FTC/CFPB Workshop on Accuracy in Consumer Reporting
AFSA staff attended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)/Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Workshop on Accuracy in Consumer Reporting on December 10, 2019. The Workshop assembled panels to discuss various aspects of the credit reporting system and steps that policymakers, furnishers, consumer reporting agencies, and others can take to improve the accuracy of consumer reports.
Representatives from the Consumer Data Industry Association, national consumer reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and lenders participating in the event made it very clear that the largest threat to the accuracy and stability of credit reporting systems is the deluge of frivolous, repetitive credit disputes coming from unscrupulous credit repair organizations. These disputes clog up the mechanisms that should be focusing on legitimate disputes.
On the same day as the Workshop, the CFPB issued Supervisory Highlights on Consumer Reporting. The FTC and CFPB have invited stakeholders to submit comments on the issue of consumer reporting accuracy by January 10, 2019. AFSA will submit a letter reiterating that data furnishers are in desperate need of relief from the unrelenting surge of frivolous and repetitive credit disputes that divert resources away from serving customers.
December 11th, 2019
