The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has taken action against Atlantic Union Bank for illegally enrolling thousands of customers in checking account overdraft programs.
The CFPB found that Atlantic Union misled consumers who enrolled in this overdraft service by phone and failed to provide proper disclosures. The CFPB is ordering Atlantic Union to refund at least $5 million in illegal overdraft fees and pay a $1.2 million penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
The Electronic Fund Transfer Act and its implementing regulation require banks — and credit unions — to describe their overdraft service in writing before getting a consumer to opt-in to overdraft coverage for ATM withdrawals and one-time debit card transactions.
The CFPB’s order describes the bank’s illegal conduct and how it improperly communicated with and enrolled consumers in its overdraft program. Specifically, the bank violated federal law by:
Enforcement Action
Under the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA), the CFPB has the authority to take action against institutions violating consumer financial laws, including engaging in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB found Atlantic Union Bank violated the Electronic Fund Transfer Act’s opt-in requirements for overdraft services, and it found the bank engaged in deceptive acts or practices in violation of the CFPA.
The order requires Atlantic Union to end its unlawful practices and:
View the CFPB order here.
Access the ‘Compliance Hotline’
Your League-member benefits include the Compliance Hotline — providing exclusive access to dedicated compliance experts:
Using the above phone number and email address, you can gain access to a knowledgeable team that’s ready to address all your credit union’s compliance inquiries — promptly and efficiently. With the Compliance Hotline, you can proactively respond to impromptu questions and issues by getting clarity and insight on technical topics that normally slow you down. We want to help you unlock the full potential of your League membership by leveraging the resources and support you need to navigate the complex world of compliance effortlessly. We’re ALWAYS just a phone call or email away!
Additionally, other League-member compliance resources include:
For more information, email Lisa Quaranta.
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