FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2022
Washington, DC

Credit Union National Association (CUNA) joined financial trade groups to file an amicus brief in a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) case that will be heard en banc by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Hunstein v. Preferred Collection and Management Services, Inc. could expand the potential actions that would violate the FDCPA.

CUNA believes the appellant position in this case threatens the functioning of debt collectors, mortgage servicers, and the broader financial services industry, as well as the many other sectors of the economy that depend upon access to financial services.

Specifically, CUNA believes the case presents two issues:

• The appellant has not established injury to provide the court with jurisdiction.
• The appellant’s “expansive reading” of parts of the FDCPA should be rejected, as it contravenes Congressional intent behind the enactment of the FDCPA.

CUNA filed a request in June 2021 for an en banc hearing, but the 11^th Circuit Court’s October decision granted standing and adopted an expansive reading of a section of the FDCPA. In November, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11^th Circuit vacated that opinion.

The case will be heard by an en banc panel of appellate judges with oral arguments scheduled to begin Feb. 22.

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About CUNA:           
Credit Union National Association (CUNA) is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions, which are owned by more than 120 million consumer members. CUNA, along with its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, delivers unwavering advocacy, continuous professional growth and operational confidence to protect the best interests of all credit unions. For more information about CUNA, visit cuna.org. To find your nearest credit union, visit YourMoneyFurther.com.

CONTACT:
Lauren Williams
CUNA Communications
202-672-3396