Markets Wired

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (May 26, 2020) – In a recent letter, National Credit Union Administration Chairman Rodney E. Hood wrote to the Federal Communications Commission regarding a third-party petition to permit certain automated calls to fall under the Emergency Purposes Exception of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The types of automated calls outlined in the petition include options for loan modifications, changes to how consumers access their institution’s services, and warnings about potential fraud.

“The NCUA has supported and encouraged federally insured credit unions in their efforts to provide credit union members with prudent debt relief and help members understand the range of relief possibilities,” Chairman Hood wrote. “Autodialed calls providing information about payment deferrals, fee waivers, loan term extensions, other loan modifications, and forbearance could assist consumers during this challenging time.”

In the letter, Hood noted that financial institutions are not seeking permission to use automated calls related to advertising, telemarketing, or seeking payment on a debt. Like other financial institutions, federally insured credit unions must comply with all other consumer protection laws governing autodialed calls. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also contacted the FCC.

Chairman Hood’s letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is available on the NCUA’s website.