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Ethics & Fraudmedium18% of exam

A mortgage originator tells a borrower that a quoted loan discount expires at 5 pm, although the originator knows no such deadline exists. The lie is intended to stop the borrower comparing lenders overnight. What is the principal consumer-protection concern?

Correct Answer

C) A deceptive material claim about the offer's availability, used to manufacture urgency

C. The fabricated deadline creates a material deception concern. The false restriction can change the borrower’s decision about shopping for alternatives. Scope and exceptions: Assess the overall communication. Do not automatically label the conduct abusive without applying that separate standard. Source: Deceptive Acts or Practices, pages 5–7 — https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_unfair-deceptive-abusive-acts-practices-udaaps_procedures_2023-09.pdf

Answer Options
A
No concern if the borrower signs an acknowledgment accepting the deadline
B
A violation solely because a genuine offer may never expire within four hours
C
A deceptive material claim about the offer's availability, used to manufacture urgency
D
No concern if the borrower ultimately receives a competitive interest rate

Why This Is the Correct Answer

C. The fabricated deadline creates a material deception concern. The false restriction can change the borrower’s decision about shopping for alternatives. Scope and exceptions: Assess the overall communication. Do not automatically label the conduct abusive without applying that separate standard.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: No concern if the borrower signs an acknowledgment accepting the deadline

Acknowledgment does not make the deadline real.

Option B: A violation solely because a genuine offer may never expire within four hours

The problem is fabrication, not a universal minimum offer duration.

Option D: No concern if the borrower ultimately receives a competitive interest rate

A competitive rate does not erase a misleading claim.

Exam Tip

Real deadlines and invented urgency are different.

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