CFPB Modifies Consumer Complaint System

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced significant changes to its public-facing complaint system. Effective August 14, 2026, the CFPB will cease the discretionary publication of consumer complaint narratives and visualizations on its website [CFPB Newsroom]. This move follows an earlier statement from June 24, 2026, indicating efforts to correct "flaws" within the consumer complaint portal to "restore integrity and utility" to the system, which the agency noted had been "plagued by issues that severely limit its effectiveness" [CFPB Newsroom].

These adjustments suggest a recalibration of how consumer feedback is publicly presented and utilized by the Bureau. While the precise impact on consumer visibility into specific company complaints remains to be seen, the CFPB maintains its commitment to addressing consumer concerns.

FTC Warns Consumers About Data and Purchase Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued several alerts in September 2026, highlighting a range of scams and consumer protection issues. A key focus is on the unauthorized sharing of intimate images online. The FTC advises consumers who have had intimate images shared without their consent to report these incidents to the agency, emphasizing that online platforms are legally required to provide easy submission methods for takedown requests [FTC Consumer Alerts]. The FTC also provided guidance on what actions individuals can take if their intimate images are shared or digitally altered without permission.

Beyond data privacy, the FTC has identified various new and persistent scams:

• Farm Equipment Scams: Fraudsters are impersonating farm equipment businesses, selling non-existent machinery to farmers [FTC Consumer Alerts].
• QR Code Scams: Consumers are warned to be cautious when scanning QR codes in public, particularly for parking payments, as scammers are exploiting this method [FTC Consumer Alerts].
• Car Dealership Website Spoofing: Dishonest actors are creating fake car dealership websites to deceive potential buyers [FTC Consumer Alerts].
• Brushing Scams: Unexpected packages may indicate a "brushing scam," where fraudsters use an individual's name to generate fake product reviews [FTC Consumer Alerts].
• Online Bill Pay Impersonators: The FTC cautions against fraudulent websites appearing in search results that mimic legitimate bill payment portals [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Broader Scam Prevention and Financial Literacy Advice

In addition to specific scam warnings, the FTC released general guidance throughout August and September 2026, encouraging consumers to plan ahead for National Preparedness Month to avoid disaster-related scams, report any scams they encounter, and exercise caution when making charitable donations [FTC Consumer Alerts]. For those facing tax debt, the FTC advised seeking legitimate assistance and being wary of companies promising unrealistic debt relief [FTC Consumer Alerts].

Separately, the CFPB's Deputy Director, Mark Paoletta, delivered remarks to the Financial Literacy and Education Commission on July 27, 2026, underscoring the ongoing importance of consumer financial education [CFPB Newsroom]. These combined warnings from the CFPB and FTC highlight a persistent need for vigilance and informed decision-making in managing personal finances and protecting against fraud.