
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 9, 1991                   TAG: 9104090181
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT LENDING `CHURCH' ARE UNSUCCESSFUL

Q: Several of my co-workers have been passing around an advertisement from a Debbie Summer in Greensboro, N.C., who says she represents a church that administers loans. The ad says to send $39 for an information packet and application and also asks people to send her the names and mail addresses of 10 to 20 people or more so she can send them similar information.

The ad also says "Refinance your home. Save thousands. $50,000 home loan $148.89 a month and $100,000 home loan is $287.78 a month. No credit check. All loans approved."

Many of my co-workers are excited at the thought of getting a big loan to pay off their home, auto, boat, etc. But, as you have warned us, "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." - M.B., Hot Springs

A: Quickline attempted to reach Debbie Summer but got no answer from the toll-free number listed on her advertisement. Next we contacted the Better Business Bureau of Greensboro, N.C., which had no information on this lending "church." But it had heard of Summer, having sent two other inquiries to her at 2441 Herfshire Drive, Greensboro. It, too, received no response, the BBB said.

However, listed at the same address is Global Financial Services. It is not a lending institution but instead sells information about loans - much of which is of little or no value, says the BBB.

The BBB's file on this company dates from October 1987. This company has an unsatisfactory record with the BBB, which notes that it has not responded to complaints. A request for basic information from this company was not answered.

Q: Where do I write to obtain a copy of my birth certificate? - L.O., Roanoke

A: Records of birth, death, marriage and divorce may be obtained by sending a written request along with a $5 fee to the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, Va. 23208-1000.

For a birth certificate, send a $5 check or money order (per copy) payable to the State Health Department. Include information about the person's full name at birth, place of birth, both parents' full names including the mother's maiden name, and the relationship of the person requesting the certificate. Also include the reason the certificate is needed.

For more information on obtaining copies of vital records call the division at (804) 786-6228 for recorded information or (804) 371-7867.

by CNB