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:

Fixing Bad Credit Over Time

Credit Card Tips

Disputing Errors on Your Credit Report 

Dealing with Debt Collectors

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: 

Child Identity Theft 

Malware, Viruses and Spyware 

Using Public WiFi 

Cyberbullying 

Phishing 

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 

Joining a Gym

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.