Debt by Design

Designer clothes, designer cars, designer electronics; all paid for by designer debt. I've come to the conclusion that current debt has to have been conceived by those nasty money people who reside in the corridors of power or the glassy towers that cast shadows over the financial districts all over the world.

This premeditated usury is based on the fact that most people like to be showered with accolades and have a desire to feel wanted. Credit Card companies are at the forefront of this willful practice. For example the credit card applications that come in the mail - at least two a day in my household - are simply a means of enticement.
I always seem to have been approved.
Hey that makes me feel sooh good!
They will take care of all my past debt. Why?
Because I deserve it!
They will give me 0% interest for six months. Why? Because I've earned it!
I'm only one out of 76 million to get this offer. Why?
Because I can be trusted!
They provide a handy postage paid envelope. Why?
Because they are sure I'm worth the price of a first class stamp in order to seal the application.

And the nasty stuff? The small print!
It's so small and light shaded that perhaps you don't have to read it - they hope.

Of course any design has to have had come from inspiration. I'm sure those silver tailored number crunchers were awakened by the ways of organized crime; pick on the weakest, make them feel good and give them the money knowing they will have trouble making the payments.

Miss one payment! 35.00 penalty.
Miss two payments! Pay the penalty and take a hike in interest.
Miss three payments! Forget about it. Your kneecaps may be safe, but the hassle tactics used will be so stressful that becoming introverted is a welcome condition.

The irony of it all is that the credit card companies are at the forefront of developing technology to stave off identity theft, yet they give a savvy thief the tools to turn a quick trick.
Like most I have now have a shredder, however I do know some people who simply collect all the applications and stuff them into one of the postage paid envelopes and pop it into the mailbox; sweet revenge!

The purpose of the avalanche of applications is that in the end temptation will take a grip. After all put a bucketful of bait in the lake and one fish is bound to bite.

You can fight back. You can stop the mailings. You can opt-out. Call the toll free number 1 888 567 8688 or visit:
www.optoutprescreen.com. Both options are operated by the three major credit bureaus and here's one for the books, they are free of charge.

And for junk-mail addicts who opt out and begin to have withdrawal symptoms then the same number and website allows you opt-in again.

What a design.