Complaint Review: National Gateway Financial Services

I needed a loan for a divorce settlement (I have to pay my lazy ex-husband a one time lump sum of $30000 in 60 days...still better than 7 years of alimony, but....). Having been in court for 3 years my credit is not good & I was completely turned away by major banks, etc. So I searched online for 'alternate' loan options, well aware of scam companies & less than above board loan companies. I was not happy with what I saw, when a Michael Anderson of national gateway financial services contacted me offering me a secured loan of $30000. I had to apply a deposit of 4 months payments of $2371 (the monthly payments would be $592 at a 7% interest rate). He faxed the documents & I read them thoroughly, after looking up the company (they are listed on the BBB but with no rating). In order to expedite the loan process I was instructed to western union the deposit to a Vasile Grama in Barcelona, Spain. (red flags started to wave at me) But, I researched the fairly new practice of international money lending and against better judgement proceeded.

I soon received a call from a Mr Roger Jenkins (now of the customer service dept) who informed me that the lender needed more collateral (quote "insurance") from me totalling another 4 months of payments = $2370). I was informed that I would have to wait until 6/5 for my initial deposit back if I wanted to cancel the loan. Once again, against better judgement I rallied up the money & sent western union to V. Grama in Spain. On the morning the loan was to deposit in my bank, Jenkins called me & said the lender needed another 10% for the funds to be released from oversees. I cancelled immediately, very upset, threatening legal action but was reassured my depositis would be sent via fed ex on 6/5. I called a couple of times to check on company & Jenkins always promptly called me back & reassured me I would receive my monies. Of course, I have never received them & now the website has vanished & the phone lines disconnected. These guys are slick & heartless...I stupidly handed over two full pay checks to god-only-knows-who but am following up on the contact name with western union.