CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced a significant change to its consumer complaint system. Effective August 14, 2026, the CFPB will cease the discretionary publication of complaint narratives and visualizations [CFPB Newsroom]. This decision follows a June 24, 2026, announcement indicating the CFPB is correcting perceived flaws to "restore integrity and utility" to the consumer complaint 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, signaling ongoing regulatory adjustments [CFPB Newsroom]. The bureau continues its work to protect consumers, as evidenced by its efforts in June to ensure Bilt consumers were made whole following issues with a bank partner transition [CFPB Newsroom]. Earlier in March, the 2025 HMDA data on mortgage lending became available, providing insights into homebuying trends [CFPB Newsroom].

FTC Issues Multiple Scam Alerts

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released several consumer alerts regarding various scam tactics. In September 2026, the FTC warned consumers about the potential risks of scanning unknown QR codes, noting that scammers are increasingly using them [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The agency advises caution, particularly with QR codes encountered in public spaces.

Another significant alert issued in September highlights scammers impersonating farm equipment businesses, selling fraudulent equipment to farmers [FTC Consumer Alerts]. Additionally, the FTC reported on scammers spoofing car dealership websites, advising consumers to be vigilant when purchasing vehicles online [FTC Consumer Alerts]. August alerts included warnings about bill pay impersonators using paid search ads to redirect payments and the "brushing scam" where unexpected packages are sent to create fake reviews [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Intimate Image Sharing and Tax Debt Guidance

In September, the FTC also focused on the issue of nonconsensual sharing of intimate images. The agency provided guidance on what actions consumers can take if their intimate images are shared online without their consent or if they are digitally altered [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC encourages individuals to report platforms that fail to quickly remove such content. For those facing tax debt, the FTC offered advice in August, emphasizing that legitimate assistance is available but warning against dishonest companies that promise to eliminate debt [FTC Consumer Alerts].