The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) have received several complaints recently from small businesses about abusive marketing practices, scams, and exorbitant fees charged by firms offering to help them obtain funding from SBA.
The SBA is warning small businesses to use caution if firms offering to help them apply for loans, grants or other federal funds through SBA programs contact them. Free assistance is available by calling one of SBA’s 68 district offices and by visiting the SBA’s Web site, as well as through Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers Veterans Business Outreach Centers and SCORE Chapters.
If electing to use a third party, businesses should ask for references, and confer with the Better Business Bureau when selecting providers. For more information visit www.sba.gov.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I am trying to find out information about a company Fairmont and Barns Financial, who say they are located at 500 E. Pratt St. Suite 450 in Baltimore, MD. 21202. Phone (866)964-3519. I am in Texas and they have a web sight that says they are a financial instution that lends money. They have offered me a $5000.00 loan, but because of my credit rating I need to send them $600.00 to hold in good faith. Could someone please let me know if this is for real or an online scam.
I would appreciate any information.
Thank you