330+ groups representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia called for Congress to support a resolution to overturn a rule that helps triple-digit interest rate loans spread across the country by evading state and voter-approved interest rate...
More infoHow accurate is Credit Karma when checking your scores?
By Lindsay Bramson – WSMV (Watch Now) NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) – Millions of people use Credit Karma to check their credit scores, but just how accurate are those scores? A lot of people are getting a big surprise when they apply for a loan right...
More infoBetter Call Harry: How accurate is Credit Karma?
Want to hear about how you can protect your credit and keep an eye on your credit report during this unstable time? Liz Coyle discusses this timely issue on Better Call Harry at CBS 46. Watch here.
More infoWTOC Investigates: Pandemic fuels high-interest loan complaints, Georgia ranks No. 4 in the nation
By Jessica Savage – WTOC (watch here) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) – Consumer advocates warn those who are in a vulnerable financial position to avoid high-interest loans offering fast cash. “It truly is the vehicle these high-cost predatory lenders...
More infoJust 39% of Americans could cover $1K emergency expense, report finds
By JoAnn Merrigan – WSAV (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The physical health of many has been ravaged by the COVID-19 crisis, but it’s also affecting financial health. According to a new report from Bankrate, only 39 percent of...
More infoRule to boost fintech companies could topple consumer protections, critics say
By Yamil Berard – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution In 2018, Imo S. Okwu needed a quick infusion of cash in his company, Quantum-Mac, to meet conditions of a contract with the city of Atlanta. The Cobb County engineer couldn’t secure a conventional...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Deadline nears for end of $600 federal unemployment supplement
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. — Fred Stein is a furloughed construction coordinator. He and forty of his colleagues have been waiting for benefits since April. That would be state unemployment plus the $600 weekly supplement...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Stay away from debt relief firms
By Harry Samler – CBS46 (Watch Now) ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) — With the $600 federal supplement payments scheduled to end this weekend, unemployed Georgians may be looking for more help to pay their bills. Better Call Harry and the consumer...
More infoASK ASA: Title loans trap consumers in long cycles of debt, consumer advocacy group warns
By Asa Aarons Smith – WJCL (Watch Now) SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) —Millions of Americans have experienced job or income loss because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re among them and thinking of taking out a car pawn title loan to help with expenses...
More infoCFPB Eliminates Consumer Protections from Payday and Car Title Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic
Crucial Georgia Usury Cap Should Be Expanded to Protect Consumers from the Debt Trap ATLANTA, GA – Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) eliminated consumer protections against predatory payday and car title lenders...
More infoBetter Call Harry: Debt relief companies capitalize on Covid-19, but is it safe for consumers?
By Harry Samler, CBS46 (Watch video) ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) — Many people are out of work now and going into debt. Commercials offering debt relief may be tempting, but consumer experts say these firms may make promises they can’t keep. Liz...
More infoGeorgians report online scammers taking advantage of coronavirus fear
By Stanley Dunlap – Georgia Recorder Peachtree Corners’ Hyebin Eom spent $350 on protective masks last month only to find out in the ensuing days the company would not deliver the masks she hoped would keep her family and friends safe during the...
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