REMEMBER to use the 'FACE IT THEORY' when considering a new loan:

F - Free is too expensive - always remember, when it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
A -Act like you know it - in a phrase borrowed from a colleague, "ask yourself, why is it that when everyone else says no, Champion says yes."
C- Call somebody - when unsure, ask someone who knows. Contact a counseling agency, a lawyer or financial consultant.
E - Education - educate yourself in financial matters
I - Informed - Stay informed. Seek out information. Know your financial position. Review your credit history with a counseling agency.
T- Take control - if you're told the transaction can't wait until you have the documents reviewed, throw them out!

*********DON'T BECOME A VICTIM! **********

Victims of fraud tend to fall into three categories:

1. Those that know too little - stay informed -get information and education,
2. Those that know too much - don't be afraid to ask questions, and
3. Those who expect to get something for nothing - human nature attracts us to things perceived to be 'free'. Buy now, don't pay until 2005. All the while, not understanding that interest could be accruing and increasing our debt during that time. Sometimes, free is too expensive. We must understand that predators study our habits and take advantage of our vulnerabilities.