CFPB Enters Proposed Final Judgment Against Student Debt Relief Company

CFPB Dodd-Frank Telemarketing Sales Rule Department of Education

On March 15, the CFPB filed a proposed Stipulated Final Judgment and Order in a California federal court against a California-based student debt relief company and its owner for alleged violations of the CFPA and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR). In its December 2014 complaint, the CFPB alleged that the company violated the CFPA by (i) falsely misrepresenting itself as an affiliate of the Department of Education; (ii) charging consumers an upfront enrollment fee and a recurring monthly fee for “consultation” services; and (iii) deceiving consumers about the costs of their student loan debt relief services. The CFPB contended that the company violated the TSR by “primarily rel[ying] on a direct mailer and outbound telemarketing to attract consumers.” If approved by the court, the CFPB’s proposed consent order would require the company to (i) cease all operations within 45 days of the order’s effective date; (ii) stop enrolling consumers in its services and notify customers that it is ceasing operations; (iii) stop advertising, marketing, promoting, offering for sale, selling, or providing debt relief and student loan services; and (iv) ensure that borrowers confirm their income-driven repayment plans with the Department of Education and submit any necessary documentation for recertification or renewal. The order also imposes $8.2 million in damages, but the defendants will only be required to pay approximately $326,000 due to their inability to pay. Finally, the company will pay $1 to the CFPB’s Civil Money Penalty Fund, ensuring that consumers affected by the company’s practices are eligible for additional relief, if such relief becomes available in the future.