WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Federation of America applauds the passage of the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act. This important, bipartisan consumer protection legislation, supported by leading consumer and housing industry groups, puts an end to abusive “trigger leads” – a practice where consumers get inundated with sometimes hundreds of confusing phone calls and text messages from mortgage lenders, just moments after applying for a mortgage. This happens because credit reporting agencies sell the “lead” of this mortgage credit inquiry to data brokers, without the consent of consumers.

Sharon Cornelissen, Director of Housing at the Consumer Federation of America, said: “Buying a house is already one of the most stressful purchases people will ever make: no-one wants to get hundreds of spam phone calls, emails, and text messages, just because a credit reporting agency sold their data to make a quick buck. This bill is an important win for the privacy of homebuyers across the country. By putting strong restrictions on trigger leads, it helps ensure that consumers can shop for the best mortgage without being harassed or overwhelmed.”