The Dispatch Briefing
CFPB Realigns Complaint System; FTC Warns of Scams and Data Misuse
The CFPB has announced significant changes to its consumer complaint system, while the FTC issued multiple alerts regarding various scams and the unauthorized sharing of intimate images. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant against evolving fraudulent schemes and understand new reporting procedures.
Consumer Complaint System Adjustments
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has initiated modifications to its consumer complaint system, aiming to enhance its integrity and utility. The Bureau announced on June 24, 2026, that it is correcting flaws to improve the system's effectiveness in addressing consumer issues [CFPB Newsroom]. This effort includes a decision, announced August 14, 2026, to cease discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations. The CFPB indicated that the complaint portal has previously faced issues that limited its efficacy and practical utility for information.
Data Reporting and Mortgage Lending
In related news, the CFPB, along with other agencies, announced a joint final rule on June 25, 2026, to adopt uniform standards for reporting financial data [CFPB Newsroom]. Additionally, the Bureau made 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data on mortgage lending available on March 31, 2026. This data, which includes Loan Application Register information, is accessible on the FFIEC's HMDA Platform and covers topics such as data, fair lending, homebuying, mortgages, and research [CFPB Newsroom].
Escalating Consumer Scam Warnings
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued several new consumer alerts this month, highlighting various scam tactics. Notably, multiple alerts were published regarding the unauthorized sharing of intimate images. The FTC provided guidance on reporting platforms that fail to remove such content quickly (September 17 and 23, 2026) and general advice on what to do if intimate images are shared without consent (September 10, 2026) [FTC Consumer Alerts].
Other recent FTC warnings include:
- Scammers impersonating farm equipment businesses, selling fake equipment (September 15, 2026).
- Deceptive QR codes used by scammers for payment or data collection (September 3, 2026).
- Scammers spoofing car dealership websites to defraud consumers (September 1, 2026).
Consumers are reminded that September is National Preparedness Month, and planning ahead can help avoid scams, especially those related to natural disasters [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC also reiterated the importance of reporting scams to aid in prevention and enforcement efforts (August 28, 2026) [FTC Consumer Alerts].
Keep Reading
CFPB Revises Consumer Complaint System, FTC Warns of Intimate Image Scams
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced changes to its consumer complaint system, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued multiple alerts regarding scams, including those involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The Federal Reserve sought comment on stablecoin regulation.
CFPB Revises Complaint System, FTC Warns of QR Code and Impersonation Scams
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is implementing changes to its consumer complaint system, including ceasing discretionary publication of narratives. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued multiple warnings about evolving scam tactics.
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.
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 26, 2026 — Initial publication. Assembled by the newsroom from 3 curated sources.
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