Monday, February 11, 2013

Legitimacy Concerning These Indian Lenders

By George Ceaser


Indian Tribal Loans are a form of pay day loans. While the poor have been using this mechanism for decades, the present economy is drawing more into its web. Personal income constraints have led to the increased prosperity of this over 40 billion dollar business first started in 1993.

This new marriage of payday loans and Indian tribal identity has been the subject of much debate and criticism. Even though Native Americans are themselves are often harmed by the downside of relying on this type of high interest loan, some Indian tribes have embraced this business as a source of income.

The basic formula is short term cash loans. Average amount loaned is 350 dollars borrowed for a period of two week term. To obtain a loan, the borrower provides a personal check or authorization to make a withdrawal from a personal bank account. In exchange, the borrower receives cash, minus a fee. Typical fees can range from between 15 and 20 dollars for every 100 dollar borrowed.

If the term is under a month, typical interest charged is the equivalent of an annual rate of over 300 to 500 percent. In order to avoid an untenable position, borrowers should pay off the amount quickly. Failure to pay leads to late fees and renewals. This increases the onerous burden.

Lending cycle continuation is an expected part of this selling plan. The ultimate effect is an extremely expensive form of lending for vulnerable consumers. But there is a rationale for industry expansion over the years. This market segment is ignored by mainstream lenders. About a quarter of American households are either underbanked or they are unbanked. Minority users make up a major part of these customers. Over 50 percent African-Americans and over 40 percent Hispanics and Native Americans are unbanked or underbanked.

This type of tool is not just limited to working poor. As the recent California Capital Appreciation Bond school district issuers scandal has revealed high interest financing schemes can even be a mainstream activity. The common feature is that the cost can become exorbitant. Consider that one school district is due to pay 56 million on a 4 million dollar loan. Another is due to pay almost one billion dollars on a 105 million dollar borrowing. There are over 200 school districts that have to pay big bills for much smaller borrowed amounts. California has just 30 percent of such bonds.

Critics claim lenders without scruples are hiding behind tribal sovereignty coverage. Essentially what this constitutes is an off shore residence equivalent on shore. Other businesses have used an off shore base for this purpose as well. The internet has also been used to escape state regulatory control. Tribes can protect the sanctity of their independence and the interest of their people by not permitting unscrupulous businesses to take advantage of them.

People who need a stop gap solution and have few alternatives will pay despite the cost. Indian tribal loans, check cashing operators and subprime credit cards are the currency that maintains the liquidity of this cash strapped customer base. The customer base in this time of limited jobs and low income has no sign of diminishing. Consumers are advised to protect themselves by reading the terms of the loan. They should not make a commitment they cannot afford.




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