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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
is ramping up its investigative force to get a closer look at banks, lenders
and other credit institutions, according to a recent job posting on the
Department of the Treasury's website.

The vacancy listing indicates a marketing campaign that
asks, "Do you want to be a leader in your field at the Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau (CFPB) — a groundbreaking organization solely devoted to the
economic strength and vitality of American families?

"Do you want to challenge yourself and others? If you answer
‘Yes,' then we have a career for you," the ad continues. "CFPB professionals
have unparalleled opportunities to expand horizons for themselves and for the
nation. Be one of the founding members of an agency that will make a difference
in the lives of everyday American families."

Among the nine specific responsibilities mentioned in the
listing posted here, the CFPB is looking for a professional who can:

—Plan, organize and conduct a wide range of investigations
related to alleged or suspected offenses in violation of consumer protection
laws and regulations. Conduct comprehensive investigations that may involve
delicate matters, issues and investigative problems for which there are few,
if any, established criteria.

—Conduct research, including Internet research using
specialized databases, about individuals, companies, markets, businesses and
industries, in order to develop facts to support a proposed or initiated
enforcement action. Gather facts regarding business practices, including
research about the industry in which the business operates, business partners
of a specific business, clients of that business and other information about
the business and the industry/market in which it functions.  Act as a witness for CFPB in litigation.

—Identify and interview potential subjects and third party
witnesses (formally and informally), including alleged witnesses and
whistleblowers, and secure evidence from other outside sources to determine the
existence, nature and extent of violations of Federal laws and regulations.

—Examine, analyze and collect evidence, and preserve its
chain-of-custody. Collect, compile and analyze a wide variety of documents
produced in an effort to find evidence to support an enforcement theory. Assist
enforcement attorneys in preparing witnesses to provide testimony.

Officials at the bureau declined to discuss specific
investigative techniques, but said the practices would not engage in any sort
of activities that violate the civil liberties of subjects, according to a
report by the Washington Times.

"Investigative work conducted by our staff will be covered
by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau policies to ensure all practices comply
with applicable laws and regulations and protect individuals' privacy rights,"
a CFPB official said here.

"The investigation activities described in the posting are
intended to inform our enforcement office about what consumers may experience
with different financial products or services," the official continued. "We
anticipate that the type of information gathered generally will be information
available to the general public. Investigation activities like these are
typical among agencies charged with civil law enforcement."