The Dispatch Briefing
CFPB Adjusts Complaint System, FTC Warns of Scams, Fed Releases Economic Projections
The CFPB announced changes to its consumer complaint system, while the FTC issued multiple warnings about prevalent scams. The Federal Reserve also released its latest economic projections.
CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has initiated changes to its consumer complaint system. Effective August 14, 2026, the CFPB will cease the discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations. This move follows an earlier June 24 announcement from the Bureau, which stated its intent to correct flaws and restore integrity and utility to the consumer complaint system, citing issues that reportedly limited its effectiveness in addressing consumer complaints and the practical utility of its information [CFPB Newsroom].
Separately, the CFPB also reported its efforts to ensure consumers affected by Bilt's transition to a new bank partner were remedied, following discussions with Bilt officials to understand the issues and resolution steps [CFPB Newsroom]. The Bureau also announced the availability of 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on mortgage lending as of March 31, 2026 [CFPB Newsroom].
FTC Issues Multiple Scam Alerts
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published several consumer alerts detailing various scam tactics. Most recently, on September 17, 2026, the FTC advised individuals to report to them if an online platform failed to quickly remove intimate images shared without consent. This follows a September 10 alert providing general guidance on what to do if intimate images are shared online without consent [FTC Consumer Alerts].
Additional warnings from the FTC include: scammers impersonating farm equipment businesses (September 15), advice to plan ahead for National Preparedness Month to avoid scams (September 9), and caution against scanning unverified QR codes due to scam risks (September 3). The FTC also highlighted scams spoofing car dealership websites (September 1) and issued guidance on recognizing a 'brushing scam' involving unexpected packages (August 20). Consumers struggling with tax debt were also advised on avoiding dishonest companies promising debt elimination (August 13) [FTC Consumer Alerts].
Federal Reserve Releases Economic Projections
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released economic projections following their September 15-16 meeting. Concurrently, the Federal Reserve issued an FOMC statement on September 16, 2026, pertaining to monetary policy [Federal Reserve Press Releases].
In other regulatory developments, federal agencies are seeking comment on proposed third-party risk management guidance and have issued a statement on community bank engagement with core service providers. Additionally, new measures were announced to reduce the regulatory burden for community banks, including increasing eligibility for the 18-month examination cycle [Federal Reserve Press Releases].
Keep Reading
CFPB Adjusts Complaint System, FTC Warns of Varied Scams
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced changes to its consumer complaint system, including ceasing discretionary publication of narratives. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission issued alerts on a range of scams, from fake farm equipment sales to QR code phishing and brushing scams.
CFPB Revises Consumer Complaint System, FTC Warns of QR Code and Impersonation Scams
The CFPB is implementing changes to its consumer complaint system, discontinuing the discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations. Meanwhile, the FTC advises consumers on new scam tactics, including fraudulent QR codes and impersonations.
Regulators Recalibrate Oversight Amidst Shifting Landscape of Debt and Deception
Federal agencies are refining their approaches to consumer protection, with the CFPB overhauling its complaint system for improved internal integrity, while the FTC battles an onslaught of increasingly sophisticated scams. Meanwhile, for individuals navigating financial distress, essential tools for debt management and relief remain crucial.
How to Read Debt Relief Company Complaints
Consumer complaint databases serve as an early-warning tool to identify patterns of misleading savings claims and undisclosed fees. Effective research requires searching a provider's full legal name rather than just its brand. Readers should evaluate how companies respond to disputes to determine if they transparently disclose the risks of credit damage and potential lawsuits.
Debt Payoff Calculator: Find Your True Payoff Date
A debt payoff calculator provides borrowers with a definitive calendar date for becoming debt-free based on specific interest rates and monthly payments. By comparing different scenarios, users can see how modest payment increases significantly reduce total interest costs. These tools help determine if a self-directed plan is sustainable or if professional debt relief is necessary.
How Long Does Bankruptcy Stay on Your Credit Report?
Chapter 7 bankruptcies typically remain on credit reports for 10 years, while Chapter 13 cases are generally removed after seven. Although these entries originate from the initial filing date, their negative impact on credit scores often diminishes over time as consumers establish new histories of on-time payments.
Sponsored — Debt Relief Offers
Sources & Further Reading
Revision History
- updateSeptember 18, 2026 — Initial publication. Assembled by the newsroom from 3 curated sources.
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