National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)

President Biden Signs Bipartisan Bill to Curb Predatory Lending

Charlene CrowellJuly 8, 2021

In recent years, consumer finance protections withered through a series of harsh attacks that either outright rejected or significantly diminished financial guard rails in the marketplace. But a new consumer victory, urged by a groundswell of support from everyday people, academicians, and bicameral legislators signals an important step towards fair financial rules. On June 30, President Joe Biden’s signature ended an ill-advised rule that favored predatory loans instead of America’s consumers. “These are so called “rent-a-bank” schemes”, said President Joe Biden at the June 30 signing ceremony. “And they allow lenders to prey on veterans, seniors, and other unsuspecting borrowers

Charlene Crowell News (Business)Opinion

COVID-19 Worsens Debt Collector Harassment

Charlene CrowellNovember 12, 2020

As the final days of the 2020 election season drew to a close, major media across the nation focused on polls and prospects for the presidential candidates. At the same time, scant news coverage reported on a development affecting 68 million consumers: debt collection regulation.

Charlene Crowell Opinion

Another 100 million consumers at Risk from Capital One Bank Data Breach

Charlene CrowellAugust 8, 2019

A second major disclosure of major consumer data breach was announced on July 29 by Capital One Bank. That same day, the FBI arrested a suspect was charged with stealing the personal information on March 22 and 23. The apparent focus of the financial theft was credit card applications filed with the bank between 2005-2019.