Consumer litigation activity reversed course in March 2026, with WebRecon’s latest data showing a near-complete flip from February’s trends. After leading all categories with a 33.3% monthly increase in February, TCPA filings dipped 3.1% in March, while FDCPA and FCRA both recorded strong gains of 17.3% and 18.9%, respectively. CFPB complaints also climbed, rising 18.9% from February. Despite the month-to-month volatility, year-to-date figures across all four categories remain well ahead of 2025 levels, reinforcing that the broader litigation environment continues to run at an elevated pace through the first quarter of 2026.

Two features of the current litigation landscape continued to stand out in March. TCPA class actions maintained their historically elevated trajectory, comprising 77.7% of all TCPA filings, a proportion that amplifies financial exposure well beyond what the monthly filing count alone would suggest. Repeat plaintiffs also remained a significant presence, with approximately 43% of individuals filing suit in March having previously brought at least one consumer protection action. Together, these dynamics reinforce that even months marked by declining TCPA volume can carry substantial litigation risk for financial services companies operating in the consumer space.

Key Statistics

·       Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): 931 cases filed in March (12 as class actions), an 18.9% increase from February and a 45.0% increase compared to March 2025.

·       Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): 413 cases filed (28 as class actions), a 17.3% increase from February and a 1.7% increase compared to March 2025.

·       Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): 283 cases filed (220 as class actions), a 3.1% decrease from February, but a 16.9% increase compared to March 2025.

·       Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Complaints: 33,397 complaints submitted in March, an 18.9% increase from February and a 56.0% increase compared to March 2025.

·       Unique Plaintiffs: Approximately 1,358 unique plaintiffs (including multiple plaintiffs in one suit).

·       Repeat Filers: About 583 of those plaintiffs, or 43%, had previously sued under consumer statutes.

·       Year-to-Date (YTD) Totals: 4,001 total lawsuits filed through March 2026, including 1,162 FDCPA, 2,546 FCRA, and 798 TCPA. All categories remain above their respective 2025 YTD totals, with FCRA up 40.1%, TCPA up 23.7%, and FDCPA up 12.1%. CFPB complaints also remain elevated, with 93,444 filed through March, up 46.6% compared to the same period in 2025.

Most Active Courts

·       Georgia Northern District Court – Atlanta (94 Lawsuits)

·       California Central District Court – Western Division – Los Angeles (93)

·       Illinois Northern District Court – Chicago (92)

·       Florida Middle District Court – Tampa (72)

·       California Central District Court – Southern Division – Santa Ana (54)

·       California Southern District Court – San Diego (42)

·       Florida Southern District Court – Miami (34)

·       New York Eastern District Court – Brooklyn (31)

·       Florida Middle District Court – Orlando (29)

·       New Jersey District Court – Newark (29)

Top States for CFPB Complaints

·       Texas (6,021 Complaints)

·       Florida (3,469)

·       Georgia (2,826)

·       California (2,624)

·       South Carolina (1,767)

·       North Carolina (1,401)

·       Pennsylvania (1,178)

·       New York (1,098)

·       Illinois (1,085)

·       Alabama (957)

March’s data underscores the volatility that has characterized consumer litigation in 2026, while confirming that the elevated baseline established last year remains firmly in place. FDCPA and FCRA filings rebounded sharply from February, signaling continued engagement by plaintiffs’ counsel across traditional consumer protection statutes. TCPA, though down slightly for the month, continues to pose disproportionate exposure given that more than three-quarters of its filings were brought as class actions. Perhaps most notable is the continued rise in CFPB complaints, which surged 56% above March 2025 levels despite the agency’s reduced enforcement posture, a reminder that the complaint channel remains an active source of regulatory and litigation risk regardless of agency priorities. With all four categories tracking meaningfully above their year-ago baselines through the first quarter, consumer finance companies should maintain robust compliance programs, proactive complaint monitoring, and litigation readiness as the year progresses.