Safety and fraud prevention

Borrowing should be safe. This page gathers the most common warning signs and our commitments to help you avoid scams.

What we will never do

• We never ask for upfront fees to "release" a loan. Neither Prêtwise nor the legitimate lenders in our directory will ask you to pay in advance to receive funds.
• We never guarantee "no credit check" approval or a "100% guaranteed loan."
• We never contact you to demand payment by gift card, instant transfer or cryptocurrency.

Spotting a loan scam

Be wary if a "lender":

• demands a fee, "insurance" or a "deposit" before releasing the loan;
• pressures you hard to act immediately;
• promises guaranteed approval without looking at your situation;
• asks for your full banking credentials or remote access to your device;
• communicates only by messaging app, with no verifiable Canadian address or contact details.

To go further, read our guide:Loan scams: the red flags.

Your connection is encrypted

Our site is served over an encrypted connection (HTTPS). Remember, though, that browsing Prêtwise requires no personal information — see our privacy policy. When you choose to visit a lender, you leave our site and provide your information directly to the lender, under its own protections.

Think you were targeted?

If you suspect a scam, stop all communication and pay nothing. You can report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to your financial institution. For any question,get in touch.