Don't fall for the oldest trick in the book, the advance fee loan scam

So you're broke, have really lousy credit, and need some cash, but don't worry -- there's a company out there that will give you a loan anyway. It doesn't mind that your credit is bad. In fact, its program is designed for people like you. So don't worry. You've found Financial Sanctuary, at long last.

If that's ever the situation you find yourself in -- broke and desperate to pay off some bills but in discussions with a company that can offer you a loan without a credit check -- you're probably falling for the ol' advance fee loan scam.

I spoke to Alison Southwick at the Better Business Bureau earlier this week about online payday lending, and the conversation somehow eventually turned to advance fee scams.