
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took action against EZCORP, Inc., a small-dollar lender, for what the agency called illegal debt collection practices. These tactics allegedly included visits to consumers at their homes and workplaces, empty threats of legal action, lying about consumers' rights, and exposing consumers to bank fees through unlawful electronic withdrawals. The Bureau ordered EZCORP to refund $7.5 million to 93,000 consumers, pay $3 million in penalties, and stop collection of remaining payday and installment loan debts owed by roughly 130,000 consumers. It also bars EZCORP from future in-person debt collection. For more info visit http://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-ezcorp-to-pay-10-million-for-illegal-debt-collection-tactics/