The Dispatch Briefing

FTC Warns Military of Debt Relief Scams Amid Consumer Protection Initiatives

The FTC recently cautioned active-duty military and veterans about prevalent debt relief scams. Concurrently, the CFPB is actively working to resolve consumer complaints and implement new financial data reporting standards, reflecting ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers and enhance financial transparency.

By The Dispatch Newsroom · The Debt Dispatch NewsroomPublished July 10, 20263 min read

FTC Alerts Military to Debt Relief Scams

During Military Consumer Month 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued consumer alerts specifically targeting debt relief scams aimed at service members and veterans. The FTC warns against callers who promise to resolve debt problems, urging individuals to be wary of offers for special "military debt forgiveness" programs that divert payments from legitimate creditors to scammers [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The agency emphasizes that discussing scams helps individuals avoid them and highlights common tactics used to target the military community, which often involve attempts to steal money, benefits, and personal information [FTC Consumer Alerts].

CFPB Enhances Consumer Complaint System and Financial Data Reporting

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is actively engaged in correcting deficiencies within its consumer complaint system. The agency seeks to restore the system's integrity and utility, acknowledging that past issues have limited its effectiveness in addressing consumer concerns and the practical value of its information [CFPB Newsroom]. This initiative aims to improve how consumers can address issues with financial service providers.

In a related development, the CFPB also announced a new joint final rule on adopting uniform standards for reporting financial data [CFPB Newsroom]. This rule, published on June 25, 2026, is part of a broader effort to standardize financial reporting, which could lead to greater transparency and consistency across the financial sector.

CFPB Addresses Mortgage Lending and Bilt Consumer Issues

Further demonstrating its consumer protection mandate, the CFPB made the 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on mortgage lending available on March 31, 2026 [CFPB Newsroom]. This data, found on the FFIEC's HMDA Platform, provides transparency into mortgage market activity, supporting fair lending practices and research.

The CFPB has also been actively involved in ensuring that consumers affected by Bilt’s transition to a new bank partner are appropriately compensated. CFPB officials met with Bilt to understand the issues that arose from the transition and the steps Bilt has taken to make affected customers whole [CFPB Newsroom]. This intervention underscores the CFPB's role in addressing specific consumer grievances resulting from financial service provider operations.