Financial Security

Focus on the long-term cost of the loan, not the monthly payment. “Many car dealers and mortgage lenders will entice borrowers by asking how much they can afford to pay each month,” added Kincaid. “It may be better to pay slightly more money each month, but for a shorter time period, if it means you will be paying less in total interest.”

She also said that some people look so much at the monthly payment that they don’t notice certain fees or service charges that are imposed. “You’ve got to look at the full picture before signing a loan agreement, including the APR and provisions of the loan that can increase fees,” Kincaid said.

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The FDIC has observed a significant increase in the number of unsolicited e-mails (”spam”) advertising mortgage refinancing, debt consolidation and limitation, small business loans, and special loan programs for veterans and minorities. While some of these e-mails may advertise legitimate loan programs and lenders, advance fee loan scams are becoming more prevalent.

Advance fee loan scams prey on consumers who may be under financial duress and may be seeking quick and easy loan approval and funding. The scam typically involves the lender making false promises to arrange for a loan in return for fees paid upfront by the loan applicant. Scam artists may even design Web sites and online loan applications giving the appearance that the company is legitimate.

The following are warning signs that may indicate a loan offer is not legitimate:

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