Thursday, August 30, 2007

Avoiding Home Equity Fraud in Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation with a home equity loan can provide consumers with an effective method to eliminate debt. However, when choosing a lender to provide a home equity loan, consumers should be aware of fraudulent companies. Consumers need to shop for reputable lenders when they pursue debt consolidation. Otherwise, they face risks of becoming victims of home equity fraud.

Home equity loans allow consumers to use the money toward paying off multiple high-interest debts. Consumers save money with debt consolidation by paying lower interest rates and monthly payments. These equity loans rank among the most popular types of secured loans consumers use for debt consolidation.

However, certain companies that offer home equity loans perpetrate fraud to profit off vulnerable consumers. Among the businesses that commit home equity fraud, finance companies often approach homeowners about the benefits of using the secured loan for debt consolidation. These companies may not clearly state they use the consumer’s home as collateral.

Consumers who don’t fully comprehend the terms of their home equity loan may end up legally obligated to make monthly payments they cannot afford. Consumers pursue debt consolidation to become debt free, but with home equity fraud, they often incur another large debt.

Home equity fraud makes consolidating debt a risky method for managing debt. Consumers need to read and thoroughly understand the conditions of a loan prior to signing the form. Consumers should allow their lawyers to read any legal contracts. Consumers need to avoid home equity fraud; otherwise, they face risks of incurring more financial trouble.