Op-Ed

Consumer Complaints Pays Off in $1.6 Billion Relief

Published

11 years ago

March 9, 2015

By Charlene Crowell
NNPA Columnist

Financial stress can feel like a lonely struggle. But according to a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), 460,700 consumers shared many of the same financial concerns and contacted the agency for help from July 2011 to September 2014.

During this period, CFPB’s related investigations and enforcement actions on a range of financial concerns from discriminatory credit card practices to violations of federal laws to protect military service members, and more brought $1.6 billion in relief to consumers. Since its inception in 2011, CFPB has helped more than 15 million consumers nationwide and cumulatively recovered more than $5.3 billion in relief.

Some could say that returning monies to consumers is just a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. However Richard Cordray, CFPB’s Director, takes another view.

“Through fair rules, consistent oversight, appropriate enforcement of the law, and broad-based consumer engagement, the Bureau is helping to restore American families’ trust in consumer financial markets, protect consumers from improper conduct, and ensure access to fair, competitive and transparent markets,” said Cordray.

Created in the aftermath of the worst recession of this generation, CFPB became the cornerstone of the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Act and the nation’s first federal agency with the sole focus of protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. For communities of color who became targets for predatory loans, CFPB’s enforcement authority provides a two-pronged government action: financially penalizing lenders that violate fair lending laws and then compensating affected consumers.

Another Dodd-Frank provision requires that CFPB make semi-annual reports to Congress, detailing its actions, rule-making, and efforts to ensure that all financial markets observe fair, competitive and transparent transactions.

Of all the complaints filed during the reporting period of April 1- September 30, 2014, debt collection was the number one concern measured by consumer complaints (36 percent). Among military service members, debt collection was an even larger concern at 53 percent. Right now, CFPB is also continuing investigations of major debt collection firms regarding collections practices.

CFPB’s analysis of complaints reveal the most troublesome practices are collectors pursuing them for debts not currently owed. Consumers cited how collections continued despite identity theft, bankruptcy discharges or even debts owed by other consumers. In many other instances, consumers only learned about debt collection accounts after reviewing their credit reports. Complaints were also filed about repeated calls, abusive or obscene language, threats of arrest or lawsuits, and false statements or representations.

“The volume and types of debt collection complaints underscore many of the problems that exist in the debt collection and debt buying industry today,” said Lisa Stifler, policy counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). “These problems, such as questionable and incomplete information about debts and consumers, often result in the abusive and harassing behavior about which individuals complain. Fortunately, CFPB rulemaking, oversight and enforcement activity should help to address many of the most harmful debt collection practices.”

In mortgage lending, issues, more than 80 percent were about two specific problem areas: inability to pay and problems with loan servicers or escrow accounts when payments were being made. Nearly half of all mortgage complaints – 49 percent – noted problems with loan modification, collection and foreclosure. An additional 35 percent of mortgage complaints focused on loan servicing, escrow accounts and payments.

For troubled homeowners, complaints filed alleged that some mortgage servicers do not amend derogatory credit reporting during trial periods – even after indicating to consumers that they would do so. Borrowers facing foreclosure have told CFPB their concerns with fees charged as part of the foreclosure process. According to complaints, the fees pose a substantial obstacle to avoiding foreclosure as many servicers do not roll them into the loan balance. In other instances, consumers never receive an itemization of fees assessed; but are given a one line-item reinstatement quote.

“These complaints reveal that consumers continue to face significant challenges within the mortgage industry,” said Nikitra Bailey, CRL vice-president. “The goal of clear and transparent lending is not happening for everyone. That should be the standard, rather than the exception. The CFPB is positioned to ensure fairness for all consumers.”

If you or someone you know believes he/she is troubled by a consumer lending issue, CFPB accepts online complaints on: auto loan or lease, bank account services, credit cards, credit reporting, debt collection, mortgages, student and payday loans. Complaints can also be filed by phone at 1-855-411-2373. Mailed and faxed complaints are also accepted.

For consumers who only want to bring an issue to its attention, CFPB enables them to share their concerns too.

Director Cordray told the House Financial Services Committee, “The premise at the heart of our mission is that consumers deserve to be treated fairly in the financial marketplace, and they should have someone stand on their side when that does not happen,”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

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Activism

Essay: Intentional Self Care and Community Connections Can Improve Our Wellbeing

At the deepest and also most expansive level of reality, we are all part of the same being, our bodies made from the minerals of the earth, our spirits infused by the spiritual breath that animates the universe. Willingness to move more deeply into fear and pain is the first step toward moving into a larger consciousness. Willingness to move beyond the delusion of our separateness can show us new ways of working and living together.

Published

1 month ago

October 27, 2025

Oakland Post

Lorraine Bonner is a retired physician. She is also a sculptor who works in clay, exploring issues of trust, trustworthiness and exploitation, as well as visions of a better world.

By Dr. Lorraine Bonner, Special to California Black Media Partners

I went to a medical school that was steeped in the principles of classical Western medicine. However, I also learned mindfulness meditation during that time, which opened me to the multifaceted relationship between illnesses and the interconnecting environmental, mental and emotional realities that can impact an individual’s health.

Therefore, when I began to practice medicine, I also pursued training in hypnosis, relaxation techniques, meditation, and guided imagery, to bring a mind-body focus to my work in medical care and prevention.

The people I saw in my practice had a mix of problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a variety of pain issues. I taught almost everyone relaxation breathing and made some general relaxation tapes. To anyone willing, I offered guided imagery.

“My work embraced an approach to wellness I call “Liberatory Health” — one that not only addresses the treatment and management of disease symptoms but also seeks to dismantle the conditions that make people sick in the first place.”

From my perspective, illness is only the outermost manifestation of our efforts to cope, often fueled by addictions such as sugar, tobacco, or alcohol, shackled by an individualistic cult belief that we have only ourselves to blame for our suffering.

To put these ideas into practical form, I would quote the immortal Mr. Rogers: “Find the helpers.” There are already people in every community working for liberation. Some of them are running for office, others are giving food to those who need it. Some are volunteering in schools, libraries or hospitals. Some are studying liberation movements, or are working in urban or community gardens, or learning to practice restorative and transformative justice, or creating liberation art, music, dance, theater or writing. Some are mentoring high schoolers or apprenticing young people in a trade. There are many places where compassionate humans are finding other humans and working together for a better world.

A more compassionate world is possible, one in which we will all enjoy better health. Creating it will make us healthier, too.

In community, we are strong. Recognizing denial and overcoming the fragmenting effects of spiritual disorder offer us a path to liberation and true health.

Good health and well-being are the collective rights of all people!

About the Author

Dr. Lorraine Bonner is a retired physician. She is also a sculptor who works in clay, exploring issues of trust, trustworthiness and exploitation, as well as visions of a better world.

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Activism

Opinion: Can Donald Trump Pole Dance?

Given all that is happening, if the presidency was more like pole dancing, you know Trump would be flat on his butt.

Published

3 months ago

September 14, 2025

Oakland Post

iStock.

By Emil Guillermo

The news cycle has been buzzing the last few weeks. Xi, with Putin and Kim, the sweethearts of Trump carousing alone without him? The victims of the pedophile Epstein speaking out publicly in DC.

Then, there’s the release of that salacious letter Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump said the letter didn’t exist. But it does.

Timing is everything.

Additionally, there are further concerns, such as the Supreme Court removing restrictions on ICE interactions. ICE Agents can stop anyone now. For any reason. And there’s the threat of the U.S. sending the military to fight crime in Chicago. Trump even posted a meme of himself as a character in “Apocalypse Now.”

All that with bad polls and bad economic numbers, and these topics are dominating the news cycle — Trump era chaos.

Given all that is happening, if the presidency was more like pole dancing, you know Trump would be flat on his butt.

The reality is the opposite. He keeps going strong like nothing’s happened. Inexplicably, Trump always seems to defy gravity.

That’s why to reassure myself with reality, I just think of Trump on a pole. Dancing. He was born on Flag Day, after all.

I’ve got pole dancing on my mind because I’m in Canada at the Vancouver Fringe Festival doing my show, “Emil Amok 69, Everything’s Flipped,” about how the current political situation gets very personal.

Get tickets here if you’re near:

I’ve performed at 16 fringe festivals, and I always look for unique performers. This year, in my same venue (the Revue Stage) I found her in a show, “The Pole Shebang.”

Andrea James Lui may look like a typical Asian American at first.

But she’s Asian Canadian, married to an Australian, who now lives down under.

At the Vancouver Fringe, she highlights her special identity.

Pole Dancer

Yes, pole dancing has come to the fringe. Leave your dollar bills at home, this is not that kind of pole dancing.

This is more Cirque Du Soleil-ish- acrobatic stuff, yet it’s hard to deny the sexiness when a woman flawlessly swings from a pole with her legs apart.

The show is more intriguing than it is titillating.

Lui has created a behind-the-scenes look at the “polar” experience.

“She could have been a physicist,” says her big sister Christina, who despite saying that, supports her sister 100 percent.

Lui touches on some of the emotional depth in the poled subculture. But there’s plenty more to mine in the future. “Polar Bare,” the Musical? I’d see it.

Trump on a Pole

So that’s how I’ve come to the polar metaphor.

As Trump flails in the news, I picture him on a pole.

The letter to Epstein is further proof of the character of the man.

Will he stay afloat?

Not if the presidency were more like pole dancing.

You can’t lie on the pole.

That’s one way all of us in the Trump era can get to the truth.

About the Author

Emil Amok is a veteran journalist, commentator, and stage monologist. He has written a weekly column on Asian Americans for more than 30 years.

Contact: www.amok.com