Military Personnel: DOD's Tools for Curbing the Use and Effects of Predatory Lending Not Fully Utilized
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) has expressed concerns about servicemembers' use of predatory consumer loans as well as their overall financial conditions. "Predatory lending" has no precise definition but describes cases where a lender takes unfair advantage of a borrower, sometimes through deception, fraud, or terms such as very high interest or fees. Serious financial problems can adversely affect unit morale and readiness as well as servicemembers' credit history and military career. DOD has tools such as off-limits lists to help curb the use and effects of predatory loans. GAO answered two questions: (1) To what extent do active duty servicemembers use consumer loans considered to be predatory in nature? and (2) Are DOD and active duty servicemembers fully utilizing the tools that DOD has to curb the use and effects of predatory lending practices?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1157326
Entities
People
- Alissa Czyz
- Allen Westheimer
- Brian Pegram
- David Mayfield
- Derek B. Stewart
- Gregg Iii Justice
- Jack E. Edwards
- Leslie Bharadwaja
- Marion A. Gatling
- Minette Richardson
- Terry Richardson
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office