The second presidency of Donald Trump has taken specific aim at the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agency was created in 2011 to serve as a central source in the federal government to protect individuals from harmful business practices.
In February, employees were ordered to stop work and today Reuters reports that payments to consumers are frozen and may not be made. The agency’s website has not been updated since February 3.
On the morning of March 3, the State Corporation Commission sent out an email reminding people that this is National Consumer Protection Week.
“A nationwide initiative, NCPW combines the efforts of the Federal Trade Commission and other federal, state, and local agencies and organizations – including the SCC – to promote resources for well-informed consumer decisions,” reads the announcement.
The message encourages Virginians who are not satisfied with answers they get from businesses regulated by the SCC. This includes insurance, energy providers, and financial institutions. One of the consumer resources is the Bureau of Insurance.
“During 2024, the Bureau’s Life and Health and Property and Casualty divisions handled 17,248 calls; more than 5,448 written consumer complaints and inquiries; 192 requests for appeal assistance with managed care health insurance plans, and 360 inquiries related to managed care health insurance plans from consumers, healthcare providers and legislators,” the release continues.
That returned over $20.8 million in benefits and savings to hundreds of thousands of consumers.
There’s also a list of phone numbers for specific agencies:
- Bureau of Insurance – 804-371-9741; 1-877-310-6560
- Bureau of Financial Institutions – 804-371-9657
- Division of Securities and Retail Franchising – 804-371-9051
- Division of Public Utility Regulation – 804-371-9611
- Health Benefit Exchange – 804-371-1532
- Office of the Clerk – 804-371-9733; 1-866-722-2551
- Division of Utility and Railroad Safety – 804-371-9980
- Division of Information Resources – 804-371-9141
Before you go: The purpose of journalism is to bring people information about items happening outside of their usual frames of reference. At least, that’s part of the ethos of Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter published by Town Crier Productions. This segment was originally published in the March 3, 2025 edition. Questions? Drop me a line.
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In the wake of all the chaotic activities in DC, this won’t do much. But, I appreciate the spirit.