CFPB Handles 20,000 Consumer Complaints Per Week

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) dispatches 20,000 weekly complaints to companies, seeking their responses. During the Semiannual Report to Congress on Thursday (Nov. 30), CFPB Director Rohit Chopra expressed pride in the bureau's work, emphasizing the resolutions achieved for consumers, often through referrals from local organizations and Congressional offices.

Over the past two years, the CFPB's supervision and enforcement program, under Chopra's guidance, has secured $8 billion in victim redress and penalties. This focus has been on addressing large, repeat offenders, with the aim of protecting both consumers and honest financial firms competing against those violating the law.

Following the previous semiannual report, the CFPB has proposed measures to expedite the transition to open banking, enhance accuracy and accountability in credit reporting, rectify medical bill-related inaccuracies on credit reports, and uncover illegal junk fee practices.

The CFPB is adapting to the evolving financial landscape by modernizing its approach and reallocating resources toward Big Tech companies and nonbanks that play an increasing role in financial services. Chopra highlighted the steps taken, including a proposed rule, to ensure these entities adhere to the same regulations as large banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

In the face of rising household debt, exemplified by the unprecedented $1 trillion total outstanding credit card debt, increased auto loan payments, and a 46% rise in average monthly payments on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages between 2021 and 2022, the CFPB is actively working to protect borrowers. Efforts include fostering competition among lenders and monitoring the practices of loan servicers.

Chopra's statements before the Senate committee responded to recent criticisms from Rep. Patrick McHenry, chairman of the House Financial Service Committee, who accused the CFPB of unfairly vilifying the financial services industry with misleading press releases, painting entire sectors negatively instead of targeting bad actors.