Record Numbers of New York’s Seniors Falling Into Credit Card Debt

MFY Legal Services, Inc. (MFY) announced last night, at its first annual Spring Fete fundraiser, that it is seeing record numbers of New York City’s seniors falling into credit card debt. MFY has identified the trend in conjunction with its newest initiative focused on providing assistance to certain disadvantaged residents of the city who are unable to understand how credit cards work, and are unable to manage the ramifications of spiraling credit card debt.

Addressing approximately 400 of the city’s attorneys at last night’s event, Karuna Patel, MFY Staff Attorney who heads the recently launched consumer law project, said, “This is a problem that is only going to get bigger in the next several years.” Patel added, “Education is critical to stem confusion and unneeded losses.”

For people who live from one Social Security or disability check to another, falling behind on credit card payments can precipitate a devastating financial crisis. “We’re seeing cases of seniors who have paid $1,500 toward a $300 balance and still owe $1,800 because of escalating credit card charges, and others who suddenly found their bank account frozen because their identity had been stolen,” said Patel.