Responsible Lending

Our role and limitations

Cash Advance & Loans: Lumen provides technology and marketing services that may help you explore loan-related products offered by independent third-party lenders or lead generators. LUMEN LOAN PROCESSING, LLC is not a bank, credit union, or licensed lender in connection with every product displayed, and we do not make credit decisions. Final approval, pricing, and contract terms are determined solely by the lender (or the entity that purchases or services your loan), subject to applicable federal and state law.

Principles we follow

Consumer protection and fair treatment

We strive to present information clearly, avoid misleading claims, and route consumers toward disclosures that explain material terms. We support consumers’ ability to compare options, ask questions, and decline any offer that does not meet their needs.

Transparent marketing

Marketing materials should identify the business purpose of a communication, avoid false urgency, and not guarantee outcomes that depend on third-party underwriting. Where we describe representative loan ranges (such as $100–$5,000, terms of 3–24 months, and APRs from 5.99% to 35.99%), those ranges are not offers or guarantees for any individual.

Privacy and data minimization

We collect and share personal information only as described in our Privacy Policy, with appropriate safeguards, and for legitimate business purposes such as facilitating connections to lenders, improving services, analytics, and compliance. You may exercise privacy rights as outlined in our Privacy Policy and, where applicable, our “Do Not Sell” page.

Compliance with law

We monitor regulatory developments affecting advertising, credit reporting, telemarketing, email, SMS, and state licensing. Lenders and lead buyers remain responsible for their own licenses, disclosures, and underwriting practices.

Standards for lenders and partners

While we do not control third parties’ day-to-day operations, we expect partners to:

• Provide required federal and state disclosures before consummation of credit;
• Honor applicable interest rate caps, fee limits, and prohibited practices under state and federal law;
• Maintain reasonable policies for handling consumer complaints, errors, and payment disputes;
• Refrain from abusive collection practices and comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act where applicable;
• Protect consumer data in accordance with law and contract.

We may terminate or suspend relationships with partners who repeatedly violate law or contractual obligations, subject to operational and contractual limitations.

What we do not permit on our platform

• Deceptive or unfair acts or practices regarding costs, approval odds, or affiliation with government programs;
• “Bait-and-switch” tactics where material terms materially worsen at funding without adequate disclosure;
• Discrimination in marketing or application processing based on protected characteristics, in violation of applicable fair lending laws;
• Marketing to individuals on do-not-contact lists where such contact is prohibited after a valid opt-out.

Borrower education and best practices

Before accepting any loan, consider the following steps:

• Read all disclosures: Review the Truth in Lending disclosure, payment schedule, APR, fees, and total cost.
• Budget for payments: Ensure monthly payments fit your income after essential expenses.
• Understand variable vs. fixed costs: Know whether your rate or payment can change.
• Compare alternatives: Credit unions, employer programs, or nonprofit credit counseling may offer lower-cost options.
• Avoid over-borrowing: Borrow only what you need for the stated purpose.
• Ask questions: If anything is unclear, contact the lender before signing.

Warning signs of predatory or harmful lending

While no single factor proves predatory conduct, consumers should be cautious when encountering:

• Pressure to sign immediately without time to read documents;
• Requests to sign blank documents or to misstate income;
• Repeated refinancing that increases total cost without new benefit;
• APR or fees that greatly exceed prevailing market rates for similar borrowers without clear justification;
• Threats, harassment, or collection activity that does not comply with law.

If you believe a lender has engaged in illegal practices, you may file complaints with your state attorney general or consumer protection office, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint), and the Federal Trade Commission (www.reportfraud.ftc.gov), as appropriate.

Vulnerable consumers

We encourage consumers who are experiencing financial distress, domestic violence, military transition, or language barriers to seek assistance from qualified nonprofit credit counselors, legal aid organizations, or veterans’ services before taking on new debt.

Contact

For questions about this Responsible Lending statement or Cash Advance & Loans: Lumen generally, use the contact information below. Loan-specific questions must be directed to your lender.