SEC should investigate, have power to prohibit investment arbitration clauses
In a letter to Representatives Barney Frank and Spencer Bachus, of the House Financial Services Committee, Consumer Action joined its Fair Arbitration Now coalition members in supporting a provision of H.R. 3817 that would require the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to do a study on the use of arbitration clauses in broker-dealer and investment advisory accounts. The letter also opposes two amendments to the bill that would undermine the SEC's authority in prohibiting such clauses.

Protect debt-strapped consumers from unscrupulous industry practices
Consumer Action filed joint comments, along with 18 other consumer organizations, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) supporting amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule that would protect debt-strapped consumers from unscrupulous practices by companies that offer to arrange payment plans with their creditors, get their interest rates or fees reduced, or settle their debts for pennies on the dollar.

Curb unfair overdraft protection practices
Consumer advocates, including Consumer Action, joined in a letter asking Congress to pass a bill curbing unfair bank overdraft fees. On Friday Oct. 30, the House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on H.R. 3904, the Overdraft Protection Act of 2009 which would, among other provisions, require a warning before a withdrawal would trigger an overdraft fee and allow consumers to choose whether or not to enroll in overdraft programs.

DHS privacy report falls short
Consumer Action signed on to a letter detailing specifically how the Department of Homeland Security's Chief Privacy Officer has failed to safeguard the privacy of Americans.

Congress should ban tax patents
Consumer Action signed onto a letter opposing the ability to "patent" tax reduction/evasion strategies. Because of patents, some taxpayers may pay more tax than Congress intended.

Federal law should be a floor, not a ceiling, for consumer protection
As a part of Americans for Financial Reform coalition, Consumer Action sent a letter to Congress requesting that they not preempt states' authority in Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) legislation.

FCC: Require mobile marketers to disclose consumer data collected
In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission, Consumer Action asked the agency to consider requiring mobile marketers to disclose to consumers all of the data they collect about them.

Keep community investment in consumer agency legislation
In the battle to define the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), Consumer Action signed on to a letter requesting that the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) be reinserted into any legislation about the agency.

Student loans must be regulated by the CFPA
In coalition with many other groups, Consumer Action signed onto a letter asking Congress to ensure that the Consumer Financial Protection Agency be given must full authority to regulate private student loans regardless of the institution offering them.

Protect car buyers under consumer watchdog agency
Consumer Action, along with 29 other organizations, signed on to a letter asking Congressman Barney Frank to ensure that all aspects of car financing are covered under the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA).