Section 8.48 Extortionate Credit Transactions (18 U.S.C. Sec. 892) is a federal law that prohibits any person from using extortionate means to collect an extension of credit, or repayment of an extension of credit. This includes using violence, threats of violence, or other criminal means to collect or attempt to collect an extension of credit or repayment of an extension of credit. Under this law, any agreement to use extortionate means to collect an extension of credit or repayment of an extension of credit is unenforceable. There are two types of extortionate credit transactions that are prohibited under this law: (1) “Demand for Unreasonable Extension of Credit” and (2) “Extortionate Credit Transaction.” A “Demand for Unreasonable Extension of Credit” occurs when a person knowingly makes a demand for an extension of credit that is either excessive or not reasonably related to the borrower’s ability to repay. An “Extortionate Credit Transaction” occurs when a person uses extortionate means or practices collecting an extension of credit or repayment of an extension of credit.