CFPB: Report Spotlights Medical Billing Challenges
Consumer complaints show coercive credit reporting and privacy intrusions based on unverified and inaccurate medical billing A report issued today by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) examines the financial consequences of medical billing and collections endured by individuals and families across the country. The report draws from the rising volume of medical billing and…
CFPB: Annual List of Consumer Reporting Companies Released
Updated list names financial surveillance companies that people can use to access their own files and sue if they violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its annual list of consumer reporting companies. The list identifies dozens of specialty reporting companies that collect and sell access to people’s data,…
CFPB: New Report Released Detailing Consumer Complaint Response Deficiencies of the Big Three Credit Bureaus
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion routinely failed to fully respond to consumers with errors A new analysis by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reveals how changes in complaint responses provided by nationwide consumer reporting companies resulted in fewer meaningful responses and less consumer relief. In 2021, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion together reported relief in response…
CFPB: Action Taken to Stop False Identification in Background Screens by Consumer Reporting Companies
Mistaken identity matching undermines housing and labor market recoveries The CFPB today issued an advisory opinion affirming that consumer reporting companies, including tenant and employment screening companies, are violating the law if they engage in shoddy name-matching procedures. Regulators are concerned about the significant harms caused by false identity matching, where an applicant is disqualified…
FHFA: Inclusion of Rental Payment History in Fannie Mae’s Underwriting Process Announced
To expand access to credit in a safe and sound manner, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that Fannie Mae will consider rental payment history in its risk assessment processes. With the update to Fannie Mae’s systems, future borrowers will have the benefit of a positive rental payment history being included in an…
ABA: Foundation Launches 2021 Financial Education Campaign, Unveils New Free Resources for Banks
New materials will help banker volunteers lead virtual and in-person lesson plans for their communities The American Bankers Association Foundation today launched its 2021 financial education campaign and called on America’s banks and their more than two million employees across the nation to participate in this innovative, industry-wide effort to promote consumer financial readiness. This…
CFPB: Final Rule Issued on Consumer Disclosures Related to Debt Collection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) issued today a final rule to implement Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requirements regarding certain disclosures for consumers. The rule requires debt collectors to provide, at the outset of collection communications, detailed disclosures about the consumer’s debt and rights in debt collection, along with information to help consumers…
CFPB: Final Rule Issued to Implement the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today issued a final rule to restate and clarify prohibitions on harassment and abuse, false or misleading representations, and unfair practices by debt collectors when collecting consumer debt. The rule focuses on debt collection communications and gives consumers more control over how often and through what means debt collectors…
CFPB: New Study Shows Credit Builder Loan Could Help Consumers Build Credit
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released a report indicating that a credit builder loan could increase the likelihood of establishing a credit record for consumers without one, and could help improve the credit scores of those with no current outstanding debt. The Bureau issued “Targeting Credit Builder Loans: Insights from a Credit Builder…
CFPB: Credit Reporting Guidance During COVID-19 Pandemic Issued
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released a policy statement outlining the responsibility of credit reporting companies and furnishers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the pandemic, many lenders are being flexible when it comes to consumers’ making payments. The Bureau’s statement underscores that consumers benefit if lenders report accurate information about these…