Insulting Offer

I like to skim through my junk mail because once in a while I find something amusing. Today was one of those days. I found a real gem.

Some company called American General Financial Services sent me a letter offering me a loan: $7,500, paid over 5 years, with a 16.81% APR. But the beauty is in the fine print (emphasis mine):

*Not a guaranteed offer. All loans subject to our normal credit policies. Rates and terms advertised are for very well-qualified borrowers and require collateral. Rates will vary based on individual creditworthiness and loan size. Rates will be higher for unsecured loans.

Wow! They want to offer me a secured loan at 16.81%! Just who do they think I am? Suddenly I feel like I need to pull my credit report to see whether my identity has been stolen.

Their local branch is actually within walking distance of my home. I fantasize about going in there and asking them to explain themselves. I almost regret that I have better things to do with my time, because seeing them blubber and stutter would be pretty funny.