. So when they wanted the money to go to Canada, i thought, WHAT? So I did some investigating and found all the info that others have talked about here. First the complaints, then that they are not listed with anyone in NY as doing banking or any type business and they do not have offices at the address on their contract.

I hate to be the Grim Reaper, but anyone who sent them money, is not getting their money back. Possible by Oct 1 they will have changed their name and started fishing again for the trusting and the desperate - which could be why they gave so many of you the date of Oct 1. Or they may push their luck til the end of the year.

If your credit is ok, you might try lendingclub.com for a loan. My interest rate is a bit high (12%) but I received a loan from them within about 7 days without any type hassles. What you do is first allow them to run a credit check then they offer the terms should you be "funded." The funding part is (for me) nerve racking. You submitted a detailed description of why you want the loan and why you are good risk. You do this because it really is a lending club and members fund you. My $15, 000 loan has about 40 lenders who paid part of it. You should be sincere and honest. I had a great credit score, but run my own business which is mostly done in cash so my IRS filings were low which is why I couldn't get a traditional loan.

I'm not here to blow lending clubs horn. It's just an alternative for those of you still looking.

If anyone here hears of anyone from Kenworth being arrested. PLEASE contact me. I have all the paperwork they sent me and the name and Canadian Info for the (probably fake name) woman who was going to pick up the money. I would love to see these guys burned. I was very close to sending then almost $1600 of my very hard earned money. I could cry for all of you who lost just by being trusting.

cant wait till they catch you and you will be caught then we will see who has the last laugh

### YOU CHARLIE YOUR PROBALY ONE OF THEM WHO RIPPED OFF PEOPLE

i was one that got taken in by this scam i barrowed $1700.00 from my parents to get a house loan from this kenworth lending group and sent it to them the next day i got a call saying they needed another $1700.00 for the loan before they could do the loan i told them that i couldnt do that and they told me they would send the money back to me i still havent got the money and cant afford to get the house for me and my son now.If anyone can please contact me if they have any information about this place please contact me at t_homolka@hotmail.com thanks.

This is about the Kenworth Lending Group that a bunch of us were scammed by. I tried calling their phone number today and guess what? All the message says is "Goodbye"
These people have actually packed up and taken off or they have just disconnected their phone number until they come up with a new bogus company name.

I wish I had found this site earlier ... I am out $2, 000 and don't know if I will see it. Contacted Western Union to do a fraud report.

Other names to look out for are:
James Lifton
Lawrence Blake
Donna Fuller

I hope nobody else gets taken in, I am such dire straits that any help was wonderful and I should have know it was too good to be true!

Hello, I too was scammed by these ^%$#@#$%%$# people.My wife found the site and told me to call, I did.Now Iam out 805.00!I tried calling the number all it says is "goodbye".So I also contacted the B.B.B. And filed a complaint with them.The really bad part is I borrowed the money from My Son! I wish I would have read this before as well.

Good luck to all of us, maybe we can win

Mark

This is about the Kenworth Lending Group that a bunch of us were scammed by. I tried calling their phone number today and guess what? All the message says is "Goodbye"
These people have actually packed up and taken off or they have just disconnected their phone number until they come up with a new bogus company name.

This company preys on people that are in need. We had a call from the exact people involved above for a home loan (after bankruptcy). We checked the address of their supposed place of business (the NY address above) and found that the building was for sale. My husband left a message for an agent to call him to see if they really did exist. That was three weeks they ago and we still have not heard from them. (We're wondering if the building being for sale is another scam.) Also, the New York Attorney General's Office had no info on them. The AG referred us to Better Business and they had no info either. The MO is exactly the same as the note above, except for the money amounts. The guy kept telling my husband that after we received the contract (which was faxed to us) that we should have a real estate attorney go over it. Well, we planned on doing that, however, WE read the contract ourselves and found that it stated that any money that was paid extra would go towards the interest AND there was a horrendous pre pay off penalty. Consumers beware is an understatement! We are wondering why something is not being done about these scoundrels! I pray that they are paid back 100 fold!

Thank you for this, too bad I read it too late. I hope others don't get ripped off as I did.

All details outlined in the above statement, the phone/fax numbers, sounding/looking ligit, etc.; the name Nathan Myers, loan for $8000 @ 6% all the same...EXCEPT my payment was $243/mo and 7 mos in advance for a 'security deposit' totalling $1458.66 - but to save me some money, Nathan told me to only send $1400 to Denise Talis. This was also to be sent MoneyGram to her my 'private lender' in Toronto, Ontario. After I sent the MoneyGram I remembered this site and glad I did. I immediately went to MoneyGram and stopped the transaction. I also called Nathan and asked him to give me a call when he gets into the office on tomorrow (9/12/09). You are right, if they are legit, deposit the $8000 into my account on tomorrow, I will resend the security deposit and include the additional $58.66. LET'S STOP the people from taking advantage of those of us who are in a fix and need some real legit help.

This happened to me recently. I am doing everything I can with the help of multiple law enforcement agencys to get what is mine back. I know these people from Kenworth Lending read these things. I got lucky, I have a very nice picture of the person that picked the money up that I sent over. It is in the hands of the proper authorities now but it sure is a really nice picture. So these people better watch out.

I searched this very site the night before I did this and nothing came up. They have all of my information. Do I need to notify my bank... and who else? to avoid further exploitation?

From the Federal Trade Commissions Website:
Advance-Fee Loan Scams: ‘Easy’ Cash Offers Teach Hard Lessons
Looking for a loan or credit card but don’t think you’ll qualify? Turned down by a bank because of your poor credit history?

You may be tempted by ads and websites that guarantee loans or credit cards, regardless of your credit history. The catch comes when you apply for the loan or credit card and find out you have to pay a fee in advance. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, that could be a tip-off to a rip-off. If you’re asked to pay a fee for the promise of a loan or credit card, you can count on the fact that you’re dealing with a scam artist. More than likely, you’ll get an application, or a stored value or debit card, instead of the loan or credit card.

The Signs of an Advance-Fee Loan Scam
The FTC says some red flags can tip you off to scam artists’ tricks. For example:

A lender who isn’t interested in your credit history. A lender may offer loans or credit cards for many purposes — for example, so a borrower can start a business or consolidate bill payments. But one who doesn’t care about your credit record should give you cause for concern. Ads that say “Bad credit? No problem” or “We don’t care about your past. You deserve a loan” or “Get money fast” or even “No hassle — guaranteed” often indicate a scam.
Banks and other legitimate lenders generally evaluate creditworthiness and confirm the information in an application before they guarantee firm offers of credit — even to creditworthy consumers.
Fees that are not disclosed clearly or prominently. Scam lenders may say you’ve been approved for a loan, then call or email demanding a fee before you can get the money. Any up-front fee that the lender wants to collect before granting the loan is a cue to walk away, especially if you’re told it’s for “insurance, ” “processing, ” or just “paperwork.”

Legitimate lenders often charge application, appraisal, or credit report fees. The differences? They disclose their fees clearly and prominently; they take their fees from the amount you borrow; and the fees usually are paid to the lender or broker after the loan is approved.

It’s also a warning sign if a lender says they won’t check your credit history, yet asks for your personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number. They may use your information to debit your bank account to pay a fee they’re hiding.
A loan that is offered by phone. It is illegal for companies doing business in the U.S. by phone to promise you a loan and ask you to pay for it before they deliver.
A lender who uses a copy-cat or wanna-be name. Crooks give their companies names that sound like well-known or respected organizations and create websites that look slick. Some scam artists have pretended to be the Better Business Bureau or another reputable organization, and some even produce forged paperwork or pay people to pretend to be references. Always get a company’s phone number from the phone book or directory assistance, and call to check they are who they say they are. Get a physical address, too: a company that advertises a PO Box as its address is one to check out with the appropriate authorities.
A lender who is not registered in your state. Lenders and loan brokers are required to register in the states where they do business. To check registration, call your state Attorney General’s office or your state’s Department of Banking or Financial Regulation. Checking registration does not guarantee that you will be happy with a lender, but it helps weed out the crooks.
A lender who asks you to wire money or pay an individual. Don’t make a payment for a loan or credit card directly to an individual; legitimate lenders don’t ask anyone to do that. In addition, don’t use a wire transfer service or send money orders for a loan. You have little recourse if there’s a problem with a wire transaction, and legitimate lenders don’t pressure their customers to wire funds.

Finally, just because you’ve received a slick promotion, seen an ad for a loan in a prominent place in your neighborhood or in your newspaper, on television or on the Internet, or heard one on the radio, don’t assume it’s a good deal — or even legitimate. Scam artists like to operate on the premise of legitimacy by association, so it’s really important to do your homework.
Finding Low-Cost Help for Credit Problems
If you have debt problems, try to solve them with your creditors as soon as you realize you won’t be able to make your payments. If you can’t resolve the problems yourself or need help to do it, you may want to contact a credit counseling service. Nonprofit organizations in every state counsel and educate people and families on debt problems, budgeting, and using credit wisely. Often, these services are low- or no-cost. Universities, military bases, credit unions, and housing authorities also may offer low- or no-cost credit counseling programs. To learn more about dealing with debt, including how to select a credit counseling service, visit ftc.gov/credit.

Where to Complain
If you think you’ve had an experience with an advance-fee loan scam, report it to the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Contact the Federal Trade Commision. www.ftc.gov There you can file a complaint with them.

I consider myself a very careful person when it comes to giving out my info. I was in money crunch a week ago and this company Kenworth Lending Group contacted me and as in the stories I read on this page I was scammed. I am mostly angry with myself I was operating out of desperation instead of through my usual means which is by faith through prayer. My desire is for this company not to scam anyone else and whatever we as consumers can do to help stop their deceitful practices I am going to do my part. At this point within a few weeks I have become 6000.00 in debt from just two bad financial decisions payday loans and this scam from the company calling itself Kenworth Lending Group. I have learned a valuable lesson never act in haste always pray and wait for Gods instructions. I am so grounded in the word of God for me to be taken in by such an obvious scam is very humbling. James Lifton at [protected] at extention 215 was the person who lead me into this scam. I will continue to search for a way to hopefully get my money back and shut these wolves in sheeps clothing down. If anyone has any info as to how we can fight back please post.

This happened to me recently. I am doing everything I can with the help of multiple law enforcement agencys to get what is mine back. I know these people from Kenworth Lending read these things. I got lucky, I have a very nice picture of the person that picked the money up that I sent over. It is in the hands of the proper authorities now but it sure is a really nice picture. So these people better watch out.

Forgot to add that my money was sent to someone in Spain. I searched this site before I did it and could not find any complaint. They must have just started this... probably just long enough to grab our money and run! I am furious. And am so embarrassed that I was so easily taken.

Omg... I fell for it! I am exact same deal as first person, but the loan was for 10, 000, the payment was 1580 and the 'loan officer' was David Clarke. I was also contacted by' Robert Lane' the next day with the exact same line. This has completely cleaned my out. I have no money now for rent, utilities, food, gas... NOTHING. I knew I should have listened to that little voice inside saying 'don't do it!' Does anyone think we have any recourse to get out money back? I am going to call the NY State Atty General on Tuesday.

I checked out this company. Went on google and googled the address on their contract of "17 West 24th Street, New York, NY" and got an 888 for the building mortgage company. I then called the mortgage company and spoke with an attorney who stated that they do not and have never rented to a "Kenworth Lending Group." Then I contacted the New York States Attorney's office and there is no such company in New York. This is a total scam. I have filed a complaint with the Illinois States Attorney's Fraud Division and am looking into filing a complaint with the group that govern internet fraud. Luckily, I did my homework before sending them any money, but I will tell you the low interest rate, etc was tempting - just too tempting and it made me nervous.

Oh my God. I just spoke to them this morning and they wanted me to go to a Western Union and send $1500 to a woman in Canada. When I questioned this, they were very smooth but the hairs on the back of my head were standing up. And then I started wondering if I had ever given them my ss# for a credit check and realized I hadn't so how could they be offering me a loan?

I'm sorry for the person who sent their money, I don't think you will ever get it back.

I am so so glad I found this post...I just recieved my contract from these crooks and was ready to give 4 months up front for a 5000.00 loan...and yes they found me when I was researching student loans...as a single mom on disability trying to help my daughter with a college education my senses told me to first call info. for the listing on the contract---NO such listing in New York...3 times I tried.
What gets me the most is that this company is allowed to grab our info.(e-mail) and present us with a huge offer along with "security"..which makes sense for someone in my situation but do they not realize what a finacial burden this would be.
I for one wished there was a way to put an end to this rip off and hopefully people like myself and others will not fall into this trap of deciet.
The loan officer described himself as a" loan broker" (unrealted to Kenworth) that found me this great loan...his name, James Lifton ext.215, if that is his real name...how can he or the others involved in this scam sleep at night...o.k. got this all off my chest...please pass this on to others, friends, families, students etc.

I am very glad to have found this post online. I was just about to make the same mistake and pay this company 7 months in advance on a $10, 000 loan. I can't even imagine what I would have done had I wired them the money only to be told afterwards that additional funds would be required to secure my loan. Thank you so much for posting this warning.

I truly hope that they return your money to you. Did they give you a reason as to why they couldn't return your money sooner than October 1st? I hope that you will post an update to let people know how you made out. Once again, I wish you the best of luck.