WASHNGTON—The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence today issued a pair of advisories to assist U.S. individuals and businesses in efforts to combat ransomware scams and attacks, which continue to increase in size and scope. Anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations implemented and enforced by Treasury’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence may have implications for persons involved in facilitating ransomware payments.

Mortgage companies navigating federally backed mortgage lending and servicing requirements during the National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak, must, among other things, abide by the CARES Act, federal regulations, and investor servicing guidelines.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors issued joint guidance to mortgage servicers to assist in complying with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provisions granting a right to forbearance to consumers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.