Read this:
"It is illegal for companies doing business by phone in the U.S. to promise you a loan or credit card and ask you to pay for it before they deliver."
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0078-advance-fee-loans
If you or a friend need a loan, you really should read this:
http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0153-choosing-credit-counselor
In fact, the more you need the money, the more urgent it is to read that information!
Protect yourself!
Recognize that NO legitimate company is going to offer you a loan, without their doing some background / credit checks on you, and they WILL generally need a snailmailed, signed contract.
If you or a friend fell for the scam, please try to educate your other friends. The only way to stop these scams is to cut off their source of money!