Quick Links
- DFI Frequently Asked Questions
- FakeChecks.org
- Federal Reserve Consumer Help
- FDIC Insurance FAQs
- Having trouble paying your mortgage?
- HelpWithMyBank.gov
- How to Join a Credit Union
- National Consumer Protection Week March 2-8, 2008
- NCUA Share Insurance
- Search for current and/or non-current institutions (NIC)
Right Column
Consumer Services Office
The DFI Consumer Services Office facilitates communication between consumers and the various financial institutions that DFI regulates to assist in the dispute resolution process. It is not an advocate for the individual consumer or the licensee. We do not have the statutory authority to award damages, overturn fines or other charges, etc.
DFI licensees include California state-licensed banks, state-licensed credit unions, state-licensed trust companies, state-licensed industrial loan companies, state-licensed offices of foreign banks, issuers of travelers checks and payment instruments (money orders) and money transmitters. The DFI also receives complaints regarding the California Fair Lending Law for investigation.
Having an issue with a financial institution can be very frustrating. The best way to receive help and advice is to take a moment to find out which resource is the most appropriate for you to use. See the links included on this page and the description below to find the appropriate resource for your needs.
Because you and your bank, credit union, or money transmitter are most familiar with your account(s), please contact them directly to try to resolve any issue you may have. You may wish to contact senior management or the entity's consumer affairs representative for further assistance.
Important Note: The Consumer Services Office is not an advocate for the individual consumer or the licensee. The Consumer Services Office facilitates communication between the consumers and the financial institution to assist in the dispute resolution process. We do not have the statutory authority to award damages, overturn fines or other charges, etc.
- Ask us a question
- Consumer Events
- File a complaint
- Financial Education Directory - "Financial topics from A-Z"
- Look at a list of DFI licensees
- Read DFI consumer brochures
- Search for a DFI licensee
- Who Regulates My Financial Institution?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Get a lien satisfy (listing to help you locate the legal owner/lien holder on a vehicle or other property).
- Get legal help
- Look up California Real Estate and Financial Services License Information
- Search for consumer information on the California Consumer Services Center Web site
- Search for Unclaimed Property (from inactive bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, CDs, escrow accounts, etc.)
Consumer Tips
- DFI Consumer Tip: Prepare Now for ARM Interest Rate Resets!
- DFI Urges Consumers to Take Action Now Before they have Mortgage-related Problems
- The FDIC at 75: Protecting America's Consumers from Generation to Generation
- FDIC Consumer News Spring 2008 – Special Edition: Money Tips for All Ages — Your Finances at Different Stages of Life
- FDIC Issues Tips on Shopping for and Negotiating a Good Mortgage in the New, Tougher Climate for Loans
Consumer Calculators
Find out how much can you save if you divide your monthly mortgage payment from one payment to two bi-monthly payments. How much interest will you pay overtime if you make only the minimum required payment on your credit card bill. Forecast the real cost of buying and owning a car. And other calculators to help you make informed financial decisions.
Department of Corporation - Education and Outreach - Calculators
Important Contact Information
- Toll-free Hot Line - (888) 995-HOPE: Provides immediate foreclosure counseling to borrowers who are having a hard time keeping up with their mortgages.
- FDIC Customer Assistance Form, submit questions and complaints about FDIC-regulated financial institutions. FDIC Call Center 1-877-ASK-FDIC (877-275-3342) or TDD: 800-925-4618.
- Federal Reserve Consumer Help, ConsumerHelp@FederalReserve.gov, 888-851-1920. If you have a problem with a bank or other financial institution.
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Consumer Complaints and Assistance. Customer Assistance Line 1-800-613-6743.
- Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) consumer response hot line. Consumer Complaint Line 1-800-842-6929.