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…
CFPB: Resources for Consumers During COVID-19 Pandemic
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) has recently released several resources to help consumers take steps to protect their finances during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to avoid financial scams and submit complaints to the Bureau. “During this difficult time, the Bureau is doing everything it can to facilitate the work of responsible financial companies…
FHFA: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Publish Joint Enterprise Credit Score Solicitation
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) have published a Joint Credit Score Solicitation. “The publication of the solicitation is the first step in the process of evaluating new credit score models,” said FHFA Director Mark Calabria. “FHFA will ensure that the Enterprises validate and approve credit score…
HUD: New Report Explores Problem of “Credit Invisibility” Among HUD-Assisted Households
First-of-its-kind study examines reporting rent payments to credit reporting agencies Landlords and property management groups regularly use credit checks to make determinations about renting to potential tenants and many employers incorporate credit checks in hiring decisions. A low credit score or credit invisibility can thusly limit housing choice and employment opportunity for low-income families. A…