Fraud Alert: “Lending Union Tree” – The Relentless Loan Scam Targeting Americans

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is “Lending Union Tree”?
3. How the Scam Works
4. The Victims: Real Stories and Testimonies
5. The Red Flags: How to Spot the Scam
6. Why the Calls Never Stop
7. The Technology Behind the Scam
8. The BBB Scam Tracker Report
9. What Happens When You Call Back?
10. The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information
11. How to Protect Yourself
12. Reporting and Stopping These Scams
13. Law Enforcement and Regulatory Response
14. Resources for Victims
15. Conclusion: Stay Vigilant
16. Frequently Asked Questions
17. References and Further Reading

1. Introduction

In today’s digital age, scams have become more aggressive, more sophisticated, and more relentless than ever before. One of the most notorious examples currently plaguing Americans is the so-called “Lending Union Tree” loan scam. This article is a comprehensive resource for understanding, identifying, and fighting back against this predatory operation. If you or someone you know has received repeated calls about a “pre-approved loan” from random numbers, read on—it could save your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind.

2. What is “Lending Union Tree”?

“Lending Union Tree” is not a legitimate lender—despite its official-sounding name. Instead, it’s the face of a large-scale scam operation designed to harvest personal information and, in some cases, directly steal money from unsuspecting victims.

• Main phone number: (833) 727-9449
• No verifiable business address or website
• Reported on BBB Scam Tracker: BBB Scam Tracker Report
• Key tactics: High-volume robocalls, spoofed numbers, and pressure to share sensitive information

The operation is so persistent that many people receive dozens—sometimes even hundreds—of calls each month, each time from a different number but always leading back to the same scam.

3. How the Scam Works

The “Lending Union Tree” scam is a textbook example of social engineering and technological abuse. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Robocalls flood your phone:
   Victims report receiving calls from a variety of area codes. The caller ID rarely matches the main scam number. Sometimes, the calls are live; more often, they’re automated voicemails.
2. The message:
   The caller claims you’ve been “pre-approved for a loan” or that your “application has been accepted.” Sometimes, they’ll mention urgent time limits or “special offers” to pressure you.
3. The callback trap:
   The message always urges you to call back—usually to (833) 727-9449. If you do, you’re immediately told, “We’ve connected you to your account and your loan has been approved.” There’s no verification, no security, and no application process.
4. The data grab:
   If you stay on the line, a live “agent” may try to extract your Social Security number, bank account, or other sensitive details under the guise of “processing your loan” or “verifying your identity.”
5. The aftermath:
   Victims who provide information may experience identity theft, unauthorized withdrawals, or be targeted for further scams.

4. The Victims: Real Stories and Testimonies

The human cost of these scams is real and devastating. Here are just a few stories from people who’ve been targeted:

“I got 14 calls in one day, all from different numbers. They all said I was approved for a loan I never applied for. I called back out of curiosity and it was just an automated system saying I was approved. Total scam.”
— Anonymous, Scottsdale, AZ

“They asked for my bank account to ‘deposit the loan’ and my Social Security number to verify my identity. I almost gave it, but something felt off. I hung up and blocked the number, but the calls kept coming from different lines.”
— Maria G., Atlanta, GA

“I’m on the Do Not Call list but it doesn’t matter. They just keep calling from new numbers. Reporting them feels useless.”
— James P., Chicago, IL

These stories are echoed in online forums, social media, and the BBB’s own Scam Tracker database.

5. The Red Flags: How to Spot the Scam

Scammers rely on confusion, urgency, and trust. Here are the top warning signs that you’re dealing with “Lending Union Tree” or a similar scam:

• Unsolicited offer: You never applied for a loan but are told you’re “approved.”
• Multiple, changing numbers: Calls come from different numbers every time.
• Automated approval: No legitimate lender approves a loan without an application.
• Requests for sensitive info: Legitimate companies do not ask for your full Social Security number or bank login over the phone.
• Pressure tactics: “Limited-time offer!” or “Act now or lose your approval!”
• No physical address or real website: You can’t find a real business location or credible online presence.

6. Why the Calls Never Stop

The relentless nature of these calls isn’t random. Scammers use automated dialers and number spoofing to maximize their reach. If you block one number, they simply call from another. The goal is to catch you off guard, wear down your resistance, or reach someone vulnerable.

• Robocalling technology: Can dial thousands of numbers per minute
• Number spoofing: Makes calls appear local or from trusted area codes
• Call-back traps: Voicemails urge you to return the call, funneling all victims back to the main scam line

7. The Technology Behind the Scam

“Lending Union Tree” leverages modern technology to stay one step ahead of both victims and law enforcement:

• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): Allows cheap, disposable phone numbers
• Caller ID spoofing: Fakes the caller’s number, making it appear local or familiar
• Automated dialers: Call thousands of people per day, 24/7
• Data harvesting: Some calls may be used to confirm active phone numbers for future scams

These tools make it extremely difficult to block the calls or trace them back to a physical location.

8. The BBB Scam Tracker Report

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker is a critical resource for tracking fraudulent activity. The BBB’s report on Lending Union Tree highlights:

• Aggressive, repeated calls
• Attempts to collect personal and financial information
• No legitimate business registration or address

The BBB urges consumers to avoid interacting with these callers and to report every contact.

9. What Happens When You Call Back?

If you call (833) 727-9449, you’ll hear a message:
“We’ve connected you to your account and your loan has been approved.”

This is a classic scam tactic—no verification, no questions, just instant “approval.” If you continue, you may reach a live scammer who will pressure you for personal and banking information.

Remember: No legitimate lender operates this way. Real loans require applications, credit checks, and official documentation.

10. The Dangers of Sharing Personal Information

Giving out your Social Security number, bank details, or other sensitive data can have life-altering consequences:

• Identity theft: Scammers can open accounts, take out loans, or commit crimes in your name.
• Financial loss: Direct withdrawals from your account, fraudulent charges, or even draining your savings.
• Long-term damage: Credit score destruction, legal headaches, and emotional stress that can last for years.

Victims often spend months or years trying to recover their identity and finances.

11. How to Protect Yourself

Here are actionable steps to stay safe:

1. Don’t answer unknown numbers. Let calls go to voicemail.
2. Don’t call back suspicious numbers. Research any unfamiliar number before calling.
3. Never share sensitive information over the phone. Legitimate companies will never ask for this.
4. Block and report numbers. Use your phone’s built-in features and third-party apps.
5. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry.
6. Monitor your credit regularly. Look for unauthorized activity.
7. Educate family and friends. Especially those who may be more vulnerable.
8. File a report with the FTC and BBB. Every report helps build a case.

12. Reporting and Stopping These Scams

If you’ve been targeted or victimized, act quickly:

• Report to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• Report to the BBB: BBB Scam Tracker
• Contact your bank: If you’ve shared financial information, alert your bank immediately.
• Place a fraud alert: With major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• File a police report: Especially if you’ve experienced financial loss

Every report helps authorities track and shut down these operations.

13. Law Enforcement and Regulatory Response

Agencies like the FTC, FCC, and state attorneys general are actively fighting robocall and phone scams, but the technology makes enforcement difficult. Recent actions include:

• Shutting down known scam operations
• Penalizing VoIP providers who enable scammers
• Pursuing international cooperation to track cross-border scams

Consumers are encouraged to report all scam activity, no matter how small.

14. Resources for Victims

• IdentityTheft.gov: Step-by-step recovery plans for identity theft victims
• AnnualCreditReport.com: Free annual credit reports to check for unauthorized activity
• BBB and FTC: Scam alerts, reporting tools, and consumer education
• Local law enforcement: File a police report if you’ve been defrauded

15. Conclusion: Stay Vigilant

“Lending Union Tree” is just one of many scam operations preying on Americans. The best defense is knowledge and vigilance. If you receive a call that sounds too good to be true—especially about a loan you never applied for—hang up, block the number, and report it.

Share this article to help protect your friends, family, and community.

16. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I got a call from a different number, not (833) 727-9449, but the same message. Is it the same scam?
A: Yes. Scammers use many numbers, but the message and tactics are the same.

Q: What if I already shared my information?
A: Contact your bank, place a fraud alert on your credit, and report to the FTC and police immediately.

Q: Why do they keep calling even after I block them?
A: Scammers use “spoofing” to call from new numbers every time.

Q: Is there a way to stop all scam calls?
A: Unfortunately, no. But using call-blocking apps, reporting the numbers, and never engaging will reduce your risk.

17. References and Further Reading

• BBB Scam Tracker: Lending Union Tree
• FTC: How to Recognize and Report Spam Calls
• FCC: Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts
• IdentityTheft.gov
• AnnualCreditReport.com

Want to Help?

If you’ve been targeted by this scam, share your story in the comments or contact our editorial team. The more we share, the less power these scammers have.

Stay safe out there. If you have questions or need more information, reach out to 66 the FIX.