In the wake of shifting economic tides, the American household is facing a complex financial landscape. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank, total consumer debt in the United States surged to a staggering $17.29 trillion by the third quarter of 2023. While the sheer frequency of accounts entering the collection process has shown…
Author: Consumers’ Checkbook Updated: August 20, 2026 Main Facts As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, it has unlocked a sinister new frontier for cybercriminals. No longer confined to poorly translated phishing emails and clunky text messages, con artists now deploy sophisticated AI algorithms to engineer hyper-realistic websites, deepfake audio, convincing video calls, and immaculate digital correspondence….
Introduction: The Allure of the Unknown Ever heard of the “surprise bag” or “mystery box” trend? If not, it is exactly what you might think. You purchase a sealed foil bag, a cardboard box, or a molded plastic capsule containing a mystery toy. The appeal—and the financial downfall, if you ask your bank account—is that…
BOSTON — September 14, 2026 — In a move designed to fortify its strategic vision and bolster its influence in the landscape of American consumer protection, the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) announced today a significant restructuring of its leadership team. The organization, a cornerstone of advocacy for low-income and vulnerable consumers, has officially appointed…
By PYMNTS September 21, 2026 Main Facts: The Cooling Consumer Economy Household spending growth continued its gradual deceleration in August, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Household Spending Survey, released Monday (Sept. 21). While consumers continue to open their wallets, the pace of expansion has cooled relative to…
In the wake of shifting economic tides, American households are facing an unprecedented challenge. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, consumer debt in the United States surged to a staggering $17.29 trillion by the third quarter of 2023. While the macro-level data suggests a slight decline in the total volume of accounts currently in collections,…
By Consumers’ Checkbook Updated: August 20, 2026 Main Facts The landscape of financial crime has undergone a seismic shift. Con artists and digital predators are no longer relying solely on poorly worded phishing emails or obvious telemarketing scripts. Armed with advanced artificial intelligence, cybercriminals are now capable of generating hyper-realistic fake websites, convincing voice cloning,…
BOSTON — September 14, 2026 — The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), a preeminent force in the fight for economic justice and consumer rights, announced a significant shift in its institutional leadership today. The organization has appointed two nationally recognized legal authorities to its Board of Directors and ushered in a new chapter of governance…
SAN FRANCISCO — August 19, 2026 — As California accelerates its transition toward a carbon-neutral future, a new battlefront has emerged in the fight for consumer protection. A scathing issue brief released this week by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and the National Housing Law Project (NHLP) has cast a spotlight on "tariffed on-bill…
In the current economic climate, the burden of debt has become a defining characteristic of the American financial experience. As of the third quarter of 2023, the Federal Reserve Bank reported that total consumer debt in the United States had surged to an unprecedented $17.29 trillion. While data suggests a slight decline in the total…
