X

New CFPB chief has reportedly killed its Equifax probe

CFPB head Mick Mulvaney has shelved the bureau's Equifax data breach investigation, according to Reuters.

Brian Bennett Former Senior writer
Brian Bennett is a former senior writer for the home and outdoor section at CNET.
Brian Bennett
OMB Director Mick Mulvaney Testifies Before Senate Budget Committee
Win McNamee/Getty Images

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's probe into the Equifax data breach is apparently dead. Reuters reports that CFPB head Mick Mulvaney has walked away from the regulator's authorized investigation into the matter.

Sources close to the CFPB probe told Reuters that Mulvaney, who is also Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Trump administration, has done nothing to further the inquiry. 

The CFPB chief, who took over in November, has not issued subpoenas against the credit rating company, nor has the CFPB pursued sworn testimony under oath from Equifax executives.

"The Bureau is looking into Equifax's data breach and response," a CFPB said. "Reports to the contrary are incorrect."

On Sept. 7 last year the company's databases were breached. The hack exposed the personal information of approximately 143 million people. The trove of sensitive data snatched includes social security numbers, names, home addresses, birth dates and driver's license details.

First published Feb. 5, 12:47 p.m. ET.
Update, 5:42 p.m.: Adds comment from CFPB.