1. Credit card issuers are extending the length of promotional, interest rate periods for balance transfers, according to a CardHub survey of 15 major issuers. Citigroup, Discover, and PNC Bank cards offer zero-percent interest for 18 months, charging a three percent fee for transfers. JPMorgan Chase has a zero-percent interest offer for 15 months with.

This week, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Maryland Attorney General took action against Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase for an illegal marketing services kickback scheme they participated in with Genuine Title, a now defunct title company. The Bureau and Maryland also took action against a former Wells Fargo employee and his wife.

1. The Dodd-Frank Act has empowered states to move against lenders engaging in deceptive, unfair or abusive acts or practices, according to principals of one of the nation’s leading law firms. State actions have focused on lenders involved in student, auto, and payday loans. It’s unclear whether states will regularly use this authority, but it.

1. On 12/4/13, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it has asked a federal district court to enter a consent order requiring a debt collection firm to pay a fine of $69,075 for charging consumers illegal, upfront fees for debt-settlement services they never received, and take other steps to prevent future legal violations..

1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a bulletin to help lenders avoid discrimination against consumers receiving disability income. The bulletin is meant to remind lenders that requiring unnecessary documentation from consumers who receive Social Security disability income may raise fair lending risk. The bulletin discusses verification standards and guidelines for Social Security disability.