Which term best describes a loan that exists primarily to facilitate fraud by appearing legitimate?

• A. Double-pledging collateral
• B. Linked financing
• C. Sham loan
• D. Daisy chain

Answer: (C)

A sham loan is a fake debt instrument created to make fraud look legitimate. The money and the agreement exist not to fund a real business need, but to deceive others—like auditors, lenders, or regulators—by presenting a credible debt that isn’t backed by genuine economic substance. The documentation may look ordinary, but the purpose is to conceal misused funds, inflate assets or cover up improper transactions. In short, the defining feature is the deception: a real loan would have a legitimate purpose and enforceable terms, while a sham loan is designed to masquerade as one without real financial substance.