KNOW YOUR RIGHTS READ BEFORE YOU SIGN 25%+ APR IS NOT "APPROVED" YOU ARE NOT ALONE SHARE YOUR STORY PREDATORY LENDING IS NOT A DEAL CHECK YOUR CONTRACT KNOW YOUR RIGHTS READ BEFORE YOU SIGN 25%+ APR IS NOT "APPROVED" YOU ARE NOT ALONE SHARE YOUR STORY PREDATORY LENDING IS NOT A DEAL CHECK YOUR CONTRACT

Screwed By Joe

Because "Approved by Joe" doesn't mean approved for YOU.

NOT
APPROVED
by anyone
with sense
0 stories shared and counting. You're not the only one.

You got "Approved." Then you got screwed.

You've seen the commercial. You've heard the jingle. "Approved by Joe!" Sounds great, right? Everybody gets approved! What they don't tell you is the part that comes after — the sky-high interest rates, the payments you can barely make, and the repo man showing up when you fall behind on a loan you never should've been given.

This site is for the people of Des Moines and Central Iowa who've been through it. A place to share your story, know your rights, and find out you're not alone.

What Is This Place?

Real Stories

Read experiences from real people in the community who got locked into deals they couldn't afford. No filter, no polish.

Know Your Rights

Iowa has consumer protection laws. Federal law does too. Learn what dealers can and can't do — and what to do if they crossed the line.

Share Your Story

Had a bad experience? Tell your story. It helps others know what to watch for and builds a record of patterns.

Get Help

Links to legal aid, the Iowa AG's office, the FTC, and other resources for people dealing with predatory lending.