CFPB Improves Transparency of Complaint Database Following Coalition Letters

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made significant transparency improvements to its Consumer Complaint Database following coalition letters that EPIC joined. In 2020 and 2021, coalitions of advocacy groups led by Consumer Action asked the CFPB to update its complaint database to make it easier for users to understand the complaint details, called narratives. Previously, narratives were buried in the system, which made it difficult for consumers to find the details of unfair practices contained in the complaints. The new database contains a “Read complaints” link on its homepage, shows a list of complaints that include narratives by default, and contains improved language explaining how the complaint data is used and is valuable to the CFPB. EPIC signed onto both coalition letters by Consumer Action and has supported the CFPB’s work to protect consumers.