Payday lenders a new revenue stream for some in Indian Country

Thursday, February 10, 2011  

Payday lenders are a growing business in Indian Country, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Of the 300 companies making payday loans online, 35 are owned by tribes, a consultant to the industry said. One of those is the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.

"We don't want to brag," Chief Bill Follis told the Journal. "But it's good."

By incorporating on a reservation, a payday loan company can avoid state jurisdiction and state laws. "We are largely powerless to stop them," said Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, who has been going after tribes who extend loans to Colorado residents.

Get the Story:
Payday Lenders Join With Indian Tribes (The Wall Street Journal 2/10)

Center: Payday lenders turning to tribes to avoid state jurisdictions (2/7)