When shopping for a loan, take advantage of the Internet. Not only can you research credit products and comparison shop among hundreds of lenders over the Internet, but you can also apply for a loan or credit card online from those same lenders.
"The Internet is, without question, the fastest and easiest way for consumers to find out about and compare the various types of loans and credit cards offered by banks around the country," said Michael Jackson, Associate Director of the FDIC's Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection. He added that if you find an interesting offer from a far-away bank or an Internet-only lender, "in most cases you can apply for and finalize the loan online; you don't have to pass up a good deal just because the institution doesn't have an office in your area."
However, Jackson also warned that because con artists use the Internet to trick consumers into divulging personal financial information, you should never respond to unsolicited e-mails or to Web sites offering products or services that appear "too good to be true."

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