Debt
What Americans Owe and Why
Tribal Lenders Say They Can Charge Over 600% Interest. These States Stopped Them.
Online lenders tied to Native American tribes argue that they aren’t subject to state lending laws, but they backed away from operating in six states where attorneys have acted forcefully to protect consumers.
How Many Cars Have Connecticut Towing Companies Sold? The DMV Can’t Tell Us.
When reporters set out to quantify the impact of a Connecticut law that allows companies to sell some cars they’ve towed after just 15 days, the DMV said records would cost $47,000; it has revised the estimate but hasn't given us the records.
Local Reporting Network
The Tribal Lending Industry Offers Quick Cash Online at Outrageous Interest Rates. Here’s How It’s Survived.
Despite lawsuits, prosecutions and federal crackdown attempts, the tribal lending industry has adapted for over a decade, providing exorbitant loans to millions of financially vulnerable consumers.
What No One Tells You About Car Loan Deferments
When you defer a car payment, you’ll likely end up owing more at the end of your loan. Our free auto loan calculator tool was built to help borrowers figure out their final payment amount and understand how car loan extensions work.
Featured Reporters
Impact of Our Reporting
El DMV y los principales legisladores de Connecticut prometen revisar las leyes de remolque
Los planes para reformar las leyes de remolque en la sesión legislativa de este año siguen a una investigación de The Connecticut Mirror y ProPublica que descubrió que los remolcadores pueden vender los autos tan solo 15 días después de recogerlos.
Local Reporting Network
Feds Fine Baker College $2.5 Million for Deceptive Marketing That Left Students With Debts and Regrets
A 2022 investigation detailed how the once-growing Michigan school built its reputation on slick advertising despite low graduation rates and leaving many students burdened with heavy debt.
Connecticut DMV and Top Lawmakers Vow to Review Towing Laws
The plans to reform towing laws in this year’s legislative session follow a Connecticut Mirror and ProPublica investigation that found people’s cars can be sold just 15 days after they’re towed.
Local Reporting Network
Series
Series: Desperate Loans: Tribal Lenders’ Profits Built on High-Interest Loans
Series: The Title Pawn Trap: High-Interest Title Lending in Georgia
Series: Homeowner Hell: Investigating Colorado’s Unregulated Homeowners Associations
Series: Disaster After Disaster: Growing Storms, Faltering Aid
Series: Coming to Collect: Investigating Public Housing in Annapolis
Series: Financial Aid Loophole: Giving Up Guardianship to Get Aid
Series: The Bad Bet: How Illinois Bet on Video Gambling and Lost
Series: Driven Into Debt: How Tickets Burden the Poor
Series: Too Broke for Bankruptcy: How Bankruptcy Fails Those Who Need It Most
Series: Debt Inc.: Lending and Collecting in America
