‘I’m drowning in debt’: I was scammed by a ‘friend’ who asked me to take out a loan, and I fell victim to identity theft. Can you help me?

Dear Quentin,

During the pandemic, I was scammed. I tried to help someone I thought I knew. I took out a secured loan with high interest, and I also fell victim to identity theft. (I do not know if the two were related, but there is a good chance.) Now I am in a ridiculous amount of debt. My vehicle is tied to the secured loan and is currently on its last leg. (I will know by the end of the week if that last leg has given out.)

My…