Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking start-up funds or the owner of an established business that needs capital to make an acquisition or develop new product lines, be careful when looking for a lender. To avoid fraudsters and potentially dire consequences, you need to take your time and carefully screen anyone eager to lend you money. After all, there must be something in it for them. Ensure that those motivations are honest. Signs signifying trouble Predatory lenders often offer loans with punitive terms and conditions and nonrefundable upfront fees. They especially target businesses with a checkered history or inadequate collateral because they know such borrowers have fewer options and may be more willing to compromise. To tempt borrowers, bad actors might advertise a quick closing or a willingness...