WORD TO THE WISE: Know what's involved before co-signing a loan

What if you were asked to co-sign a loan for a family member or friend? Would you do it? Before you give your answer, make sure you understand what co-signing involves. Under a Federal Trade Commission rule, creditors are required to give you a notice to help explain your obligations. The co-signer's notice says:

You are being asked to guarantee a debt. If the borrower doesn't pay the debt, you will have to. Be sure you can afford to pay if you have to and that you want to accept the responsibility.

You may have to pay up to the full amount of the debt if the borrower does not pay. You may also have to pay late fees or collection costs.

The creditor can collect the debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower. The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, such as suing you, garnishing your wages, etc. If the debt is ever in default, that fact may become a part of your credit record.

What are the chances that the borrower will default? Some studies of certain types of lenders show that as many as three out of four co-signers are asked to repay the loan.

Despite the risks, there may be times when you decide to co-sign. The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission recommends you consider the following before you co-sign:

Be sure you can afford to pay the loan.

Before you co-sign a loan consider that even if you are not asked to repay the debt, your liability for this loan may keep you from getting other credit you may want or need, and it could also hurt your credit score.

Before you pledge property, such as your car or home to secure the loan, make sure you understand the consequences.

Ask the lender to agree -- in writing -- to notify you if the borrower misses a payment.

Obtain copies of important papers, such as the loan contract, the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement and any warranties if you are co-signing for a purchase. The lender is not required to give you these papers, and you may have to get copies from the borrower.

Once you become a co-signer on a loan, the likelihood you can be removed from the loan at a later date is very remote and usually requires a new loan application. If you're told you can just ask to remove your name, don't believe it.

Remember, when you co-sign for a loan you are taking a risk the lender is not willing to take so be sure you are comfortable with all of the terms and conditions.

Kelvin Collins is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia and the CSRA Inc., serving 41 counties in Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River area. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at 478-742-7999, www.bbb.org or by emailing info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.

This story was originally published October 26, 2015 at 10:11 PM with the headline "WORD TO THE WISE: Know what's involved before co-signing a loan ."