Deceptive Banking & Lending Practices
Fighting banks and corporations that take advantage of consumers
Most people finance major purchases—such as houses, cars, recreational vehicles, etc.—with loans, mortgages, and lines of credit. When people sign paperwork for loans and open new accounts, the terms are often confusing. Once the paperwork is signed, it means the consumer agreed to those terms. As a result, lenders may be in a position to take advantage of ordinary consumers.
Corporations and financial institutions are subject to consumer protection laws, credit reporting rules, and must issue required disclosures, but this does not always happen. Some charge more than the law permits, believing that no customer will be willing or able to challenge them. These practices are illegal under federal and state consumer protection and contract laws.
When lenders abuse these laws, legal remedies are available. Our attorneys can help.
Hold banks and lenders accountable.
Our attorneys work hard to make sure that banks, lending institutions, and corporations do not take advantage of borrowers.
We know that banking and lending isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people—people who work hard to make sure their payments are made on time and who expect the other side to hold up their end of the bargain. Let us help you make sure they do.
Examples:
Credit Card Companies
Credit card companies often charge excessive over-limit and late fees, or fees for not carrying a sufficiently high balance. Issuers are required to clearly state over-limit fees and other fees in their credit card terms. They are also required to have cardholders opt-in before they charge over-limit fees. Our attorneys know the laws that protect credit card holders.
Banks
Banks charge hidden fees or provide additional “services” such as insurance products (which may be free in the beginning but provide little-to-no real benefit) and then later are billed at high monthly fees. Banks sometimes charge excessive fees that violate state and federal laws. Other banks have opened new accounts without authorization from the account holder.
Mortgage Lenders
Joe Kravec was co-lead counsel for mortgage borrowers in a class action against eAppraiseIT involving its scheme with Washington Mutual to inflate the value of appraisals so Washington Mutual could justify over-valued, sub-prime home loans. This case was settled just before trial, recovering nearly $10 million. Spears v. First American eAppraiseIT, 2014 WL 4647679 and 2015 WL 1906126 (N.D. Cal.).
Consumer Reporting Agencies
Consumer reporting agencies sometimes fail to provide requested credit reports; do not disclose information required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act; do not correct errors, causing consumers to pay more for goods and services; and/or provide inaccurate information for employment and other background checks. Rossini, et al. v. PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:18-cv-1370 (W.D. Pa.).