WebRecon: Consumer Litigation Increased Across TCPA, FDCPA and FCRA in April 

April marked the first time in more than a year that claims under all three major consumer protection statutes increased month-over-month.

Consumer litigation activity increased across the top three consumer protection statutes in April, according to the latest WebRecon report.

TCPA lawsuits rose 16.6%, FDCPA lawsuits increased 9.2% and FCRA lawsuits were up 4.6% compared with March. The month-over-month increase is notable because it marks the first time since March 2025 that all three categories have risen simultaneously. The year-to-date numbers also show continued growth, with TCPA lawsuits up 28.2%, FDCPA lawsuits up 17.6% and FCRA lawsuits up 45.3%.

The FCRA increase is a significant shift. While FCRA litigation has been growing steadily in recent years, April’s report shows momentum accelerating at a much stronger pace. CFPB complaints were the only major category to decline for the month, falling 19.2% from March, but they remain up 40.9% year-to-date.

Here is a breakdown of claims under accounts receivable management industry laws, as well as CFPB complaints, for April 2026:

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)

FDCPA lawsuits increased in April, rising 9.2% from March, with 451 filings compared with 413 the previous month. It also showed a strong year-over-year increase, up 34.6% from April 2025. Year-to-date, FDCPA lawsuits are up 17.6%, with 1,613 filings compared with 1,372 during the same period last year.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

TCPA lawsuits saw the largest month-over-month increase among the three major consumer protection statutes in April, rising 16.6% from March to 330 filings, up from 283. TCPA filings were also up 40.4% from April 2025. Year-to-date, TCPA lawsuits are up 28.2%, with 1,128 filings compared with 880 during the same period last year.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

FCRA lawsuits continued to stand out in April, increasing 4.6% from March, with 974 filings compared with 931 the previous month. The year-over-year jump was even more notable, with filings up 60.7% from April 2025. Year-to-date, FCRA lawsuits are up 45.3%, showing continued momentum in this area of consumer litigation.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

CFPB complaints were the only category to decline in April, falling 19.2% from March to 26,988 complaints from 33,397 the previous month. However, complaint volume remains well above last year’s. CFPB complaints were up 24.3% from April 2025 and are up 40.9% year-to-date, with 120,432 complaints compared with 85,477 during the same period last year.

The types of debt behind the CFPB complaints were: 

• 17,182 I do not know (64%)
• 3,143 Credit card debt (12%)
• 2,876 Other debt (11%)
• 1,194 Rental debt (4%)
• 1,162 Telecommunications debt (4%)
• 607 Medical debt (2%)
• 455 Auto debt (2%)
• 206 Payday loan debt (1%)
• 82 Private student loan debt (0%)
• 46 Mortgage debt (0%)
• 35 Federal student loan debt (0%)

 The most common type of complaint was attempts to collect debt not owed (12,545), followed by complaints about those who took or threatened negative or legal action (6,615).

Read the April 2026 WebRecon Report.

Stay tuned for next month’s snapshot as we continue tracking litigation and complaint trends that impact the ARM industry.