Thinking about getting a car title loan, to tide you over? Don’t do it — unless you can afford to lose your car. Car title lenders trap consumers in loans they can’t afford, then take their cars.

Warns Tiffany Richardson, a Houston, Texas area nurse who lost both of her cars to a car title lender: “No matter how bad it gets, do not go.” — Texas Tribune, August 23, 2014.

Sometimes they refuse to accept payments made via phone or other means, in hopes you will default. Then they pounce, and grab your car. They make a killing when they get to collect payments from you, plus end up owning your car.

Car title lenders in California often lure consumers into loans bigger then they need. Why?  Because there is no cap on the interest they can charge for loans over $2500. So even if you want a loan of only $600, they will tell you that you should get a bigger loan, over $2500. That way,  they can charge you absurdly high interest rates — and are more likely to end up seizing your car.

Better alternatives:

Borrow from relatives

Get credit counseling from a non-profit credit counselor approved by the Federal Trade Commission who can help you figure out a better way to deal with debt

Sell your car and get a less expensive car, take public transportation, or rent a car while you get back on your feet

Read more:

Texas Tribune / NY Times report “Thousands in Texas lose cars to car title lenders”