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Action required FTC Aug 1, 2026

FTC proposed order would permanently ban operator of student loan debt relief scheme

On July 21, 2026, the FTC announced a proposed order against Dennise Merdjanian, described by the agency as an operator of a student loan debt forgiveness scheme. The proposed order would permanently ban her from the debt relief industry and from telemarketing, which makes this a concrete federal enforcement development in the July 18 to August 1, 2026 window.

On July 21, 2026, the FTC announced a proposed order against Dennise Merdjanian, described by the agency as an operator of a student loan debt forgiveness scheme. The proposed order would permanently ban her from the debt relief industry and from telemarketing, which makes this a concrete federal enforcement development in the July 18 to August 1, 2026 window.

What changed

The FTC moved forward with a proposed enforcement order imposing an industry ban and telemarketing ban tied to alleged student loan debt relief misconduct.

Compliance perspective

Debt relief providers, lead generators, and telemarketers should review TSR controls, marketing claims, consent practices, and vendor oversight. Any student loan relief messaging should be checked closely for substantiation and prohibited representations.

Key date

Effective date: July 21, 2026.

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