Vancouver Trust Company advertises on the Internet, claiming to provide personal, home, auto, small business and debt consolidation loans. Prior to approving the loan, the company asks for financial information and proof of identification, such as checking account number, driver’s license and social security number. The consumer then receives telephone notification that the loan has been approved. The consumer is asked to send an upfront fee to Canada prior to getting any money. Once Vancouver Trust Company receives the advance fee, the consumer never gets the loan. This appears to be another Canadian advance fee loan scam and may also involve identity theft.

Neither the Washington State Department of Revenue nor the Office of the Secretary of State shows that Vancouver Trust Company is authorized to do business in Washington State, and the company is not licensed by the Department of Financial Institutions as a trust company or to lend money in Washington. The website lists an address in Vancouver, Washington. The address shown is actually for the National Park Service’s Fort Vancouver National Historical Site, and Vancouver Trust Company has never been located at the stated address. The area code for the company’s telephone number (647) is for Ontario, Canada, not Washington State. The company’s website was registered by an individual in Ontario, Canada. Vancouver Trust Company does not appear to have any presence in Washington.

Victims should report their experiences to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov.