WHAT IS PREDATORY LENDING AND HOW DOES IT HURT COMMUNITIES?

Predatory lenders are irresponsible lenders that lure people into loans with outrageous rates and fees and misleading terms. These lenders prey on low-income individuals, primarily women, the elderly, African Americans and other minorities.

The result: many people lose their homes and savings, and wealth is stripped from the communities that can least afford to lose it. These irresponsible lenders often make extraordinary profits at the expense of their victims.

Community Investing is a positive alternative to these harmful predatory lending practices. Community Investing Institutions are responsible lenders and financial institutions committed to real community development.

Take action to end predatory lending at Citigroup's most recent acquisition, Associates First Capital. Find out why community groups across the country are concerned about the Associates' lending practices. Use your voice as an investor, customer, or concerned citizen to speak out. Go to www.tellcitibank.org.

For more information about community investing and how you can get involved, go to the How to become a Community Investor.