Got a Call from 877-941-7079? Is It a Scam? — Here’s What You Need to Know

877-941-7079

Have you ever gotten a voicemail like this?

“Urgent! This is a follow-up from the underwriting department at Pinnacle Lending. We need to finalize your loan application for $100,000. Call us immediately at 877-941-7079 to provide the missing information…”

This information is based on reports from individuals who may have experienced or encountered potential scams. Scammers often use or imitate legitimate phone numbers from businesses and government agencies to deceive people. Always verify the legitimacy of any communication before taking action.

Sounds serious, right? The truth is, it’s a scam. But here’s the twist: the scammers are impersonating real, legitimate lenders.

Let’s clear something up right away: Pinnacle Lending, Horizon Loan Department, and other legitimate lenders are NOT scamming you. It’s the scammers pretending to be them, using their names to make the con look real.

Real-Life Stories from People Just Like You

“I got a voicemail saying I needed to finalize a loan for $85,000, but I never applied for one. The message claimed to be from Pinnacle Lending, but when I checked, the real company had no idea what I was talking about.”
“I’ve been getting calls from different numbers all week, always asking me to call 877-941-7079 to finish my loan application. Each time, it’s a different amount—$60,000, $100,000—and I haven’t applied for any loans!”
“The call sounded so official, but I knew it was weird when they couldn’t give me any specific details about the loan. When I called the real Pinnacle Lending, they confirmed it was a scam.”

What’s Going On?

Scammers know that if they use the name of a trusted lender, you’re more likely to believe them. They’ll leave voicemails or even call you directly, claiming they need more information to process a loan application you never actually made.

Here’s how the scam plays out:

You get a call or voicemail from someone claiming to be from a well-known lending company, like Pinnacle Lending. They’ll say they’re missing essential information to process your loan application.
The loan amount is usually BIG—$85,000, $100,000. They throw big numbers around to grab your attention and make you think you’ve got a lot to lose if you don’t respond.
They make it sound urgent. You’re told to call back right away to “finalize” your application, or you risk losing the loan. They use urgency as a weapon to make you act without thinking.
They ask for personal details or payments. When you call back, they’ll request sensitive info like your Social Security number, bank account details, or even upfront payments to cover “processing fees.”

How to Spot the Scam

It’s easy to get spooked when someone throws around phrases like “missing information” and “loan application.” But there are a few major red flags that can help you recognize this scam:

You didn’t apply for a loan. If you’re getting calls about a loan you never applied for, that’s a big sign it’s a scam. Real lenders don’t randomly send out loan applications for approval.
Vague or missing details. Scammers will keep things pretty vague. You’ll never get a clear explanation of why your information is missing or what specific steps need to be taken. Real lenders give you exact details.
No official communication. Legitimate lending companies won’t ask for sensitive information over the phone. They’ll contact you through secure channels—usually via official letters or emails with your account details.
Pressure tactics. Scammers love to create urgency. They want you to think you’ll miss out on a big loan if you don’t act immediately. Real lenders don’t use these scare tactics.

What Should You Do If You Get a Call?

Don’t call back. If the voicemail doesn’t make sense to you—if you didn’t apply for a loan or the details are fishy—don’t engage. Calling back just opens the door for more manipulation.
Contact the lender directly. If you’re concerned, look up the legitimate contact info for the lender and call them yourself. That way, you’re talking to the real company, not a scammer.
Report the call. File a report with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at reportfraud.ftc.gov to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.
Monitor your accounts. If you accidentally gave any personal info, contact your bank immediately and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. You may also want to set up a fraud alert on your credit.

Actionable Tips to Stay Safe

Double-check all loan communications. Always contact your lender using the official number from their website—not a random number from a voicemail.
Be cautious with personal info. Never give out sensitive information over the phone unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Take a step back and do your research before responding to any loan-related calls.

Bottom Line

Scammers are getting smarter, but so are you. When you get a call about a loan you didn’t apply for, slow down. Take a minute to think it through before reacting. If the lender sounds real but the situation feels wrong, it’s probably a scam.

If you’re ever unsure, do your research, contact the lender directly, and stay vigilant. Shield and Fortify is here to help you navigate the confusing world of scams and keep your personal information safe.

Stay sharp and stay safe!