CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced significant changes to its consumer complaint system. Effective August 14, 2026, the CFPB will cease the discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations on its public portal. This action follows a June 24, 2026, announcement indicating that the agency is correcting flaws to restore integrity and utility to the system, which it states has been 'plagued by issues that severely limit its effectiveness' [CFPB Newsroom].

Previously in June, the CFPB also announced a joint final rule on adopting uniform standards for reporting financial data, a measure likely to affect financial service providers and data collection. The agency further released 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on mortgage lending in March 2026, providing insights into fair lending and homebuying trends [CFPB Newsroom].

FTC Warns Consumers About Diverse Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued several consumer alerts, cautioning the public about various deceptive practices. Recent warnings include scams impersonating farm equipment businesses and car dealerships, where fraudsters sell non-existent goods or spoof legitimate websites. The FTC also highlighted the risks associated with scanning unfamiliar QR codes, as scammers increasingly use them for phishing attempts [FTC Consumer Alerts].

In August, the FTC raised awareness about 'brushing scams,' where consumers receive unsolicited packages as a means for scammers to post fake reviews. They also advised on how to identify bill pay impersonators who use paid search ads to divert payments, and shared guidance for individuals struggling with tax debt, urging caution against dishonest companies promising quick fixes [FTC Consumer Alerts]. Additionally, the FTC reminded consumers to report instances where online platforms fail to remove intimate images shared without consent, and provided steps for victims of such violations [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Federal Reserve Press Releases Show No Recent Updates

As of the current review, the Federal Reserve's press release section for 2026 indicates no recent public announcements relevant to consumer finance or debt relief within the past month. The most recent updates listed are archival links to previous years [Federal Reserve Press Releases].