Spotlight on Auto Finance (Part 3 of 3): Expanded Coverage for Vehicle and Consumer Loans

CFPB Auto Finance John Redding

Consumers have a larger platform to submit complaints against vehicle and consumer finance companies directly to regulators. The CFPB has set up an online database that allows the CFPB to receive consumers' complaints against their lenders and take action or transfer those complaints to another, appropriate regulator. "We are advising our clients to be aware of this increased focus on individual complaints," says John Redding, Counsel in BuckleySandler's Southern California office. "Because of this new database, companies need to be aware of their customer service response times and make each customer complaint a top priority." He suggests:

1. Provide prompt responses to consumer complaints
2. Work with consumers to resolve issues before they become complaints to the CFPB or other regulatory agencies
3. Monitor social media outlets, but don't overreact to comments or complaints and use care when considering any type of response

"Companies need to recognize that consumers have been given a new outlet that they have not had before," says Redding. "Consumers now have a greater voice with the regulatory agencies and, as a result, lenders have to be aware of all issues raised by their customers." Regulators have made it clear that  they are closely reviewing  consumer complaints and that they are likely to have a  strong impact on regulatory actions. "The CFPB is likely to focus on standards, like fairness and risk to consumers, as well as specific rules" says Redding. "The regulators are looking to address practices that may cause harm to consumers."