Capital Briefs: Group Urges Voluntary Limits on Loan Checks

Seeking to derail new legislation, the American Financial Services Association has proposed voluntary restrictions on unsolicited loan checks.

The policy, adopted Wednesday, includes new disclosures, a six-month expiration date for each offer, and protections for consumers whose unsolicited loan checks are stolen.

"Live-check loans by mail have been in the marketplace for many years and provide a useful service to consumers, with very few incidences of fraud or abuse," said Randy Lively, president of the trade group.

A bill is pending in the Senate would outlaw the product. Banks pre- approve consumers for these unsolicited loans and then mail out a check. If the consumer cashes the check, he agrees to the terms of the loan. Some consumers have complained that they did not realize the check was a loan offer.

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