Stan needed a loan. Even though his credit wasn't the best, he was sure that someone would help him. Then one day, a company based in Jamaica offered Stan the money he needed. They told Stan the loan was all set and ready. All he needs to do is wire a few months back payments and a transfer fee and he would have his money. Stan, eager to receive his money, hopped over to his local Western Union and sent nearly two thousand dollars to Jamaica. The next day, Stan received a call from this loan company saying that he just needed to wire another thousand for insurance on the loan. Once again, Stan was off like a shot to send his hard-earn cash overseas. It wasn't until the loan company asked for another two thousand dollars that Stan got suspicious. He demanded a refund, and though the company said it would be sent in 30 days, it never came. This sort of situation is a simple variation of a Nigerian scam.

Consumers should never wire money to parties they do not know, especially out of the country. Companies like Western Union and Money Gram are not escrow services. Be wary of individuals or 'companies' that want you to wire your payments. Once that money is sent, it's as good as gone.