Dodd-Frank News Center

CFPB issues report on collection of telecommunications debts

This story appeared in Bank Digest.  

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released its latest "Quarterly Consumer Credit Trends" report, this one focusing on the reporting of debt collections for telecommunications services (telecom collections) to nationwide consumer reporting agencies. The report documents the prevalence and dollar value of telecom collections and illustrates industry practices in the collection and reporting of telecommunications debts.

The report analyzes telecom collections in the last five years and also examines changes in credit scores after a telecom collection appears on a credit report. According to the report, about 22 percent of credit records included at least one telecom-related item at some point between mid-2013 and early 2018, and these items were disproportionately for collections.

CFPB sues debt-settlement services provider for allegedly deceiving consumers

This story appeared in Bank Digest.                                   

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has taken action against Freedom Debt Relief, LLC, the nation's largest debt-settlement services provider, and its co-CEO Andrew Housser for allegedly deceiving consumers. The CFPB alleges that Freedom charges consumers without settling their debts as promised, makes customers negotiate their own settlements, misleads them about its fees and the reach of its services, and fails to inform them of their rights to funds they deposited with the company.                                   

According to the CFPB's release, the Bureau is seeking compensation for harmed consumers, civil penalties, and an injunction against Freedom and Housser to halt their unlawful conduct.

 

 

CFPB requests new 'debt collection disclosure' information collection

This story appeared in Bank Digest.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is requesting a new information collection entitled "Debt Collection Quantitative Disclosure Testing." According to the CFPB's notice, the bureau plans to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a web survey of approximately 8,000 individuals as part of the bureau's research on debt collection disclosures.

The survey will explore consumer comprehension and decision making in response to debt collection disclosure forms. Written comments must be received by Aug. 4, 2017.

CFPB and Justice Department file amicus brief in FDCPA case

This story appeared in Bank Digest.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, along with the Justice Department, has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case concerning whether a debt collector violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by knowingly filing a proof of claim in a consumer's bankruptcy proceeding to collect debt for which the statute of limitations has expired. The amicus brief argues that such a filing constitutes a misleading representation and an unfair means to collect a debt in violation of the FDCPA, and that the Bankruptcy Code does not preclude a debt collector from being held liable for those violations.

CFPB's monthly snapshot features debt collection complaints

This story appeared in Bank Digest.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s monthly complaint snapshot for December 2016 features consumer complaints about debt collection. The report also highlights trends seen in complaints coming from Arizona and the Phoenix metro area.

The bureau said the most common complaint about debt collection has to do with attempts to collect on a debt that the consumer says is not owed. In addition, the bureau said debt collection is the most-complained-about product or service in Arizona, with debt collection complaints from Arizona consumers exceeding the national rate.

Brown issues statement on CFPB's proposed debt collection rules

This story appeared in Bank Digest.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, has issued a statement on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's initial outline of proposed rules to overhaul the debt collection market. According to Brown's press release, the CFPB's proposal would affect a broad range of industries and would require collection companies to verify debts before contacting consumers, improve the dispute process, and limit the number of times a collector can call or email consumers.

In his statement, Brown said, "Families who are struggling to make ends meet shouldn't be harassed to make payments on debts they've already paid off or never owed in the first place." He also called the CFPB's proposal "an important first step to protecting consumers from predatory debt collectors and making sure this industry operates with clear rules of the road and strong oversight."