Welcome to the California Department of Financial Institutions

Special Note for PayPal Customers

The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) regulates PayPal’s transmissions of money to foreign countries from California. DFI does not regulate any other business practice by PayPal.

Please contact the California Department of Justice regarding disputes regarding purchases conducted on line and any other issues other than transmissions of money abroad.

File A Complaint (English/Spanish)

Attention: File a complaint against lenders and brokers

1

Check our List of DFI Licensees or complete a Search for Licensees to determine that your bank,
credit union, etc. is licensed by DFI.

Important: DFI can only help you with questions and complaints regarding financial institutions that we regulate.

2

Review the DFI Questions and Answers page? Read our consumer brochures.

3

Now you may file a complaint against a DFI licensee by any of the following methods:

  • Fill out a DFI Complaint Form
    Consumer Complaints
    Quejas del consumidor (Spanish)
  • Write a letter. What to include in the letter:
    • Your complete name and mailing address (This should match your bank's records.)
    • Your daytime telephone number.
    • Your account number(s).
    • A detailed explanation of the complaint or inquiry and a description of how you would like the matter resolved.
    • The signature of the account holder, legal guardian, power of attorney, or other person authorized to act for the account holder. If you are not the account holder, you must include documentation indicating your authority.
    • Documentation supporting your position.
    • Sign and date the letter.
  • Mail to:
    Department of Financial Institutions
    Consumer Services
    1810 13th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
  • Fax to:
    (916) 445-2123
  • Email to:
    consumer.complaint@dfi.ca.gov
    Call us if you have questions about the complaint form: Toll-free 1-800-622-0620.

4

What you can expect from us.

  • We will send you a letter within ten business days acknowledging receipt of your complaint.
  • We will assign you a unique customer number.
  • We will contact your financial institution (if it is licensed by DFI) on your behalf for a response.
  • We will request that the financial institution respond directly to you with a copy to our office.