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
Find answers to your questions about banking products or bank practices.
Managing credit and debt
Helpful information from the Federal Trade Commission:
Disputing Errors on Your Credit Report
Staying safe online
The Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and many other federal agencies, maintains OnGuardOnline.gov, with current information about using online resources wisely and safely. Topics include:
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
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
Information from Federal Trade Commission.
Phishing scams
Information from Federal Trade Commission.
Investment fraud
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
Health Information for Seniors
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
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
Federal government agency responsible for protecting America's consumers.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Federal government agency that protects consumers through education and enforcement of Federal consumer financial law.