Congressman Adam Schiff denounced Citibank’s discrimination against Armenian American credit card applicants on Thursday, in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announcing a $25.9 million fine against the bank’s illegal behavior.
Schiff’s 30th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Burbank and Glendale, is home to the largest Armenian diaspora outside of Armenia. He serves as vice chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus.
“It is shameful that Citibank deliberately discriminated against Armenian Americans, denying credit to people on the basis of their last names and ethnic origin,” Schiff said. “All personnel responsible for participating in and then attempting to cover up this unlawful practice should be terminated from the company.
“While I welcome the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s action, I’m committed to holding banks and other institutions accountable for any such actions. We must ensure that overt discrimination like this never happens again.”
Consumers who applied for a Citi Retail Services Credit Card between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2021, and are identified as having been denied the credit card based on national origin discrimination, are eligible for redress. Consumers can submit complaints about financial products and services by visiting the CFPB’s website or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
First published in the November 11 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
