CFPB Fines Subprime Auto Dealer Over Debt Collection Practices
November 24, 2014
Last week, the CFPB initiated its first enforcement action against a “buy-here, pay-here” car dealer, DriveTime, which it accused of harming consumers by allegedly making harassing debt collection calls and providing inaccurate credit information to credit reporting agencies. DriveTime must pay $8 million as a civil money penalty, end what the bureau characterized as unfair debt collection tactics, revise its credit reporting practices, and arrange for harmed consumers to obtain free credit reports. Phoenix-based DriveTime Automotive Group Inc. and its finance company, DT Acceptance Corp., make up the largest buy-here, pay-here car dealer in the nation, according to the CFPB. “Buy-here, pay-here” means that the dealer sells the car as well as originates and services the auto loan. These kinds ...