what is the penalty for violating the equal credit opportunity act ecoa 
lenders found in violation of ecoa can potentially face class action lawsuits from the department of justice doj if the doj or any affiliate agencies recognize a pattern of discrimination 2 the consumer financial protection bureau enforces ecoa with other federal agencies if found guilty the offending organization could have to pay out punitive damages that can be significant and cover any costs incurred by the wronged party 19