WASHINGTON— The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released a policy statement outlining the responsibility of credit reporting companies and furnishers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the pandemic, the Bureau said many lenders are being flexible when it comes to consumers’ making payments, and the CFPB said its statement underscores that consumers benefit if lenders report accurate information about these arrangements to credit bureaus so that the credit reports of consumers are accurate.
“During this time of uncertainty, we are providing clarity to ensure the consumer reporting industry can continue to function,” said Director Kathy Kraninger. “Consumers rely on their credit report to purchase a new car, their new home, or to finance their college education. An effective consumer reporting system is critical in promoting fair and efficient access to credit in the consumer financial services market.”
The CFPB noted the CARES Act requires lenders to report to credit bureaus that consumers are current on their loans if consumers have sought relief from their lenders due to the pandemic. The Bureau’s statement informs lenders they must comply with the CARES Act. The Bureau said its statement also encourages lenders to continue to voluntarily provide payment relief to consumers and to report accurate information to credit bureaus relating to this relief.
“The continuation of reporting such accurate payment information produces substantial benefits for consumers, users of consumer reports, and the economy as a whole,” the CFPB said.
Flexibility Cited
In addition, in response to staffing and resources constraints on lenders and credit bureaus due to the pandemic, the Bureau said its statement also provides flexibility for lenders and credit bureaus in the time they take to investigate disputes.
“The Bureau specifically states that it does not intend to cite in an examination or bring an enforcement action against firms that exceed the deadlines to investigate such disputes as long as they make good faith efforts during the pandemic to do so as quickly as possible,” the CFPB said.