Toyota’s U.S.-based financing arm, Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC), has been fined $60 million by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for a series of illegal practices, including preventing auto buyers from canceling unwanted add-ons to their car loans.
Key Takeaways
- TMCC fined $60 million for illegal practices.
- Violations include preventing cancellation of add-ons and issuing incorrect refunds.
- CFPB investigation revealed thousands of consumer complaints.
Violations and Consumer Impact
The CFPB found that TMCC violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The company made it unreasonably difficult for consumers to cancel bundled coverage products, such as Guaranteed Asset Protection and Credit Life and Accidental Health insurance. Consumers attempting to cancel these products were often redirected to a hotline designed to dissuade them from doing so. Between 2016 and 2021, approximately 118,000 consumer calls were routed to this hotline, and consumers had to request cancellation three times before being informed that a written request was necessary.
TMCC also failed to issue correct refunds for prepaid premiums to consumers who had paid off their loans or ended their leases early. Additionally, the company falsely reported customer accounts as delinquent to consumer reporting agencies, even when the leased vehicles had already been returned.
Financial Penalties and Required Actions
Toyota Motor Credit is required to:
- Pay $48 million to consumers, including:
- Nearly $32 million to those who didn’t receive refunds.
- $9.9 million to those who tried to cancel their coverage but weren’t allowed to.
- $6 million to those whose credit was harmed by false reports.
- At least $52,000 to those who received incorrect refunds when canceling their service agreements.
- Stop illegal practices, including:
- Ceasing to pay employees based on their ability to retain consumers in bundled products.
- Making it easier for consumers to cancel coverage.
- Monitoring dealer partners who sell add-ons to consumers.
- Informing consumers how they can cancel or remove add-ons online or through the mail.
- Pay a $12 million fine to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
CFPB’s Role and Future Actions
CFPB Director Rohit Chopra stated, "Toyota’s lending arm illegally withheld refunds, made borrowers run through obstacle courses to cancel unwanted services, and tarnished their credit reports. Given the growing burdens of auto loan payments on Americans, we will continue to pursue large auto lenders that cheat their customers."
The CFPB handles approximately 25,000 complaints about financial products or services each week, with most companies responding within 15 days. Consumers can submit complaints through the CFPB’s website or by calling their hotline.
Conclusion
The $60 million fine against Toyota Motor Credit Corporation serves as a significant reminder of the importance of consumer rights and the role of regulatory bodies in protecting those rights. The CFPB’s actions highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability in the financial services industry.
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