I was thinking that when the economy is down, crime usually sprints up in step, it only makes financial sense. We must watch to see any coming correlations between the communities and the businesses on them.
A key feature to a payday loan, they serve a community that banks do not serve. Usually those patrons are in lower developed communities. No jobs, education or sense of family can lead to crime increases and financial decisions that are based on survival rather than perfect credit scores.
I work with online payday lenders, and the bad press the media is giving is unfair. Are the loans ideal? No. Are they better than robbing an old lady or selling drugs yes. Many argue the loans are cheaper than going to the bank and writing a bad check or getting a late fee on a credit card.