Consumer bureau begins taking complaints about accounts

Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday began taking complaints about bank checking and savings accounts as it continues to expand its operations.

The agency said it expects to hear a variety of complaints, including problems related to opening and closing accounts, dealing with low account balances and using debit or ATM cards. Last month, the agency launched a broad investigation of overdraft fees charged by banks and started soliciting public input on a new disclosure box about the fees on monthly statements.

The consumer bureau opened in July and has been expanding its complaint operation by product category. Consumers immediately were able to make complaints about credit cards. Mortgage complaints were added in December.

Through Feb. 22, the agency had received more than 22,000 complaints.

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