The Dispatch Briefing
CFPB Adjusts Complaint System; FTC Warns of Latest Scams; Fed Releases Economic Projections
The CFPB is modifying its consumer complaint database by ceasing discretionary publication of complaint narratives, while the FTC issues new alerts on a range of scams, from online intimate image sharing to farm equipment and QR code frauds. The Federal Reserve has also released its latest economic projections.
CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a significant change to its consumer complaint database. Effective August 14, 2026, the agency will cease the discretionary publication of consumer complaint narratives and related visualizations [CFPB Newsroom]. This decision follows a June 24, 2026, press release indicating the CFPB is correcting "flaws to restore integrity and utility" to its consumer complaint system, noting that the portal has been "plagued by issues that severely limit its effectiveness." Consumers can still submit complaints, but the public display of individual narratives will be discontinued. Earlier, on June 2, 2026, the CFPB also reported working to ensure consumers affected by Bilt's transition to a new bank partner were made whole, meeting with Bilt officials to understand and remedy issues [CFPB Newsroom].
FTC Issues New Consumer Scam Warnings
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued multiple consumer alerts this month, advising the public on various fraud schemes. New warnings include scams impersonating farm equipment businesses (September 15, 2026) and spoofing car dealership websites (September 1, 2026). The FTC also highlighted the risks associated with scanning unfamiliar QR codes, noting that scammers are using them (September 3, 2026). Specific guidance was provided for individuals whose intimate images were shared online without consent, including instructions on how to report such incidents to the FTC (September 10 and 17, 2026). Other recent alerts cover postcard scams targeting veterans, brushing scams involving unexpected packages, and bill pay impersonators using paid search ads [FTC Consumer Alerts].
Federal Reserve Releases Economic Projections and Policy Statements
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released economic projections on September 16, 2026, following their September 15-16 meeting [Federal Reserve Press Releases]. Concurrently, the Federal Reserve issued an FOMC statement outlining its monetary policy decisions. Earlier in September, the agencies also sought public comment on proposed third-party risk management guidance and issued a statement on community bank engagement with core service providers (September 11, 2026). Additionally, measures were announced on September 10, 2026, to reduce regulatory burden for community banks, increasing their eligibility for an 18-month exam 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 21, 2026 — Initial publication. Assembled by the newsroom from 3 curated sources.
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