This Florida man told struggling small businesses he could make their financing problems disappear. Instead, he made their money disappear.
Imagine being a small business owner, barely keeping the lights on, and then someone swoops in promising fast cash, no hassle, no credit check. Sounds like a lifeline, right?
But in this story? That lifeline was a trap.
The Lie Behind the Loan
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier just announced charges against Dwayne Wallace, the man behind a fraudulent financing operation that took thousands of dollars from people who could least afford to lose it. Wallace ran several fake companies—including names like U.S. Credit Source and Online Loan Center—advertising instant business loans for a fee.
Victims were told:
- “You’re approved!”
- “Just pay a small origination fee.”
- “Funds will be deposited within 24 hours.”
Except… the money never came.
And when victims tried to get answers? Wallace vanished. No refunds. No follow-ups.
Just silence and overdraft fees.
(Source: Florida Attorney General News Release)
How This Scam Worked
Let’s break it down like a con artist playbook:
- Target people under pressure. Small business owners in crisis mode aren’t thinking long-term. They need money yesterday.
- Offer something too good to be true. Pre-approved loans. No credit checks. Same-day deposits.
- Collect upfront fees. $500 here, $2,500 there—it adds up fast.
- Ghost the victims. No phone calls returned. No emails answered. Just… gone.
That’s not a loan company. That’s a scam wrapped in a business suit.
Who Falls for This? Good People in Bad Situations.
Scams like this don’t work on “dumb” people—they work on desperate people.
- A single mom running a home bakery, trying to buy a new oven.
- A veteran trying to keep his auto repair shop open.
- A retiree who invested her savings into a family-run food truck.
These aren’t bad financial decisions. They’re human decisions made under stress.
And that’s what makes scams like Wallace’s so evil. They don’t just steal money—they steal hope.
How to Protect Yourself (and Others)
This case is a wake-up call. If you’re searching for fast funding, here’s what you need to know:
🚫 Red Flags to Watch For:
- You’re “pre-approved” before applying.
- They ask for upfront fees before you get a dime.
- There’s no verifiable address or phone number.
- The contract is vague or full of typos.
✅ What to Do Instead:
- Check them out before you hand over a dollar: Use this free guide
- Compare offers on reputable platforms like Credit Karma or through your bank.
- Talk to someone you trust (even if it’s not a “financial expert”). A second set of eyes helps.
🧠 Pro Tip:
If a loan requires money upfront, walk away. Legitimate lenders deduct fees from your loan—not your bank account.
The Bigger Picture: Why These Scams Keep Happening
Fraudsters like Wallace thrive because the financial system is complicated and many Americans are financially vulnerable. Combine that with business owners under stress, and you’ve got the perfect storm for exploitation.
Let’s be real: The system often fails the people who need help most.
That’s why we need to stay informed—and help each other spot the red flags before it’s too late.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Shame Keep You Silent
If you’ve been scammed, you are not alone.
The worst thing you can do is stay quiet and let scammers win. Report it. Share your story. Help someone else avoid the same fate.
Do You Have a Question You'd Like Help With? Contact Debt Coach Damon Day. Click here to reach Damon.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider talking to someone like Damon Day, a debt coach who’s helped countless people dig their way out of financial messes—no shame, no sales pitch.
Want to Stay Ahead of the Scams?
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📬 Get the truth. Stay protected. Reclaim your power.
FAQ
Was Dwayne Wallace officially arrested?
Yes. Attorney General Uthmeier has filed charges alleging multiple counts of theft and fraudulent misrepresentation.
What if I already paid a fee to a similar company?
File a complaint immediately with your state attorney general, FTC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Is it ever normal to pay a fee for a loan?
Some lenders charge origination fees—but they’re deducted from your loan amount, not demanded upfront out-of-pocket.
Can I get my money back if I was scammed?
Maybe. If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge. If it was a wire transfer or Zelle, it’s harder—but still report it.
