Consumer Financial Protection Bureau opens … sort of

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is officially open as of Thursday Feb. 3. Well, sort of. The agency still doesn’t have a director and only just recently launched an internal Internet portal along with an official website. But Elizabeth Warren said it is open for suggestions. “The idea was to put a cop on the beat to enforce the laws on credit cards, mortgages, student loans, prepaid cards and other kinds of consumer financial products and services,” Warren said in a video announcing the “opening” of new agency. “We’re also here to be a voice in Washington for you” That’s right! The federal government is looking for consumer suggestions on how to do its job. All you have to do is hashtag #CFPB on Twitter to send them your suggestions. Let’s see what we’ve got so far on the first day of the agency’s Twitter launch: @zyoungll says, “Build an HTML5 website so you’re not locking out non-flash browsers” and “Make credit reporting bureaus liable for false info. That really hurts lots of people by no fault of their own.” @LuigiMontanez says, “Use a woman’s name for your first public database. It’s a sausage fest w/ THOMAS, EDGAR & FRED.” @riozen says, “Cap credit cards rates.” @JacobGaffney says, “Contract an independent media firm, expert in mortgage finance, for extensive PR consultancy.” (Wait a minute … who is this bloke?) As long as we the people tell the CFPB what we want to be protected from, Warren and her crew will be sure to accommodate. She said in a few weeks, after sifting the Twitter suggestions, the agency will put together a video of responses to consumer concerns. I’m sure you could even suggest who you think should head the CFPB. Now that is the legislative transparency we’ve all been waiting for! Write to Christine Ricciardi. Follow her on Twitter @HWnewbieCR.