Table of Contents

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Clarification Act
Coalition asking Rep. Barney Frank to modify language that would increase the burden for consumers asserting their rights against debt collectors.

Comments on payday lending abuses
Comments on payday lending abuses in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s request after its January field hearing in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Know Before You Owe Act of 2012
Senators Durbin and Harkin introduced the Know Before You Owe Act, which requires school certification for all private student loans.

SSA asked to withdraw its support of the Final Rule
Over 70 national and state advocacy groups representing low income beneficiaries of Social Security and SSI asked that the Social Security Administration withdraw its support for the Final Rule on Garnishments, now pending at OMB.

Real debt help
Consumer Action partnered with other national consumer groups to provide tips on how to avoid debt relief scams and bogus mortgage relief assistance. The Get Real Debt Help fact sheet explains debt relief danger signs, rules on upfront fees, and where to turn for real debt help. (Available in Spanish and English).

Chase should revisit consumer marketing materials on overdraft fees
Consumer Action, along with other groups, sent a letter to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, following a meeting with the bank's CEO of Consumer Banking, Scott Powell. The letter asks Chase to consider problems with marketing materials describing how consumers opt-in to overdraft fees.

Online payday loans trap borrowers
This joint letter to Congress signed by leading consumer advocacy groups explains the harm from online payday loans, a growing avenue for high priced payday lending. Since the online lender has electronic access to the borrower’s bank account, these loans are first in line to be repaid ahead of food, rent, or other necessities when these triple-digit loans are made to struggling families.

Wisconsin payday loan cap gains support across state
Wisconsinites for Responsible Lending (WRL)—of which Consumer Action is a founding member—has announced the addition of new member organizations to its grassroots coalition.

Wisconsinites for Responsible Lending
Wisconsinites for Responsible Lending (WRL) is a statewide coalition of groups and concerned residents that has come together to promote responsible lending practices and products and address one of the pressing economic and social issues affecting our state: Predatory Payday Lending.

Financial reform coalition tackles big issues
A new financial reform coalition, Americans for Financial Reform, has been launched. Consumer Action is a part of this coalition.