Saturday, July 13, 2013

Consumer protection tools - thanks CFPB!

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a federal agency that was created as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed into law on July 21, 2010.  It formally began operation on July 21, 2011 and has been very proactive in it's regulation of the financial services sector (banks, mortgage servicers, debt collectors etc).  Their website www.consumerfinance.gov provides a wealth of information on many financial topics and is a good starting point for any consumer researching this topic.

Recently, the CFPB has turned significant attention to debt collectors and the many abuses that occur in this multi-billion dollar industry.  On July 10th the agency published on its website "five action letters" for consumers to consider using when replying to a debt collector.  These letters include asking for: 1) more information; 2) dispute and proof; 3) contact restriction; 4) hired a lawyer; and 5) stop contact.  These letters can be accessed at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/blog/debtcollection/

West Virginia law also provides for strong consumer protection laws.  As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

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