Enforcement action accuses Transunion of using ‘dark patterns’ to mislead consumers into purchasing monthly subscriptions they don’t need
WASHINGTON – Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) dismissed an enforcement action that it had filed two years ago against TransUnion and its former president, John Danaher, for using deceptive dark patterns to trick consumers into paying for monthly subscriptions for credit scores and other credit-related products, such as by using buttons that appeared to provide a free credit score but actually signing them up for recurring monthly charges. Under the previous administration, the CFPB alleged that TransUnion violated a 2017 consent order to stop using these types of deceptive practices.
“The Big Three credit reporting companies, including TransUnion, are by far the biggest sources of complaints to the CFPB, with hundreds of thousands of consumers reporting how they’ve been harmed by these powerful companies that control our economic lives. People don’t get to choose their credit reporting company and that is why we need a strong consumer watchdog. But the Trump Administration is trying to eliminate the CFPB and is now letting this company off the hook to exploit more consumers by trapping them into paying for expensive and unnecessary subscription products,” said Chi Chi Wu, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “This sends a dangerous signal that the Administration is willing to allow free rein to the oligopoly of companies that constitute the single worst source of complaints and ruin the economic reputation and lives of so many consumers.”
“Dismissing this case, the day after the CFPB dismissed five enforcement cases against corporations suspected of causing significant harm to consumers, is a disturbing trend. Consumers need a strong, independent CFPB to ensure their rights are protected,” Wu added.
Related Resources
- Press Release: CFPB Abruptly Drops Enforcement Actions Against Corporations Accused of Ripping Off Consumers, Feb. 27, 2025
- Press Release: CFPB Drops Lawsuit Against Illegal Tip-Based Payday Lender, Feb. 24 2025
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