3 Types of Predatory Debt You Need to Know About (2024)

The types of debt you get matters, and many don’t understand that. Here are 3 types of predatory debt effecting millennial’s and gen x’ers debt snowball. The 3 types of predatory loans is where the most confusion comes in, and later the pain and sorrow is packed on for years afterwards.

So, in case you wonder how debt snowballs, it starts when you don’t understand the predatory nature of some debt, that can last for decades.

There are many different types of predatory debt, but I am only discussing those that destroy lives without understanding them.

PREDATORY LOANS CREATE PREDATORY DEBT

A predatory loan is usually difficult to understand, not well-explained, is high interest, and can snowball quickly and easily and cause predatory debt. Don’t get caught up in advertising propaganda that gets you snagged with bad debt appearing good. Do your homework, do your research and know the various loan products as well as how salespeople fudge the truth about loan products.

USED CAR LOANS, CAR TITLE LOANS, AND UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS

Used Car Loans – many have terms that have unbelievable interest rates. But many I have spoken to who were caught in this web, did not understand the high interest or bad terms in the loan.

Unfortunately, many states have laws that protect unscrupulous car dealers. And, some millenials and gen x’rs who buy cars from used car lots without the benefit of prior research get stunned when they get the loan paperwork.

If you have good credit, you can get a good loan from your bank, credit union, or the used side of a new car lot. Most new car lot financing offices are tied to local banks and credit unions. So, don’t get snagged with a bad loan because you don’t understand how different types of car lots operate.

Payday Loans – many users are encouraged to roll over their loan weekly because they don’t have the money to pay the loan. After a year of doing this your interest can morph to over 300%. Car title loans have a similar problem, many lose their cars according to a PBS special which showed a sea of cars taken from the car owners.

In most of these cases, you will find that the loan was not nearly as useful as the misery that followed. Why would you risk a car worth $4000 to get a $500 loan and then find that you can’t repay it, so you get caught in the tangled web of rollovers until you loose your car.

It is not worth the risk. A better option is to borrow from close family, your credit union or a bank. An even better option is to find extra work to make the money you need.

3 Types of Predatory Debt You Need to Know About (2)

Unsubsidized Student Loans – I have had several college graduates contact me about this issue and none of them knew what their unsubsidized loan was until after they graduated.

Upon graduation they got the shock of their lives, with a loan balance far above what they borrowed and were confused. I explained to each one that they have an unsubsidized loan (as opposed to a subsidized loan, where interest is subsidized by the government while in school).

With an unsubsidized loan the interest is charged to the student, while in school. Most don’t understand or have money to pay the interest while in school, so it accumulates.

The unsubsidized loans I have seen have doubled in balance (or more), from the original loan balance when the interest is added to the balance after graduation. Now they have a huge balance of double or more from what they borrowed, immediately after graduation.

These are one of 3 types of predatory loans because it is almost impossible to file bankruptcy on them.

This is one reason some students are skipping college to choose to work their way up on a job or go to a college they can pay from work and parents. Some student loans are taking 25 years to pay off, these are various types of unsubsidized loans or education that was simply way to costly for the degree.

The more you understand about the 3 types of predatory debt the easier it will be to avoid it, and the lifetime horrible consequences.

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3 Types of Predatory Debt You Need to Know About (6)

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3 Types of Predatory Debt You Need to Know About (2024)

FAQs

What are the most common predatory loans? ›

Payday loans are one of the most common examples of predatory lending because they have high fees and short repayment terms. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

What type of loan is often considered especially predatory? ›

Predatory lending can take many forms, but the most common include payday loans, car-title loans, and subprime mortgages. A more recent development are “rent-a-bank” schemes that exploit loopholes to get around predatory lending laws.

How to know if a loan is predatory? ›

Predatory lending refers to any unfair practice that benefits the lender and makes it difficult for a borrower to repay debt. The signs of a predatory loan include language like 'guaranteed' approval, an inflated interest rate and hidden fees and tacked-on financial products you didn't ask for.

What are 2 types of marketing techniques that predatory lenders commonly use? ›

Consumers can be lured into dealing with predatory lenders by aggressive mail, phone, TV, and even door-to-door sales tactics. Their advertisem*nts promise lower monthly payments as a way out of debt, but don't tell potential borrowers that they will be paying more and longer.

What is an example of a predatory loan? ›

Common forms of predatory lending include payday loans and car title loans, although some small-dollar installment loans and other types of lending may also involve predatory practices.

Who are the most common victims of predatory lending? ›

Predatory lenders typically target minorities, the poor, the elderly and the less educated.

What is a predatory debt? ›

When people are in dire need for money, they may be tempted to take out a loan from a lender who doesn't have their best interests in mind. This is called predatory lending. The lender might make it seem like they are helping someone out in a tough situation, but really they are taking advantage of them.

Can you sue a bank for predatory lending? ›

And if you are the victim of a predatory lending scheme, know that legal recourse is available. We can help you bring a civil suit to recover damages, including any payments you have made on your loan and any legal costs associated with the lawsuit.

Which type of debt typically has the highest interest rates? ›

Unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans and private student loans tend to have the highest interest rates.

What is the red flag for predatory lending? ›

Look for high or hidden fees.

High interest rates and other fees are common tactics used to take advantage of borrowers. Be sure to read through the terms and conditions and look for sections that list the fees, penalties, and payment details.

Who investigates predatory lending? ›

The FDIC addresses the problem of predatory lending by taking supervisory action, by encouraging and assisting banks to serve all sectors of their community, and by providing consumers with information to help make informed financial decisions.

What interest rate is considered predatory? ›

It is common for you to pay only one percent of the loan amount for prime loans. By contrast, a typical predatory loan may cost five percent or more.

What are three ways to protect yourself from predatory lenders? ›

Tips to protect yourself from Predatory Lending:
  • Make sure you can really afford the monthly payments. ...
  • Make sure the lender and broker you are dealing with are licensed by the State Banking Department. ...
  • Watch out for “hidden” terms, such as prepayments and balloon payments.

What happens if you don't pay a loan shark? ›

If you have borrowed money from a loan shark you are under no legal obligation to repay the debt. If a lender isn't licensed by the FCA then they have no legal right to recover the debt. Loan sharks sometimes frighten people by saying they'll be prosecuted and even sent to prison if they don't pay up.

What helps a person to avoid predatory lending? ›

Compare the quotes you've gotten from different lenders. Look at the loan terms and fees. It should be easy to tell which ones are “predatory.” Choose the best loan with the lowest interest rate and fees.

What are some predatory financial services? ›

Payday loans are typically predatory in nature. Payday loans are short-term, high-interest loans, usually for small amounts ($500 or less), that are due your next pay day.

Where do predatory lenders get their negative reputation from? ›

Predatory lenders use unfair and deceptive practices that mislead people into taking out loans that aren't in their best interest. Frequently, these loans aren't affordable, have confusing or misleading terms, and come with high fees.

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