According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, if someone guarantees or suggests that there is a strong chance they can get or arrange a loan or other form of credit for you, it's against the law to ask you to pay - or accept payment - for their services until you get your loan or credit.

The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission, offers the following points to keep in mind before you respond to ads that promise easy credit, regardless of your credit history:

Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy. If you apply for a real estate loan, it is accepted and common practice for lenders to request payment for a credit report or appraisal. However, legitimate lenders never ask you to pay for processing your application.

Never give your credit card account number, bank account information, or Social Security number over the telephone or Internet unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary. If you don't have the offer in hand - or confirmed in writing - and you are asked to pay, don't do it. It's fraud and it's against the law.

 If you think you've been a victim of an advance fee loan, contact your Better Business Bureau your local consumer protection agency, or state Attorney General.