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Chris Capurso

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Chris focuses his practice on consumer financial services compliance, guiding clients through the many federal and state laws and regulations that impact consumer credit programs.

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As discussed here, in February 2023, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) launched the auto finance data pilot and issued nine market monitoring orders to three banks, three finance companies, and three captive lenders. This initiative aimed to gather comprehensive data on auto lending portfolios. Yesterday, the CFPB issued a Repossession in Auto Finance report using the dataset to show that repossession assignments increased for certain consumers post-2020, but many consumers avoided repossession in parts of 2021 and 2022. The data also indicates that repossession forwarders were increasingly involved in repossession activity, potentially resulting in increased repossession costs passed on to consumers.

Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) proposed a new rule aimed at banning certain contractual provisions in agreements for consumer financial products or services. The CFPB’s proposal targets certain terms and conditions sometimes found in so-called contracts of adhesion or standard-form contracts, including waivers of legal rights and protections, contract terms that limit free expression, and other terms that the CFPB believes undermine consumers’ rights and protections. The proposed rule also seeks to codify certain prohibitions under the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Credit Practices Rule.

In this episode, Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso from Troutman Pepper Locke’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group are joined by Chris Carlson, a partner in the Regulatory Investigations Strategy and Enforcement Practice Group. They delve into recent enforcement actions impacting the auto finance sector, including a landmark $20 million settlement involving the Federal Trade Commission and the Illinois attorney general against Leader Automotive Group. The discussion covers deceptive advertising, unauthorized add-on charges, fake online reviews, and the sale of gray market vehicles. Additionally, they explore a stipulated judgment the Connecticut attorney general reached with a national auto retailer. Tune in to understand the implications of these actions and what auto finance companies should take away from these regulatory developments.

In a significant enforcement action, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Illinois Attorney General have reached a $20 million settlement with Leader Automotive Group and its Canadian parent company, AutoCanada, over allegations of widespread consumer fraud. If entered, this settlement will be the largest monetary judgment the FTC has secured against an auto dealer.

On December 18, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit held oral arguments in Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited (IMC) v. Federal Communication Commission (FCC), which challenges the FCC’s December 2023 order under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The stated aim of the order is to reduce unwanted robocalls and texts by closing the “lead generator loophole,” and require “one-to-one consent” for telemarketing communications. The new rule is set to take effect next month. However, during oral arguments, the Eleventh Circuit judges expressed skepticism about the FCC’s justification for its new rule.

On December 17, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the release of its final Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, also known as the “Junk Fee Rule”, which aims to address so-called bait-and-switch pricing tactics and other deceptive practices in the live-event ticketing and short-term lodging industries. This rule, codified at 16 CFR Part 464, specifically targets practices that purportedly hide the total price of an item or service and misrepresent fees and will go into effect 120 days after publication in the Federal Register.

In this episode, Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso, attorneys in the firm’s Consumer Financial Services Practice Group, are joined by Kim Phan, a partner in the firm’s Privacy and Cyber Practice Group. They delve into the latest trends in privacy and their significant impact on the auto finance industry. The discussion covers the evolving landscape of data security, the implications of connected cars and the Internet of Things, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Kim also shares insights on how recent legislative changes and the new administration may shape the future of privacy regulations. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of these critical issues and their potential ramifications for the auto finance sector.

On December 3, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) issued a proposed rule for public comment aimed at amending Regulation V, which implements the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The proposed rule seeks to redefine (and, in some cases, rewrite) key terms and provisions within the FCRA, particularly focusing on the activities of purported “data brokers.”

In this episode, Brooke Conkle and Chris Capurso, attorneys in the firm’s Consumer Financial Services practice, are joined by Partner Ethan Ostroff to discuss the recent Supreme Court of California decision in Rodriguez vs. FCA US. They explore recent cases from the court that impact auto finance, this case’s background, the court’s reasoning, and the significant impact this ruling may have on manufacturers, dealers, and auto finance companies. The discussion also touches on the broader implications for consumer protection laws in California and the potential shift in legal strategies for both plaintiffs and defendants in the auto finance industry.

Late last year, we discussed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new rule aimed at closing the “lead generator” loophole by requiring telemarketers to obtain one-to-one consent from consumers for robocalls and robotexts. This rule mandates that consent must be provided for each individual seller or brand, rather than allowing a single consent to apply to multiple telemarketers. The rule also includes requirements for clear and conspicuous disclosures and ensures that robocalls and robotexts are logically and topically related to the interaction that prompted the consent. The new rule also permits blocking “red flagged” robotexting numbers, codifies do-not-call rules for texting, and encourages an opt-in approach for delivering email-to-text messages.