Legislation targets predatory lending to military

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Dear Sgt. Shaft:

Military bases across the nation have become magnets for predatory lenders that prey on U.S. troops. These predatory-loan companies sometimes bill their products as "cash advances" or "deferred-deposit check" loans, but all offer high-interest, short-term loans that often plunge military personnel deep into debt.

Concerns voiced by senior enlisted leaders and reports that some lending agencies target military personnel with promises of quick and easy loans, and charge annual interest rates as high as 390 percent, have prompted action by the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), the Military Coalition and members of Congress.

Rep. Sam Graves, Missouri Republican, introduced the Servicemembers Anti-Predatory Lending Protection Act (H.R. 97), a measure that would limit interest rates to 36 percent for consumer credit extended to a service member and their dependents. If passed, the measure would authorize a fine or up to one year imprisonment (or both) for lenders who violate the interest cap. Additionally, FRA strongly supports an amendment to the Senate Defense Authorization bill (S. 1042), sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Dole, North Carolina Republican, which also would limit interest rates to 36 percent on loans offered to military personnel.

Military members can lose security clearances, face courts-martial, and even find themselves discharged from the service for delinquent debts. Rather than seeking a quick stop-gap loan with exorbitant interest rates, servicemembers are encouraged to visit a local bank or credit union, where loans are often available at more reasonable rates. Military relief agencies, such as the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, also offer emergency relief loans for service personnel.

Nearly 15,000 of these so-called "payday lenders" distributed more than $20 million in loans nationwide last year, but many states have been lax in prosecuting such businesses even though the industry is illegal in many jurisdictions. Lending companies have responded to cease-and-desist orders by changing their names and addresses and continuing to do business.

FRA encourages your readers to support legislation to halt the actions of these predatory lenders. Action Alerts specific to predatory lending under the Action Center heading on the FRA Web site (www.fra.org) allow readers to send a letter directly to their senator or representative in Congress, urging them to support legislation that would end these practices.

Sincerely,

Joseph L. Barnes

FRA national executive secretary