CA AB2443

Adds debt settlement deception as an unlawful practice under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, including failing to clearly disclose program terms and risks, making false statements about credit score impacts, and failing to disclose exempt income and assets.

Makes it unlawful to engage in the business of a prorater in violation of Division 3 of the Financial Code.

Prohibits payment processors from charging consumers fees to process payments for proraters that violate these debt settlement provisions.

Exempts tax-exempt entities certified by the Internal Revenue Service from these new prohibitions.

Amends Section 1770 of the Civil Code to add these debt settlement practices to the list of unfair or deceptive acts subject to consumer civil remedies.