12:10 PM EST, 12/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Comerica's ( CMA ) Comerica Bank unit is facing allegations of mistreating millions of mainly disabled and elderly customers, potentially leading to penalties under a civil enforcement action, the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Friday.

The CFPB is suing Comerica ( CMA ) for failing to serve 3.4 million "Direct Express" cardholders, who are primarily unbanked individuals receiving federal benefits. The agency alleges that the bank's actions harmed vulnerable Americans including seniors and disabled individuals relying on Social Security and other federal assistance.

The CFPB alleges that Comerica ( CMA ) engaged in illegal practices, such as deliberately disconnecting 24 million customer service calls, preventing cardholders from exercising their legal rights, charging illegal ATM fees to over 1 million cardholders, and mishandling fraud complaints.

The CFPB said it is seeking a court order to stop these practices, provide refunds to affected customers, and impose civil penalties to be directed to the CFPB's "victim relief fund."

Comerica ( CMA ) didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

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