usc 12 § 5566
Referrals for criminal proceedings (BANKS AND BANKING (12 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
If the Bureau obtains evidence that any person, domestic or foreign, has engaged in conduct that may constitute a violation of Federal criminal law, the Bureau shall transmit such evidence to the Attorney General of the United States, who may institute criminal proceedings under appropriate law. Nothing in this section affects any other authority of the Bureau to disclose information.
Under 12 U.S.C. § 5566, when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) gathers evidence suggesting that someone—whether a domestic or foreign actor—may have violated federal criminal law, the Bureau is required to pass that evidence along to the U.S. Attorney General. The Attorney General then has the discretion to decide whether to initiate criminal proceedings. This provision does not limit any other information-sharing or disclosure authority the Bureau already holds.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who engage in consumer financial activities—such as collecting rent through regulated payment arrangements or offering credit-related housing services—should be aware that under 12 U.S.C. § 5566, the CFPB is obligated to refer evidence of potential federal criminal conduct to the Attorney General. Operators who maintain transparent, well-documented financial practices are generally better positioned to demonstrate compliance if the Bureau ever reviews their activities. Keeping thorough records of all financial transactions and disclosures is a standard practice among compliant housing operators.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 12 U.S.C. § 5566, tenants should know that if the CFPB uncovers evidence that a landlord or housing-related financial actor may have broken federal criminal law, the Bureau is required to refer that evidence to the U.S. Attorney General for potential prosecution. If a tenant believes they have experienced conduct that could constitute a federal crime—such as fraud or illegal financial practices—they may consider submitting a complaint directly to the CFPB, which has its own intake process. Tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand what types of conduct might fall within the Bureau's oversight and what general options exist for raising concerns.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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