Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Payday loans for alcohol

Saturday 14 January 2012 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The payday lender Cash Genie encouraged students to use expensive credit to pay for booze or nights out on its website.

But after being contacted by The Independent, the firm – which offers loans at 2,339 per cent APR – removed the articles last night.

One article said: "Our easy loan service can be used as a short-term benefit to pay for your desires (alcohol, gigs, going out, new clothes, presents for others)."

Una Farrell of the Consumer Credit Counselling Service said the articles were "reprehensible".

Peter Tuvey, the boss of Cash Genie said: "The content was solely used for search engine optimisation. Cash Genie does not ... actively target students."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in