Is "National Advisory Center" a Scam or is it Legitimate?

How the Scam Works

• The Unsolicited Call: You receive a robocall or a voicemail from an automated voice (often identifying themselves as "Barb" or another generic representative).
• The Deceptive Hook: The caller claims you have been pre-approved for a "financial hardship loan" or a "debt consolidation program" for substantial amounts—frequently up to $60,000.
• The Trap: To claim the funds or activate your approval, they direct you to call a specific phone number back. Once you call, they attempt to harvest your Social Security Number, bank account details, or charge upfront "processing fees" for a loan that does not exist.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• High-Pressure Tactics: Demanding immediate action to secure your "pre-approved" status.
• Upfront Fees: Asking you to pay fees via wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, or crypto before receiving a loan.
• Vague Details: Refusing to provide a physical address, official government credentials, or licensing information when asked.
• Spoofed Numbers: The call often displays a local area code on your caller ID to make you answer, but leaves a completely different number in the voicemail for you to call back.

What To Do If You Are Targeted

1. Hang Up and Block: Do not engage, press any buttons, or call back the numbers provided in the voicemails.
2. Protect Your Info: Never give your financial information, online banking passwords, or Social Security number to an unsolicited caller.
3. Check the Better Business Bureau: You can verify complaints or check real alert profiles on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see how these names are used to mask fraudulent activity.
4. Report the Scam: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or through the official USAGov Scam Reporting Portal to help authorities track and shut down the operation.