The advance fees ranged up to about $3,000 during the eight-year scheme, according to court papers.

They may end up borrowing or stealing money to pay the advance fees, believing an early payday is imminent.

Other fraudulent companies provide nothing for the student's advance fee - not even a list of sources.

A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction.

What to do when you see an ad guaranteeing a loan for an advance fee:

They can also charge advance fees of thousands of dollars, depending on a candidate's previous salary level.

In fact, the final payoff does not exist since the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees.

Mr. McDermott said the advance fees were generally $25,000 to $30,000.

When they refuse to pay any advance fee the fraudsters threaten to report the matter to their employers and/or the police.

Owners may enter for an advance fee of $15 for two days or $10 for a single day.