Evil or not? (you decide)

[Genenco]

[StaciMM]

I voted Somewhat because while they don't have good intentions toward customers, their goal is a common business practice: to make a profit. That on its own is nothing bad. I do think they fall into a class, somewhat like the cigarette companies, where they bear responsibility for how they target/market their customers though. I don't complain about their fees/interest, because those are the costs of doing business with them. While we should research those things and know what we're getting into ahead of time, unfortunately, that is a lesson that is often only learned the hard way.

[CC_n_CA_Hater]

voted "yes they are"

They are a business that wants to make money....nothing wrong with that at all. But when one loses a good paying job and falls behind on payments and they send letters stating payments are not even an option anymore, they want their money now, then ya, they're evil A holes. They would rather kick someone while they're down and pour salt on the wound than have a little patience.

[robivi3]

Somewhat. In spite of what our resident idiot would say. I know that there is a law on the books that makes it illegal to loan money to anyone who is over their head in debt. I just can't find it but am sure that it exists. They have all this info. and continue to front money.

One thing he says is smart, "I would never loan money to anyone who has BK'd". I have to somewhat agree, in fact heavily agree. Yet these companies do it with impunity. I cannot stress personal responsibilty enough but there is also corporate responsibilty. Has BK option been abused, absolutely. But in many cases other facotrs (medical) have driven the cost of things so high that for many it is the only option. I would defraud ANY creditor in a heartbeat to save a family member, I promise I would lie, steal, rob, cheat if it meant saving my wife or child. But I must also say "I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread". However, good times and bad fall on good and bad folk so I also stick to what I've said.

[sunshine08]

I voted to have another beer before I decided, the funny thing is that I don't drink!!!
Credit card companies exist for many reasons most of all supply and demand. Do I think they take advantage? YES!! But we also to an extent let them. I think there does need to be an out. Too much fine print... When you need it you will agree to about anything. I do think they are glad to have us file, they need that tax deduction.

[StaciMM]

It would make sense-like how a bartender can be held responsible for serving an obvsiously over-intoxicated customer more alcohol...

Somewhat. In spite of what our resident idiot would say. I know that there is a law on the books that makes it illegal to loan money to anyone who is over their head in debt. I just can't find it but am sure that it exists. They have all this info. and continue to front money.

[tlk9]

I believe that ccs are a business,yes they do exploit people,and that is shall we say unbusinesslike,but who in the business world doesnt,(car dealers,most landlords(but not me hehe)and alot of others ,I believe it is the responsibility of the person who owns the card to have financial restraint to make wise decisions and sorry to say that is all to often,but if you practice good spending habits and make wise decisions you can make a cc work for you,I purchased my first home with a cc,I knew the home would appraise for much more than they were asking(only $14,500 at the time back in 89)it needed work and I am a contractor so it was just what I was looking for, I had 3 ccs at the time with no money on them,I maxed them out to pay the 14.5k and refinanced in one month thru a local bank because the appraisal was more than twice what i paid they loaned me alot more than what I owed the cc and then I was able to pay off the cards in full before they came due,needless to say I am in that same house and it is worth over 80k now,bottomline is I got over my head with ccs 15 years later and I had to file,I was always good with money and I own several rental properties that i had purchased along the way(not with ccs) and I still screwed up,that goes to show you that everybody is at risk for bankruptcy,could happen to anyone,anytime,I used to look at people who couldnt pay their bills as lazy,I dont anymore,i have learned alot thru this bk and it will stay with me forever and I will not go back to old habits,I think banks are the same way(evil sometimes) I just believe you reap what you sow,it is the same with drugs and alcohol, if you let things get out of hand they will turn and bite you,life is short.......enjoy it while you can. CREDIT CARDS EVIL? .....Na.. just human desires are.

[StaciMM]

tlk9-

I think you hit on something with your last statement. And, it applies to both the forces behind the credit cards, and our 'good intentions' when we used them.

[Lightning]

Of course I love them! I make money from them.

And you guys help me!

How does that feel?

[Genenco]

Gee Sonny...Thought you were heading out?

Liar

[Lightning]

Hmmm. I wonder what Genenco is saying. All I see is:

"Genenco
This message is hidden because Genenco is on your ignore list."

I'm sure it's very interesting. But I'll live a happy life without reading it.

I hope you screw over fewer people in 2006!

[FloridaGirl]

Of course I love them! I make money from them.

And you guys help me!

How does that feel?

What a creep.

[tlk9]

Who is this guy Lightning? whats his story? Is he joking? hmmm. anyone know in here?,Maybe we have a spy....shhhh