Consumer Protection news and trends

CFPB’s Chopra: Consumers Need More Disclosure on Nonbank Risks
Regulation // September 25, 2024

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.’s (FDIC) recent proposal on recordkeeping for bank deposits received from third-party, nonbank companies is a step in the right direction. But work needs to be done in informing end users of the risks inherent in the relationships forged between banks...

LinkedIn’s 930 Million Users Unknowingly Train AI, Sparking Data Privacy Concerns
artificial intelligence // September 24, 2024

LinkedIn has thrust its 930 million users into an unexpected role: unwitting AI trainers, igniting a firestorm over data privacy and consumer trust. The professional networking giant’s recent User Agreement and Privacy Policy update, which will take effect on Nov. 20, has caused concern in...

Newsom Vetoes California Privacy Bill That Upped Consumer Data Control
Regulation // September 24, 2024

In a pivotal moment for data privacy and child protection, California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently made two contrasting decisions that highlight the complexities and competing interests in the realm of digital regulation. While he vetoed a privacy bill aimed at empowering consumers, he approved legislation...

CFPB Says Debt Collectors Try to Collect on Already-Paid Medical Bills
CFPB // September 05, 2024

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has found that debt collectors are using illegal tactics, and it is taking steps to ensure they follow consumer financial protection laws. The regulator said this in a Thursday (Sept. 5) press release announcing findings from its annual report on debt collection,...

Interviews & Exclusives
CFPB Says Overdraft Fees Are Junk Fees — But Are They?

January 17, 2024
Labels are popular on Capitol Hill. And this week the labels are flying fast and furiously, aimed at big banks and credit unions. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) put forth a proposal Wednesday (Jan. 17) that would limit overdraft fees — in many cases, drastically so. In the release detailing the proposal, the CFPB […]

From BNPL to Crypto, Former CFPB Official Says ‘Everything Viewed Suspiciously’

September 16, 2021
Nothing is as certain as death and taxes, they say. And when it comes to payments and credit innovations experiencing explosive growth, particularly buy now, pay later (BNPL) — perhaps...

With Domestic Travel Booming, Hopper Bets Its New Services Will Take Off Too

August 25, 2021
As COVID-19 ebbs and flows and a sustainable re-opening for business and leisure remains shrouded in uncertainty, at least one thing has become clear; people everywhere are itching to pack...

The Latest Retail Upsell: Insurance At The Point Of Sale

December 02, 2019
Every merchant is looking for an edge – a way not only to make more money, but also to hit on fresh methods for building customer loyalty and trust. As...

Quick Reads
CFPB Says Debt Collectors Try to Collect on Already-Paid Medical Bills

September 05, 2024
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has found that debt collectors are using illegal tactics, and it is taking steps to ensure they follow consumer financial protection laws. The regulator said this in a Thursday (Sept. 5) press release announcing findings from its annual report on debt collection, which it said highlights illegal practices in the collection of […]

CFPB Rent-A-Center Affiliate Acima Lawsuit Claims Illegal Lending Practices

July 28, 2024
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has accused rent-to-own company Acima of tricking customers into high-cost financing agreements. The CFPB on Friday (July 26) sued Acima — owned by Upbound,...

CFPB Finds Junk Fees on the Menu of School Lunch Programs

July 25, 2024
Junk fees are taking a toll on lower-income parents trying to pay for school lunches. So says the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which released a report Thursday (July 25)...

CFPB Finds Failures in Loan Collection and Medical Credit Cards

July 02, 2024
The companies collecting Americans’ student loans, auto loans and medical payments have some work to do. That’s according to a report issued Tuesday (July 2) by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which found...