Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Payday lenders seeking freedom from regulation

The payday lenders are running a "public service" ad on CNN. I just saw it a few minutes ago. They say that a payday loan is only for short term and people shouldn't borrow more than they feel comfortable repaying. In fine print, they say that people with credit problems should seek counseling. In short, they don't take any responsibility for their usurious rates of interest. Now they are "blaming the victim." In other words, the borrower is at fault for borrowing too much money. A responsible lender, like a bank, just won't let a person borrow more than their income warrants. Do these loan sharks have so much clout in GA that they can avoid being made to clean up their act? I understand that there is legislation before our lawmakers in Atlanta that would exempt payday lenders from regulation. Also heard that when consumer representatives show up at meetings they are treated as if their opinions do not matter. One more argument for NOT extending the terms of our legislators to four years. Some of them, if they knew they were safe in their offices for four years, would proceed to do whatever might line their pockets, regardless of public opinion.

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4 comments:

Tina said...

I forgot to add that they put the money in their pockets with the left hand because the right hand is busy polishing their halo.

Amy Morton said...

Maybe I missed it, but who is paying for these ads?

Tina said...

I believe the ad I saw was sponsored by an association of payday lenders..

Tina said...

The bill is making good progress in our legislature. Wonder if anyone will try to stop it?