Mortgage Junk Fees

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is taking aim at mortgage “junk fees” yet again, this time in the servicing sector. The bureau released supervisory highlights addressing what it classifies as illegal junk fees, such as prohibited fees, deceptive notices sent to homeowners, and violations of loss mitigation rules. “Homeowners cannot just simply switch providers if their mortgage servicer charges them illegal junk fees,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Since mortgage borrowers are captive to a company they never chose to do business with, we are working hard to detect and deter violations of law.” Servicers were found to have charged property inspection fees banned by Fannie Mae and late fees greater than allowed by their mortgage agreements. They also failed…