Want a construction loan? Be careful Generally, consumers seek loans from banks, savings & loans, credit unions, and other financial institutions. However, if you have bad credit or credit problems, it is unlikely that these institutions will qualify you for a loan. Many companies, advertising in classified sections of newspapers and magazines, guarantee their ability to get loans for people with credit problems. Advance fee loan brokers may seem like a good alternative source of funds, but be aware that many of these companies are nothing more than scams.