Description based on print version record.

"This narrative takes an uncompromising look at the corporate vultures that prey on America's working class. Made up of pawnshops, payday lenders, check cashers, credit card companies and the like, the fringe economy entices vulnerable consumers into an economic netherworld"--Resource description page.

America's changing fringe economy -- Why the fringe economy is growing -- Debt and the functionally poor middle class -- The credit card industry -- Storefront loans : pawnshops, payday loans, and tax refund lenders -- Alternative services : check-cashers, the rent-to-own industry, and telecommunications -- Fringe housing -- Real estate speculation and foreclosure -- The fringe auto industry -- The getting-out-of-debt industry -- What can be done to control the fringe economy?

Includes bibliographical references and index.