Choosing the correct personal loan provider might mean the difference between getting out of debt quickly and being trapped in debt for years. Make sure you select a trustworthy lender like PaydayChampion to get $ today.
But what exactly is predatory lending, and where can you get a list of predatory lenders to avoid? Here’s how to tell if a lender matches the definition of predatory lending and prevent them at all costs.
- Predatory lending is a term that refers to financing that is designed to take advantage.
- These seven examples exemplify predatory lending practices.
- At all costs, stay away from predatory lending.
Predatory lending is a term that refers to financing that is designed to take advantage.
Any unjust or abusive behavior to the borrower is considered predatory lending.
These strategies typically benefit the lender while making debt repayment more difficult or expensive for the borrower. Lenders who compel, lie, or otherwise pressure borrowers into signing predatory loan arrangements typically exacerbate this problem.
It is the purpose of reputable lenders to lend to qualified customers who will pay back their loans. On the other hand, predatory lending seeks to profit from the borrower’s predicament. To make money, the lender tacks on fees and interest rates that frequently exceed the original loan amount.
Predatory lenders frequently offer terms that benefit them when you can’t make payments. High late fees, penalty interest rates, or even loan collateral seizure are all examples of predatory lending (like repossessing a car).
From deceptive advertising to high-pressure sales methods to an unaffordable free structure, predatory lending practices can be found at any stage of the loan buying process.
These seven examples exemplify predatory lending practices.
It’s crucial to be aware of the seven warning flags of predatory lending. It’s how you can safeguard yourself when looking for a new loan. You’ll also stay away from the most prevalent personal loan blunders.
1. Interest rates in the triple digits
2. Loan services and fees that are not included in the primary loan
3. Charges or fees for having a bad credit score (or none at all).
4. Secured lending with a high-risk factor
5. In a hurry to have something approved or fill out paperwork
6. Investing in the sale of loans
7. You’ve been duped (or asking you to lie)
1. Interest rates in the triple digits
High-interest rates in the three digits are one of the most apparent symptoms of predatory lending.
Payday loans and automobile title loans, for example, sometimes have rates over 400 percent APR. On the other hand, some MPs want to keep interest rates at 36% to keep loans affordable for consumers.
Make sure you understand how your interest will be charged and structured by reading your loan agreement carefully. Advertisements and lending agreements may mention nominal (or monthly) interest rates.
Borrowers may mistakenly believe these are annual rates, underestimating the actual loan cost.
A lender who charges unusually high-interest rates is usually looking to make quick cash. Rather than offering their borrowers cheap credit.
Balances build quicker than a borrower can keep up with high-interest rates. They are eventually locked in a debt cycle due to this behavior.
As a result, before deciding on a personal loan, make sure you search around. Even if you have bad credit, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a considerably better interest rate.
2. Loan services and fees that are not included in the primary loan
Other charges may be incorporated into a loan by a lender, making it less cheap for borrowers but more profitable for them.
As a result, borrowers should be cautious if such expenses are glossed over or not explicitly stated. Predatory lending is characterized by a lack of clarity regarding additional costs.
For example, many lenders will charge extra fees for services not included in the loan. Credit insurance for personal loans or roadside assistance for automobile title loans are examples of these types of services.
A lender may try to persuade a borrower to accept these services. Alternatively, mention the loan is conditional on these services being paid for. Fees, levies, and add-on services, on the other hand, are just means for a lender to extract more money from a borrower.
3. Charges or fees for having a bad credit score (or none at all).
Personal loans for adverse credit are available from many respectable banks and lenders. It’s also common for these lenders to offer risk-based loans, which means that if you have a good credit score, you’ll get a better deal. A person with bad credit, on the other hand, will be charged a higher interest rate.
What isn’t typical is heaping on fees and interest rates while blaming your bad credit history.
Alternatively, the lender could conduct a bait-and-switch, stating at the last minute that you don’t qualify for the product you applied for and pressing you to choose a more expensive choice instead.
Checking your credit report and score can help you avoid this. Also, look around to understand what kinds of rates and loans you’ll be eligible for.
If your credit isn’t perfect, look into personal loans for bad credit from customer-focused lenders like credit unions or lenders who don’t have a minimum credit score requirement.
4. Secured lending with a high-risk factor
Offering a loan that does not require a credit check is another red flag of predatory lending. Alternatively, it may be made available to borrowers with bad credit who have an asset such as a car title or home equity to secure the loan.
Borrowers may be enticed to sign on for a loan they cannot afford by the lender’s lenient lending conditions. If the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the borrower’s assets (such as a property or car) to recoup their losses at the borrower’s expense.
The Federal Trade Commission refers to this type of fraudulent financing as “equity stripping.” Borrowers who are likely to default and risk losing their home or car may be attracted to these types of loans.
Most debtors, however, rely on these properties daily. As a result, losing them has the potential to be catastrophic and far-reaching.
5. In a hurry to have something approved or fill out paperwork
It’s critical to take the time to thoroughly research all contracts and loan documentation before signing on the dotted line. It is usually a good idea to read the fine print. You’ll be able to ensure that you understand and can afford the loan before you sign it.
It’s a red flag if your lender tries to rush you into signing paperwork or tells you to skim over it.
Predatory lenders rely on borrowers’ lack of time or knowledge to fully comprehend their agreements. It could hint that the contract has unreasonable fees or terms if they don’t want you to spend too much time reading it.
Also, keep an eye out for any documentation that comes your way unexpectedly. The second set of paperwork you’re asked to sign could indicate that you’re being duped. You should also keep an eye out for any blank fields since the lender may utilize them to change the contract terms.
Finally, it should be fully fleshed out and explicit when you sign your loan contract.
6. Investing in the sale of loans
It is possible to save money by refinancing debts. On the other hand, some predatory lenders will take advantage of the situation.
Refinancing a loan will usually result in you receiving a new loan with a lower interest rate than your current debt. It may also result in other favorable arrangements, such as reduced monthly payments.
On the other hand, loan flipping is a predatory lending practice in which the lender refinances with a new loan with higher interest rates. It’s also more costly than the previous loan.
Alternatively, while your new loan may save you a modest amount, the fees of originating a new loan will offset any savings.
Make sure you’ve done your homework and compared the refinanced loan’s fees to your current bills. When you ask for a comparison, many lenders will oblige. If a lender refuses, look into the terms they’re proposing.
7. You’ve been duped (or asking you to lie)
Creditors who don’t offer necessary loan disclosures or give borrowers incorrect information are frequently predatory lending.
Request and read a complete loan disclosure, including rates, fees, and other costs. The majority of lenders are legally compelled to offer this information. Consider it a warning sign if a lender refuses to disclose all this information.
Be wary if the creditor tries to justify each fee or cost associated with the disclosure. If you don’t get a linear response to your queries, or if you don’t think you’re getting one.
It’s a big red flag if a loan officer tells you to lie on your loan application in any way. They may sometimes advise you to round up your earnings. Alternatively, if you want to increase your chances of getting accepted, work full-time rather than part-time.
Lying on a loan application, on the other hand, is a type of deception. Predatory lending is characterized by supporting this type of activity.
At all costs, stay away from predatory lending.
When it comes to keeping borrowing reasonable, it’s critical to find a reputable lender and avoid predatory loans.
That’s why it’s crucial to be on the lookout for these predatory loan warning flags. And, throughout the process, maintain your composure and refuse to be coerced into making a wrong decision.
If you’re not sure about a corporation, conduct some research to learn more about its history. Check sites like the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Federal Trade Commission for consumer complaints or warnings.
You need a solution that helps you fulfill today’s financial demands without jeopardizing your future financial security at the end of the loan process.