Bad debt can really harm your credit history
While most people use the phrase "bad debt" to refer to a lot of debt, or just owing a lot of money, this phrase actually has a very specific use when it comes to financial issues. Bad debt in this case is a debt that cannot be collected. This...
Credit card companies: the rewards, promos and services that make the difference
With so many credit card companies offering credit cards, the
consumer market for credit cards has become one tough cookie to
crack. To stay competitive, credit card companies offer various
extra services, rewards programs and promos that...
Credit Cards, Merchant Accounts, and Your Bottomline
Small Business Q&A with Tim Knox Q: I'm opening a gift shop and want to be able to accept credit cards. I talked to the branch manager at my bank, but he didn't seem to know much about how it all worked. He did say that I would need something...
Credit Reports: Find out why you have been refused Credit
You may already have 2 or more credit cards in your purse or wallet and you have just applied for a third and been declined. This can be very frustrating considering you pay off your other credit cards regularly and you are continually having your...
Zero Percent Credit Cards
When searching for a 0 apr credit card, one with 0% annual
percentage rate (apr) for a trial period, one of the best ways
to find a good deal is to compare the credit card rate of
several sites. One way to find reliable sites is to start with...
Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders - The 3 Most Common Subprime Lending Scams
Legitimate sub-prime lenders provide a needed service to many
wishing to buy a home. By offering financing to those with
adverse credit, sub-prime lenders offer a valuable financing
options. However, predatory lenders take advantage of people
with poor credit by charging excessive fees, forcing
foreclosures, or demanding titles. To protect yourself in your
home loan search, avoid these common mortgage scams.
Excessive Interest Rates And Fees
Predatory loans require a borrower to pay excessive upfront
costs or high fees. Some state laws protect consumers by putting
caps on interest rates or fees. If you have bad credit, you
should be paying no more than 8% higher than a conventional
loan. Limits on closing costs vary, but anything more than five
points should be viewed suspiciously.
Forcing Foreclosures
Another lending scam involves lending to people so they will be
forced into foreclosures. These types of loans typically have
monthly payments so high, you can't possibly pay them. They lure
people in by promising guarantee approval or cashing out your
equity, but they charge high interest rates. Before you sign a
loan, be sure you can afford the monthly payments.
Demanding Title
A growing scam involves supposedly refinancing your mortgage,
but in reality they scammer is pocketing your cash and title.
There are many variations on this
scam, but usually these
con-artists will solicit those who have liens against their
property or received a foreclosure notice. They make a promise
of solving all your financial problems if you turn over your
title and pay an up front fee.
The scammer will then file for bankruptcy in your name that will
be dismissed since a third party initiated the process, but it
will still leave a mark on your credit report. The scammer will
also take mortgage payments from you, even though they didn't
pay off the first mortgage. In the end you may lose your house.
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself from these scams by being a savvy shopper.
Request quotes from several lenders before picking one. If you
have any questions, talk with the lending company. Legitimate
lenders will be happy to explain the process and answer any of
your questions.
Once you pick a lender, be sure you read all forms before you
sign the paperwork. According to federal law, you have three
days to cancel your mortgage after settlement. You will also be
refunded all fees, except the application fee.