NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) – This year created hardship for many people and when some asked for help in the form of a loan they turned over the money they had and received nothing in return.

Now experts are warning that crooks are using emergency loans to prey on desperate people.

For Jessica Murphy, this year has been difficult for many reasons.

“I had cervical cancer and had to have surgery and for months I didn’t win a Monday,” Murphy said.

She fell behind on her bills and her credit rating plummeted, so she took the advice of her friends and looked for a loan company.

“[I] filled out an online form, just basic information like my name, email and phone number and they called me, ”she said.

A man named Mike said she was approved for a loan, but had to send money for insurance first.

“I tried to explain to this man that I have no money. All the money I have is what I’m sending you so I can get a bigger loan to pay my bills because “I’m about to have surgery. I’m a single mother of two,” Murphy said.

Mike assured her that as soon as he had the money, she would receive a loan of $ 3,000.

“He asked me for a third payment again and that’s when I said to myself absolutely not, I told myself that not only had I already sent you all the money I had in my name , but I know it’s a scam, ”Murphy said. mentionned.

In all, she lost $ 700 and got nothing back.

“We’ve definitely seen a slight increase in these,” said Angie Barnett, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Greater Maryland.

Barnett said it is illegal for any business to pledge a loan and demand payment before delivering.

“They do it under the name COVID. They tell you, ‘you are now eligible and all you have to do is pay money for the processing fee, money for the lawyers,’ and people are actually sending their last dollars to these scams, ”says Barnet.

These scams are strategically designed to lure the people who need the money the most.

“You’re in your web browser and you put the word ready,” Barnett said. “You’re looking for help, that’s where they catch us.”

Murphy has finally received her unemployment benefits and now she is paying off her debt, but she wants to warn anyone who is in a similar situation.

“I know how desperate I felt back then and this man, he seemed so sweet and genuine,” Murphy said. “But, I mean, these scammers, it’s their life, it’s what they do. They present themselves as real nice people who are real businesses and they just aren’t.”

Not only do they take your money, but they also steal personal information that legitimate lenders might ask for, such as bank account information or your Social Security number.

Before choosing a lender, make sure that they are registered with the state, have a good reputation, and take the time to thoroughly research their website.