CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced significant changes to its public consumer complaint database. Effective August 14, 2026, the CFPB will cease the discretionary publication of consumer complaint narratives and visualizations. This follows an earlier press release on June 24, 2026, indicating the agency is correcting what it described as "flaws to restore integrity and utility" to the consumer complaint system. The CFPB noted that the complaint portal has been "plagued by issues that severely limit its effectiveness in addressing consumers’ complaints and practical utility of its information" [CFPB Newsroom].

Additionally, the CFPB continues to work to ensure consumers are made whole in cases involving financial services. For example, the agency reported working to ensure Bilt consumers affected by a transition to a new bank partner were appropriately remedied, having met with Bilt officials to address the issues [CFPB Newsroom]. The CFPB also released 2025 HMDA data on mortgage lending, available on the FFIEC's HMDA Platform, which can be a resource for fair lending research and mortgage market analysis [CFPB Newsroom].

FTC Alerts Consumers to Evolving Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued several consumer alerts regarding new and emerging scam tactics. The agency warns consumers about the dangers of scanning unfamiliar QR codes, noting that scammers are increasingly using them to facilitate fraud. The FTC advises caution before scanning any QR code, especially in public or unexpected contexts [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Further alerts highlight impersonation scams. These include fraudsters spoofing car dealership websites to trick buyers and scammers impersonating farm equipment businesses to sell non-existent machinery to farmers [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC also reiterates guidance for individuals whose intimate images have been shared online without consent, emphasizing legal rights and reporting mechanisms to the FTC [FTC Consumer Alerts]. Other warnings cover brushing scams involving unexpected packages and how to identify postcard scams targeting veterans [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Federal Reserve Actions

The Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) released economic projections following their September 15-16 meeting. The Board also issued an FOMC statement on September 16, 2026. While the details of these monetary policy actions were not specified in the provided releases, these are regular updates from the nation's central bank that can influence broader economic conditions [Federal Reserve Press Releases].

In regulatory news, 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, measures are being taken to reduce regulatory burden for community banks, including increasing eligibility for the 18-month exam cycle [Federal Reserve Press Releases]. The Federal Reserve also announced the termination of several enforcement actions with various financial institutions and individuals throughout September [Federal Reserve Press Releases].