Congressman Cleaver Applauds CFPB’s Crackdown on Illegal Fees, Return of $32,331,665 to Missouri Consumers

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) announcement that the agency is distributing $1.8 billion to 4.3 million Americans, including $32,331,665 to Missourians, that were charged illegal advance fees or subjected to allegedly deceptive bait-and-switch advertising by a group of credit repair companies. Together, the payments constitute the largest-ever distribution from the CFPB’s victims relief fund, which is funded by civil penalties paid by companies that violate consumer protection laws. Congressman Cleaver has long supported the CFPB, voting to create the agency in 2010, following the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the Great Recession.

“As massive financial corporations concoct new and innovative financial schemes to exploit hardworking American families, it’s more important than ever that we have a cop on the beat dedicated solely to protecting consumers. That’s precisely what the CFPB has done for more than a decade, and this latest announcement is just another reminder of its value to honest consumers,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As my colleagues across the aisle openly threaten to destroy the CFPB, I hope they will take notice of the historic sums the agency is returning to Americans who were ripped off at no fault of their own, and instead join Democrats in protecting American pocketbooks.”

Eligible consumers harmed by Lexington Law, CreditRepair.com, and their parent companies will be sent a payment in the coming weeks. Details about the distribution are available here. The CFPB has contracted JND Legal Administration to administer payments for this case and answer consumers' questions.

Eligible consumers do not need to take any action to receive a payment. Checks are being mailed between December and January. Consumers who believe they are eligible but who have not received a payment by mid-January can contact JND here.

Consumers can submit complaints about financial products or services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.