 TITLE: What Is an Online Loan Provider? CONTENT: Are Online Loans Safe?\n----------------------\nWhile there are many reputable online lenders, it's also relatively easy for scammers to set up legit-looking lending sites, so it's wise to check up on any online lenders you're considering before giving them your personal information.\nHints a provider is less than legitimate include:\n*   Promises of guaranteed loan approval.\n*   Lack of a physical address on their website or company background information. (Virtual companies may not have offices open to the public, but they have to exist somewhere.)\n*   Requiring a credit card number, wire transfer or \"application fee\" before issuing a loan offer.\n*   Come-ons for \"no credit check loans\" or \"bad credit loans,\" which often turn out to be payday loans with extremely high interest rates.\nAmong the ways to check out online lenders is to look for user reviews at neutral third-party websites and referral organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. END