The Corner Post
Plain-English coverage of the consumer-protection landscape: what happened, what it means for you, and what the record shows — every fact attributed and dated. RSS feed · Editorial standards
Truth in Lending ActCFPB and Federal Reserve Announce 2026 Dollar Thresholds for Truth in Lending and Consumer Leasing Protections
The CFPB and the Federal Reserve Board have announced the updated dollar thresholds that determine which consumer credit and lease transactions are covered by federal disclosure protections in 2026. Transactions at or below these amounts must comply with Regulation Z (Truth in Lending) and Regulation M (Consumer Leasing) rules.
FTC enforcementBill Payment Firm Doxo Agrees to Pay $2.1 Million to Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Ads and Hidden Fees
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $2.1 million settlement with online bill payment company Doxo and two of its co-founders over allegations that the company ran misleading search ads and charged consumers undisclosed add-on fees. The FTC alleged the company's ads impersonated consumers' actual billers, leading people to pay through Doxo without realizing they were using a third-party service that tacked on extra charges.
Buy Now Pay LaterCFPB Will Not Prioritize Enforcement of Its 2024 Buy Now, Pay Later Rule
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced on May 6, 2025, that it will not make enforcement of its 2024 Buy Now, Pay Later rule a priority. That rule had extended Truth in Lending Act protections to BNPL digital account products.
FTC enforcementFTC and Connecticut Reach $4 Million Settlement with Manchester City Nissan Over Alleged Deceptive Fee Charges
The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Connecticut have reached a $4 million settlement with Manchester City Nissan, a Connecticut auto dealer, along with its owners and managers. The settlement resolves allegations that the dealership double-charged customers for certified pre-owned vehicles and collected fees consumers never agreed to pay.
mortgage credit accessCFPB Seeks Public Input on Simplifying Mortgage Disclosures and Reducing Borrower Burdens
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a formal Request for Information asking the public to weigh in on whether current mortgage disclosure rules — including TRID, the right of rescission, and reverse mortgage disclosures — create unnecessary burdens for borrowers or lenders. The agency is exploring potential regulatory changes aimed at helping creditworthy borrowers more easily access home loans.
personalized pricingFTC Opens Public Comment Period on Personalized Pricing Enforcement Policy
The Federal Trade Commission has released a proposed enforcement policy statement on personalized pricing — where companies use personal data to charge individual consumers what they're estimated to be willing to pay — and is now asking the public to weigh in. The comment period gives consumers and businesses a formal opportunity to respond before the FTC finalizes its legal position.
CFPB fundingCFPB Publishes Its Own Estimate of What the Agency Costs Consumers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released an official analysis in February 2026 estimating how much the agency's operations cost consumers. The report is the CFPB's own accounting of its financial footprint relative to the consumer protections it provides.
FTC enforcementFTC Finalizes $930,000 Settlement with Cox Media Group and Two Firms Over Alleged AI "Active Listening" Marketing Deception
The Federal Trade Commission has finalized settlement orders requiring Cox Media Group and two other companies to pay a combined $930,000 over charges that they falsely claimed to offer an AI-powered advertising service that could target ads based on conversations picked up by consumers' smart devices. The FTC also charged that the firms falsely represented that consumers had opted into this type of targeting.
educationMedical bill disputes: how to request a correction, appeal a denial, or escalate a complaint
To dispute a medical bill, start by requesting an itemized bill, compare it to your insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB), identify the specific type of error, and submit a written challenge to the billing office or insurer. Those four steps form the core of any medical billing dispute, regardless of whether the problem involves a coding mistake, a coverage denial, or a charge you did not expect.
educationHow to Get an Itemized Hospital Bill: Request Steps, What to Expect, and How to Spot Errors
You can request an itemized hospital bill directly from the hospital's billing office — it lists every charge line by line, not just a summary total. Knowing how to ask, what to look for, and when to follow up puts you in a stronger position if any charge looks wrong.
educationDebt Collectors and Workplace Calls: What You Can Do to Stop Them
Debt collectors can initially contact you at your workplace, but you have an immediate right to tell them to stop — and they must comply. Once you notify a collector that workplace calls are inconvenient or not permitted by your employer, they are not allowed to call you there again.
educationHow to Respond to a Debt Collection Letter: Dispute, Verify, Negotiate, or Stop Contact
When a debt collection letter arrives, you have the right to dispute the debt, request written verification, negotiate a settlement, or ask the collector to stop contacting you — choose the response that fits your situation, then send it in writing by certified mail. Putting your choice in writing and keeping a dated copy creates a clear record of what you asked for and when.
educationUnfamiliar Debt on Your Credit Report: How to Verify It Before You Respond
If you see a debt on your credit report that you don't recognize, verify its legitimacy before responding or paying. Acting too quickly — including making a payment — can have consequences you may not expect.
educationDebt Validation: What It Is and How to Request It From a Debt Collector
Debt validation is your right to require a debt collector to prove that a debt exists, that the amount is accurate, and that they have the legal authority to collect it. Under federal law, collectors who receive a written validation request are commonly expected to pause collection activity and respond before continuing.
educationCredit report disputes: how the investigation timeline works and what to expect
When you dispute information on your credit report, the credit bureau is required to investigate and typically wraps up that process within a legally set window. The timeline is fixed by federal law, and knowing the general shape of it helps you follow up with confidence.
educationCredit Report Disputes: What They Are and How the Investigation Process Works
A credit report dispute is a formal request you send to a credit bureau asking it to investigate information you believe is wrong. Once you submit a dispute in writing, the bureau is generally required to look into it and tell you what it found.
educationCredit bureau dispute response: what happens next and what you can do
After a credit bureau finishes reviewing your dispute, it must tell you the result and explain what, if anything, changed on your report. Knowing the sequence of steps that follow — and what to do at each one — helps you stay in control of the process.
educationCredit report dispute documents: the complete checklist of what to send
A credit report dispute package has five document categories: a written dispute letter, proof of identity, proof of current address, a marked copy of your credit report, and supporting documents specific to the error type. Sending all five together in one package gives the credit bureau everything it needs to investigate without coming back to you for more.
educationCo-Signer Rights and Responsibilities on Auto Loans: Financial Guarantee, Not Ownership
A co-signer on a car loan is a financial guarantor — not an owner of the vehicle. That one distinction shapes every right and every risk that comes with signing.
educationLate or incorrect car payment posting: how to fix the record and protect your credit
If your car payment was applied late or posted incorrectly, there are two parallel paths to take: contact your lender or servicer right away with proof of payment, and — if a late mark has already appeared on your credit report — file a dispute with the credit bureaus and the furnisher. Acting on both fronts at the same time gives you the clearest paper trail.
educationGAP Insurance Refund After Early Payoff: How the Process Works and What Affects Your Eligibility
When you pay off a car loan early, any unused portion of a GAP insurance policy you purchased may be refundable. Whether you receive a full refund, a partial refund, or nothing at all depends on your contract terms, where you bought the policy, and the rules in your state.
educationCar loan charge disputes: how to question a fee or payment error with your lender in writing
Disputing a car loan charge means sending your lender a written notice that identifies the specific fee, interest posting, or payment application error you believe is wrong. A clear, dated letter with supporting documents is the foundation of any account-level dispute.
educationAuto loan disputes: what to keep in your file and why it matters
When you dispute an auto loan charge or account issue, your paper trail is your strongest tool. A well-organized file of dated documents gives you something concrete to point to if the process stalls.
educationPayoff statements: what they are and what to check before you pay off your auto loan
A payoff statement is a document from an auto lender that shows the exact amount needed to fully pay off a loan on a specific date. It typically includes the remaining principal, any accrued interest, and fees that would be owed through the quoted payoff date.
educationGAP coverage refunds after early payoff: what consumers need to know
When you pay off a car loan early, any unused portion of a GAP coverage policy may be refundable. The refund amount typically depends on how much time or mileage remains on the original coverage period.
educationFollowing up with a silent auto lender: steps to keep your dispute moving
When an auto lender stops responding to a dispute, a documented follow-up in writing is the most reliable way to restart the process. Staying organized and persistent — without waiting indefinitely — is what tends to move things forward.
educationCo-signing a car loan: what it means for both signers
When you co-sign a car loan, you become equally responsible for the full debt — not just a backup. Both the primary borrower and the co-signer are on the hook for every payment from day one.
educationTrading in a car with a loan balance: the paperwork worth keeping
When a car is traded in while a loan is still outstanding, the dealership takes on the existing balance and applies it to the new financing. Keeping the right documents from that transaction makes it easier to catch errors and resolve disputes later.
educationCredit bureau written disputes: how the process generally works
When you send a written dispute to a credit bureau, the bureau is generally expected to investigate your claim and let you know what it found. Including supporting documents and keeping proof of what you sent helps you follow up if the response is unclear or incomplete.
educationCar loan disputes and credit reports: why the two often travel together
When a car loan is reported inaccurately, the problem usually shows up on a credit report — which means consumers often need to dispute the same issue with both the auto lender and the credit bureau at the same time. Understanding how each side handles disputes separately helps you work through both channels without getting lost.
educationDebt Validation: What It Is and How to Request It in Writing
Debt validation is the process of asking a debt collector to confirm in writing that a debt is real, accurate, and actually owed by you. Submitting that request in writing creates a dated record and commonly prompts the collector to pause collection activity while they respond.
educationDebt collector first contact: how to respond and protect your record
When a debt collector contacts you for the first time, you have the option to ask them to verify the debt in writing before you take any further action. Keeping a clear paper trail from that first contact forward is one of the most practical things you can do.
educationDisputing a Debt in Writing: How Verification Requests Work and Why a Paper Trail Matters
When you dispute a debt in writing, collectors are commonly asked to verify that debt before continuing collection activity. Keeping a dated copy of your dispute letter creates a clear record of what you asked for and when.
educationKeeping records of debt collection contacts: why a paper trail matters
When a debt collector contacts you, keeping dated records of every call, letter, and written dispute you send creates a clear timeline of what happened and when. That paper trail can be important if you later need to show what you asked for and how a collector responded.
educationUnrecognized debt: how to request verification and protect your record
If a debt collector contacts you about a debt you don't recognize, you can ask them in writing to verify that the debt is valid. Collectors are commonly asked to provide that verification before collection activity continues.
educationDisputing a bank fee or charge: how the review process usually works
When you dispute a fee or charge with your bank, the bank typically reviews the dispute in writing and asks you to identify the specific dates and amounts involved. Having your records organized before you reach out makes the process smoother.
educationBank transaction disputes: the records worth keeping before you file
When you dispute a bank transaction or fee, having your statements, exact amounts, dates, and any confirmation numbers on hand gives the bank what it needs to review your case. Organized records make it easier to point to the precise charge in question and to follow up if the process stalls.
educationClosing a bank account cleanly: a paperwork checklist
Closing a bank account without loose ends means redirecting every automatic payment and deposit before you cancel, and getting written confirmation that the account is closed and the balance is zero. Skipping steps in that sequence is the most common reason people face surprise fees or collections notices months later.
educationMedical bill questions: how to request an itemized bill and dispute charges you don't understand
When a medical bill doesn't add up, you can ask the billing office for an itemized bill and dispute any charge in writing. That process — requesting a line-by-line breakdown and comparing it against your insurer's explanation of benefits — is the standard starting point for questioning what you owe.
educationItemized medical bills: what they are and why requesting one helps you spot billing errors
An itemized medical bill lists every individual charge on your account — each procedure, supply, and fee — line by line. Reviewing this document is one of the most practical ways to catch errors or unexpected charges before you pay.
educationInsurance claim dispute letters: what to include and how to organize one
When you dispute an insurance claim decision, your letter should clearly identify your policy, your claim, and the specific reason you believe the decision was wrong. Putting the right details in writing from the start gives the insurer what it needs to review your case and gives you a record if you need to follow up.
educationInsurance claim file: the records that help you dispute a denial or delay
When an insurance claim goes sideways, the records you kept before the problem started are often the most powerful tool you have. A well-organized claim file gives you the paper trail needed to challenge a denial or push back on an adjuster's decision.
educationSecurity deposit disputes: the records that make your case easier to follow
When a security deposit dispute arises, the records you kept during your tenancy — lease, photos, and dated messages — are what give you a clear, documented story to stand on. Landlords and property managers are commonly asked to provide a written, itemized breakdown of any deductions, so having your own paper trail lets you compare their account against yours.
educationDisputing a phone or internet bill: how the process usually works
When a charge on your phone or internet bill looks wrong, most providers have a written dispute process where you identify the account and the specific charge in question. Knowing what to expect — and what to keep handy — makes the process smoother.
fair lendingCFPB and DOJ Withdraw Joint Guidance on Fair Lending Protections for Noncitizen Borrowers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Justice have jointly withdrawn a guidance statement that addressed how immigration status may be considered by creditors under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The withdrawal removes an official interpretation that had offered direction on fair lending obligations toward noncitizen applicants.
educationWritten disputes vs. phone calls: why a paper trail gives you more leverage
When you dispute a charge or error in writing, you create a dated record that both you and the company can refer back to. Phone calls leave no trail — written disputes do.
educationWritten repair requests: why putting housing maintenance in writing protects renters
When a renter submits a repair request in writing and keeps a copy, they create a dated record of what was reported and when. That paper trail is one of the most practical tools a tenant has if a maintenance dispute later surfaces.
educationSubscription keeps charging after cancellation: how to document and dispute the bills
When a subscription continues to charge you after you cancel, you have a documented paper trail to build — and a clear process to follow. Getting the right records together early is the step that makes every dispute easier to resolve.
CFPB enforcementCFPB Steps In to Ensure Bilt Customers Are Made Whole After Bank Partner Switch
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau met with Bilt to review problems that arose when the fintech company switched to a new bank partner, and has been actively working to ensure affected customers receive appropriate remedies. This is an official agency action, not an enforcement lawsuit.
FTC enforcementFTC Settles Antitrust Case Against Caremark, One of the Nation's Largest PBMs
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement agreement with Caremark and its affiliated entities, resolving an antitrust enforcement action against the pharmacy benefit manager. The settlement is designed to lower patients' out-of-pocket drug costs, improve pricing transparency, and require fairer treatment of community pharmacies.
FTC enforcementCelsius Network Founders Ordered to Pay $16.5 Million in FTC Settlement, Face Industry Ban
The FTC reached a settlement requiring three founders of Celsius Network Inc. to pay a combined $16.5 million over charges that they misled users about the safety and accessibility of their cryptocurrency deposits. The proposed orders also bar all three individuals from offering services that allow consumers to deposit or withdraw digital assets.
CFPB enforcementCFPB Amends Consent Order with Wise Over Remittance Fee and Exchange Rate Disclosures
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau updated its January 2025 consent order with international money-transfer company Wise, which had resolved charges that the company advertised inaccurate fees and did not properly disclose exchange rates and other transfer costs to customers.
FTC enforcementFTC Distributes $2.7 Million in Refunds to Consumers Affected by Handy Technologies
The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $2.7 million in refunds to consumers who were harmed by Handy Technologies, a home-services marketplace platform. The payments are part of an official FTC enforcement action resulting in consumer redress.
FCRA enforcementRentGrow to Pay $2.25 Million to Settle FTC Allegations of FCRA Violations in Tenant Screening Reports
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $2.25 million settlement with RentGrow, a tenant screening company, over allegations that it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the FTC Act. The FTC alleges RentGrow failed to use reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of its consumer reports, including by reporting duplicate records and not disclosing the sources of its data.
FTC enforcementFTC Finalizes $750,000 Order Against TruHeight Over Deceptive Supplement Ads Targeting Kids and Teens
The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order against Vanilla Chip LLC, which sells supplements under the name TruHeight, requiring the company and its two principals to pay $750,000. The order also permanently bars them from making unsupported health claims and using fake or incentivized reviews.
privacyFTC and Two States Sue Hims & Hers Over Alleged Health Data Sharing and Deceptive Billing
The Federal Trade Commission, joined by Utah and California, filed a lawsuit against telehealth company Hims & Hers on July 29, 2026. The complaint alleges the company shared consumers' sensitive health information with third-party advertising platforms while publicly promising to protect patient privacy, and also allegedly deceived users about billing and cancellation practices.
student loan debt relief scamFTC Wins Permanent Debt Relief and Telemarketing Ban Against Operator Named in $45.9 Million Student Loan Scheme
A federal enforcement action resulted in a proposed consent order that would permanently bar individual from working in the debt relief industry or telemarketing. The FTC's complaint alleges that the individual and others named in the suit took in more than $45.9 million from consumers through an unlawful student loan debt relief operation.
FTC enforcementFTC Mails $672,000 in Refund Checks to Consumers Affected by Trend Deploy's Deceptive Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission is distributing more than $672,000 to nearly 9,500 consumers who were deceived by Trend Deploy and its operator, Frank Romero. Refund checks are being mailed directly to affected consumers, who have 90 days to cash them.
CFPB enforcementCFPB Settles 2021 Military Lending Act Lawsuit Against Pawnshop Lender FirstCash
A federal lawsuit the CFPB filed against pawnshop operator FirstCash, Inc. and nineteen related companies — charging them with violating protections for active-duty servicemembers — has ended in a settlement. The parties jointly submitted a stipulated final judgment to the court on July 11, 2025, which still requires a judge's approval to take effect.
consumer complaint systemCFPB Announces Reforms to Fix Its Consumer Complaint Portal
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has announced steps to address longstanding problems with its consumer complaint portal, aiming to make the system more accurate and useful. The agency says the changes are intended to restore the integrity of complaint data and improve how complaints are handled.
auto-financeFTC formally withdraws the CARS Rule after court vacatur — existing consumer-protection laws still apply to car dealers
The FTC formally withdrew its Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule effective February 12, 2026, after a federal appeals court vacated it. The rule's specific requirements — a true offering price up front and express consent for add-ons — are not taking effect, but the FTC Act's ban on unfair or deceptive practices and state consumer-protection laws remain in force.
auto-financeFTC and Maryland announce settlement with Lindsay Auto Group: over $75 million in charges may be eligible for refunds
The FTC and the Maryland Attorney General announced on April 2, 2026 that Lindsay Automotive Group and its executives will return money to resolve allegations of falsely advertised low prices and unwanted add-on charges. Per the FTC, consumers charged a total of more than $75 million between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2025 may be eligible for redress.
surprise-billingSurprise-billing arbitration filings doubled in 2025 — and the federal fee to file has dropped from $115 to $15
Providers and health plans filed 1.2 million new disputes in the No Surprises Act's federal arbitration system in the first half of 2025 — more than double the same period in 2024, in a process federal officials once expected to handle about 17,000 disputes a year. Separately, for disputes started on or after June 11, 2026, the federal administrative fee dropped from $115 to $15 per party.