LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. - We have new details on a story you saw first on WINK. A Lehigh couple thought they'd found their golden ticket - a small loan that would help them out of a tough spot. But they ended up paying almost a $1,000 and have yet to see a penny in return.

Tonight, we finally heard from that lending company. Plus, we talked to a bank about guidelines to keep you from getting burned when trying to secure a loan.

Dwayne Remy and Elizabeth Zwoyer thought a loan through online company, Bryson Lending Firm would help them catch up on bills.

"They're like, oh, you're been approved for $3,000," Zwoyer said.

But first, she had to send money via Western Union to Jamaica. That's when she says, things went from bad to worse.

"She's like, you only have to come up with $408," Zwoyer said. "Three days later, it's another $400. And now, it's like a week and half, almost two weeks later, and I need to come up with $250 to get my money."

They spent almost all the money they had. Now they're at risk of eviction.

"Where am I gonna go? What am I gonna do?" Remy asked, wiping away a tear.

A Bryson Lending Manager told us that Elizabeth Zwoyer was approved on a secured basis, and her contract explained what was required. The small print states, "The company reserves the right to request additional coverage or collateral payments pending an independent assessment of client information if coverage purchased by the borrower is deemed inadequate." But, it does not specify how much it can request.

"Not in any banking environment would that ever happen," Chairman and CEO of Preferred Community Bank Brenda O'Neill said.

According to O'Neill, excessive charges and requests to send money out of the country are red flags.

"Typically, if you go to a reputable lender, they may ask for a very small processing fee upfront, but I mean, small, relative to the loan that you're getting," O'Neill said.

If you're considering a loan, O'Neill said, do your homework. If you go online, use your bank as a resource. And, ask family and friends for help.

"I want to tell everybody, and anybody having doubts," Zwoyer said, "just turn around and walk away, you don't need to do it."

The Lending Manager told us they can give Elizabeth a refund, but it can up to 30 days. We'll follow up with Elizabeth and the company to make sure that goes through.