loansharks
High-interest criminals
Loansharks are people who lend money at exorbitant interest rates, typically operating outside legal banking systems.
The term implies predatory practices—high rates, aggressive collection tactics, and borrowers who can't qualify for conventional loans.
He owed money to loansharks and feared for his safety.
Also spelled as two words or hyphenated.
Extortionate money lending
- gougingExploitative overpricing
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- exorbitantUnreasonably high, as costs
- predatory lendingExploitative loan terms
bloodsucking · squeezing · profiteering · debt trap · compounding · vigorish · juice · vig
Disorderly, aggressive crowd
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- gangstersOrganized crime members
- underworldRealm of the departed
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
mobsters · racketeering · extortion · enforcers · thugs · criminals · organized crime · illegal lending
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
- threatsDeclarations of intended harm
- violenceHarmful physical force
- fearEmotional response to threat
- harassmentAggressive, unwanted targeting
menace · retribution · blackmail · coercion · kneecapping · collection · enforcers · baseball bat
One who takes temporarily
- debtorOne who owes
- creditorOne owed money
- principalChief school administrator
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
repayment · installment · collateral · default · cash advance · short-term · high-risk · unsecured
usury
Extortionate money lending
- gougingExploitative overpricing
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- exorbitantUnreasonably high, as costs
predatory lending · bloodsucking · squeezing · profiteering · debt trap · compounding · vigorish · juice · vig · points
mob
Disorderly, aggressive crowd
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- gangstersOrganized crime members
- underworldRealm of the departed
syndicate · mobsters · racketeering · extortion · enforcers · thugs · criminals · organized crime · illegal lending · bookies
intimidation
Deliberate fear-inducing pressure
harassment · menace · retribution · blackmail · coercion · kneecapping · collection · enforcers · baseball bat · broken legs
borrower
One who takes temporarily
interest · repayment · installment · collateral · default · cash advance · short-term · high-risk · unsecured · desperate
loansharkscredit unions
Member-owned financial cooperatives
commercial banks · community banks · mortgage lenders · building societies
loansharksphilanthropists
Generous supporters of good causes
benefactors · mutual aid societies · aid organizations · angel investors