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Consumer Protection Resources

State and federal agencies provide many tips and resources to consumers in an effort to make sure they are well-informed before buying financial products and services. They also try to alert consumers to common scams and fraudulent offers.

Banking

HelpWithMyBank.gov(link is external)
Find answers to your questions about banking products or bank practices.

Managing credit and debt 

Helpful information from the Federal Trade Commission:

Fixing Bad Credit Over Time(link is external)

Credit Card Tips(link is external)

Disputing Errors on Your Credit Report (link is external)

Dealing with Debt Collectors(link is external)

Staying safe online 

The Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with the Department of Homeland  Security and many other federal agencies, maintains OnGuardOnline.gov(link is external), with current  information about using online resources wisely and safely. Topics include: 

Child Identity Theft (link is external)

Malware, Viruses and Spyware (link is external)

Using Public WiFi (link is external)

Cyberbullying (link is external)

Phishing (link is external)

Payday loans

DFI's Consumer Guide to Payday Loans in Washington state.
Information about payday loans in Washington state.

Housing and foreclosure assistance

Homeownership.wa.gov
Housing and foreclosure assistance information from DFI.

Washington State Housing Finance Commission(link is external)
Homebuying assistance programs and free educational classes.

DFI's Guide to Home Loans
Guide to buying a home and obtaining a mortgage.

Insurance products

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Helpful information and assistance for insurance products.

Avoiding common scams

Home improvement scams
Information from Attorney General's Office.

Relative in need or "grandparent" scam
Information from Attorney General's Office.

Identity theft
Information from Attorney General's Office.

Fake calls about your SSN(link is external)
Information from Federal Trade Commission.

Phishing scams(link is external)
Information from Federal Trade Commission.

Investment fraud(link is external)
Information from DFI.

Health and Safety 

The Federal Trade Commission provides links to many state and federal resources designed to help consumers make the best heath care choices available. Some  specific topics include: 

Generic Drugs and Low-Cost Prescriptions (link is external)

Joining a Gym(link is external)

Health Information for Seniors (link is external)

General consumer protection resources

Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
Offers consumer protection resources and services related to financial products and services. 

Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Offers consumer protection resources and services for Washington residents.

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Insurance information and protection for Washington residents.

National Do Not Call Registry(link is external)
The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. If they do, you can file a complaint at this Website. You can register your home or mobile phone for free. Your registration will be effective for five years.

Federal Trade Commission(link is external)
Federal government agency responsible for protecting America's consumers.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(link is external)
Federal government agency that protects consumers through education and enforcement of Federal consumer financial law.