Highlights
The guidance set forth in this handbook section clarifies that acts or practices that violate the FTC Act may also violate other statutes, such as the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. [FTC Act � 5(a)(1), 15 U.S.C. � 45(a)(1)]
Unfairness
Under standards endorsed by all of the federal financial institution regulatory agencies and the FTC, an act or practice is unfair where it:
- Causes or is likely to cause substantial injury (usually monetary) to consumers;
- Cannot be reasonably avoided by consumers; and
- Is not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or to competition.
Deception
Under standards endorsed by all of the federal financial institution regulatory agencies and the FTC, a representation, omission, or practice is deceptive when:
- It misleads or is likely to mislead a consumer;
- The consumer's interpretation of the representation, omission, or practice is reasonable under the circumstances; and
- The misleading representation, omission, or practice is material.
Notably, the standards for establishing deception do not require that injury be reasonably avoidable or that the injury be weighed against benefits to consumers or to competition.
Risk-Based Approach
The examination procedures take a risk-based approach; consequently, examiners are directed to consider circumstances that expose institutions to a higher risk of unfair or deceptive practices. These include situations in which an institution has weak internal controls or has been subject to enforcement action for the violation of other consumer protection laws.
In addition, the examination procedures alert examiners to pay close attention to consumer complaints. A pattern of complaints or a single complaint expressing concerns about unfairness or deception may warrant thorough review.
Products or Services
Examiners will consider whether an institution offers products and services that may be particularly susceptible to violations of the FTC Act. Such activities might include marketing to:
- the elderly
- non-English speakers
- financially vulnerable or unsophisticated consumers
- offering products such as subprime or nontraditional mortgages, high cost mortgages, reverse mortgages, subprime credit cards, high cost short term lending, tax refund loans, or fee-based overdraft protection programs.