Attorney General Mildred Dover said her office has been made aware that companies offering loans to people “regardless of their credit rating” have recently been advertising in local newspapers. The Attorney General’s Office offers the following advice:

• When you secure a loan, you should never have to send money for advance fees such as loan insurance. Legitimate offers of credit do not require an up-front payment.

• Never give out personal information such as your Social Insurance Number, driver’s license or bank account number to anyone unless you know the organization is legitimate and that your personal information will be protected. Illegitimate operations may be seeking this information to steal your identity and your money.

• If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, call your financial institutions and local police, and put a fraud alert on your credit report.

• Watch for purchases on your monthly bills which you did not make and be wary of bills on accounts you don’t own or collection agencies calling about unknown debt.