Avoidance of Predatory Lending Scams



from the ABA Education Foundation

Horror stories about victims of predatory lending are everywhere in the media these days:
The 81 year-old woman with dementia who signed away her house for a loan with an interest rate impossible to repay.

The family that lost their house because a high-fee, high-interest loan came due in a balloon payment beyond their means to pay or to refinance.

It's a sad fact: Prime targets for predatory lenders are the elderly and people in lower-income groups who are feeling financial pressure. Predatory lenders usually push their services on those who need money for medical bills, property taxes or high-priced home repairs by painting their loans as the answer to financial woes. But instead of providing access to money with reasonable rates and terms, predatory lenders push loans with exorbitant interest rates and through-the-roof fees, and follow-up collection strategies that are nothing less than harassment.

Visit a HUD approved counseling agency (list available on www.HUD.gov) for more information and advice on predatory lending. Call 801-373-8200 ext. 235 if you live in Utah, Wasatch or Summit County. Community Action Services and Food Bank is a HUD approved Housing Counseling agency and has expertise in dealing with predatory lenders.


Protect Yourself from Lending Abuse

Abusive or "predatory" lenders target people who are strapped for cash. But the loans they push usually have sky-high interest rates and fees. They're often illegal, too. You need to know how to tell a "good" loan from a bad one. Otherwise, you could end up paying too much, hurting your credit rating even losing your home.

Ask yourself:
  1. Do I feel pressured?
    • Watch out for harassing phone calls or solicitations from lenders who say they can give you next-day approval.
    • The same goes for lenders who offer "guaranteed" low-interest loans as long as you apply over the phone and pay them money today.
  2. Have I shopped around for the best deal?
    • Check with other lenders, including local banks, for their rates and total costs.
    • Compare the interest rates and the total costs for your loan with those of other lenders.
    • Beware of high up-front fees and percentage "points." They can turn a loan with low monthly payments into one that actually costs you more in the long run.
  3. Is it too good to be true?
    • Watch out for telemarketers, TV ads or door-to-door salespeople who offer easy or quick-approval loans for houses, cars and home repair.
    • Avoid lenders who say bad or no credit is "no problem." Lenders you can trust don't do business this way.
  4. Can I trust the lender?
    • Get references and check them out. Don't rely on the lender's word.
    • Call your local Better Business Bureau and ask if it has had complaints about any of the lenders you are considering.
  5. Do I understand the loan terms?
    • Before borrowing, you should know exactly what you're getting and what you're paying. Never be afraid to ask the lender to explain any fees, terms or conditions you don't understand. And never sign a blank form.
  6. Also:
    • Ask yourself if prepaying for credit life insurance is the best way for you to go. It will protect your family by paying off the loan if you get sick or die. But paying it up-front can add to the monthly cost of your loan.
    • Think twice about a loan that has a large amount due at the end of the scheduled payments. This one final, or "balloon," payment could be beyond your ability to repay.
    • Watch out for lenders who tell you not to worry if you find you can't pay your mortgage. They'll help you refinance your loan if you need to. Predatory lenders make money from the high fees and closing costs they'll charge you to refinance the loan they knew you could not afford to repay in the first place.
    • Never sign a loan contract until you have all the facts and understand every part of what you're signing. Ask for advice from someone you trust: a banker, an accountant or a family member or friend who has had experience with getting and paying back loans. Or call a local nonprofit credit counseling agency for free help (you'll find them in the Yellow Pages).
    • Remember that you have the legal right to change your mind for any reason within three days of signing most loan contracts that use your home as the security.

815 S Freedom Blvd.
Suite 100
Provo, UT 84601

Phone: 801.373.8200
Fax: 801.373.8228
Email:

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