Over the last decade, we have seen far too many data breaches put consumer information at risk. That most recent debacle was the Equifax data breach of 2017, which released the sensitive personal information of up to 143 million Americans to hackers and thieves.
Identity Theft
Predatory Lending and COVID
Many consumers have experienced a financial setback due to the Covid pandemic. Loss of employment, unemployment checks being delayed have put enormous strains on budgets and consumers are desperate and seeking short term financial solutions. This is the perfect storm for predatory lenders as they step up their marketing efforts online, social networking sites and television campaigns. Needless to say these are loans which should be avoided at all costs. Let us define predatory lending and review some of the common tactics used to lure in consumers with promises of quick cash.
Predatory lending is any lending practice that imposes unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers, including high interest rates, high fees, and terms that strip the borrower of equity. Predatory lenders often use aggressive sales tactics and deception to get borrowers to take out loans they cannot afford.
Common Predatory Lending Tactics
1. Limited Time Offers. Loan officers require you to act immediately, with statements such as “If you don’t decide today, you will lose this great opportunity!” or “This is your only chance to get a loan!”
2. High-Risk Loans. Loans with confusing or unclear loan terms, balloon payments, or steep pre-payment penalties.
3. Higher Loan Amounts. Lenders allow borrowers to finance more money than they need or can afford. Some lenders will attempt asset-based lending, offering loans based on the amount of equity instead of the borrower’s ability to pay.
4. High Fees or Costs. Lenders charge fees for unnecessary or nonexistent products or services, or may inflate these fees, charging much more than reputable lenders.
5. False or Hidden Disclosures. Lenders misrepresent costs, using tactics like providing false appraisals or changing the loan terms before closing.
Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision and avoid predatory lending:
1. Shop for a loan. You do not have to take the first loan offered to you; compare rates and terms from several different lenders.
2. Ask questions. Make sure the lender explains any part of the loan you do not understand.
3. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Some of these offers may be scams.
4. Know your financial situation. Understand your financial limits and determine the loan payment you are comfortable making.
Consumers should beware of quick cash, fast loan ads and should consider contacting your creditors directly and communicate your situation and make sure you inform them if it is Covid related and ask for relief. Consumers may contact Debt Management Credit Counseling Corp, www.dmcconline.org and speak with a certified credit counselor or ask to speak with a housing counselor if they are behind on their mortgage.
Growing wave of Social Security imposters overtakes IRS scam
Claiming to be a government authority is a tried and true way that scammers trick people into sending money. Among the most common government imposters have been scammers pretending to be the IRS – until now.
Beware of ATM, Debit and Credit Card ‘Skimming’ Schemes
How to help protect yourself from high-tech thieves who steal account information
You may have heard in the news that automated teller machines (ATMs) are being targeted by criminals who secretly attach high-tech devices to the machines in order to record consumers’ keystrokes and steal or, as it is sometimes called, “skim” personal identification numbers (PINs) along with credit or debit card account numbers. In addition, criminals are known to add similar devices to credit or debit card readers at checkout registers, especially at gas stations, convenience stores or other merchants where customers may be in a hurry and not notice or take the time to report something suspicious.
Travelers’ Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, consider the following tips.
Beware When Searching on Google for Services
Locked out of your car or home, you pull out your phone and type “locksmith” into Google. Up pops a list of names, the most promising of which appear beneath the paid ads, in space reserved for local service companies.
Don’t Get Taken by Wire Transfer Scams
Using a bank or a money transfer company to “wire” funds electronically is an easy and convenient way to send cash to someone. And when consumers wire money to people they know, the transaction typically takes place without a problem. But wiring money to strangers – in the U.S. but especially in another country – is risky because often they could be scam artists.
Avoiding Identity Theft
According to the Federal Trade Commission, over half a million Americans will have their identities stolen each year. The most common types of identity theft are:
Medical Identity Theft
Could identity thieves be using your personal and health insurance information to get medical treatment, prescription drugs or surgery? Could dishonest people working in a medical setting be using your information to submit false bills to insurance companies?
Protecting Your Credit During the Summer Travel Season
The Association of Credit Counseling Professionals – ACCPros – offers tips on maintaining your credit rating and protecting your identity from thieves during the summer travel season.