Financial problems are not always caused by poor budgeting.
Sometimes the problem is a fraudulent transaction, identity theft, misleading financial product, unauthorized account activity, questionable debt-collection behavior, or a scam that looked legitimate at first.
When something goes wrong, knowing where to look for reliable information can save time.
This page collects consumer-protection resources and explains when an official organization may be the better place to start.
Start With The Organization Behind The Problem
If you have a problem with a bank, lender, credit-reporting company, debt collector, payment provider, or another financial business, first identify exactly which organization is involved.
Then look for the appropriate official regulator or consumer-protection agency.
The CFPB provides consumer resources covering financial products and services, including credit cards, credit reports, debt collection, fraud and scams, bank accounts, money transfers, mortgages, and student loans.
Explore CFPB Consumer Resources
Financial Complaints
If you have already tried to resolve a financial-product problem with the company and still need help, the CFPB provides a consumer complaint process for certain financial products and services.
The CFPB says complaints can be forwarded to the company involved and that companies generally respond within 15 days, although the exact process and circumstances can vary.
Before submitting a complaint, keep copies of relevant statements, correspondence, transaction records, and other documentation.
Identity Theft
Identity theft can involve unauthorized use of personal information to open accounts, make purchases, obtain services, or commit other forms of fraud.
If you believe your identity has been compromised, do not rely on a random website offering to “fix” the problem for a fee.
Start with an official consumer-protection resource.
The FTC provides consumer information and reporting resources related to identity theft and scams.
Financial Scams
Scams can appear in many forms.
Examples include:
- Fake job opportunities
- Investment scams
- Impersonation scams
- Fake debt-collection messages
- Phishing attempts
- Romance scams
- Fake government communications
- Payment scams
- Fraudulent online marketplaces
The FTC maintains educational materials covering identity theft, job and money-making scams, impersonation scams, unwanted calls and messages, and other fraud topics.
Be Careful With Urgent Financial Requests
Pressure is a common warning sign.
Be especially cautious when someone tells you that you must immediately:
- Send money
- Buy gift cards
- Transfer cryptocurrency
- Provide a password
- Share a verification code
- Give remote access to your computer
- Send copies of identity documents
An unexpected message does not become trustworthy simply because it uses a company logo or appears to know some information about you.
If something seems suspicious, independently find the organization’s official website and contact it through information you locate there.
Credit-Report Problems
Errors on a credit report can create problems when you apply for credit, housing, or other services.
If you identify information you believe is incorrect, document the problem and follow the dispute process provided by the relevant credit-reporting organization.
Do not pay an unfamiliar company simply because it claims it can instantly repair your credit.
Our guide What to Check on Your Credit Report Before Applying for a Loan or Credit Card provides a practical checklist for reviewing your report.
Protecting Your Financial Accounts
Basic account security still matters.
Use unique passwords where possible, enable multi-factor authentication when available, review account activity regularly, and avoid entering sensitive information after following an unexpected link.
If you receive a suspicious message from a financial institution, contact the institution through its official website or the phone number printed on a statement or payment card rather than using the contact information supplied in the suspicious message.
Keep Records
When dealing with a financial dispute, records can become extremely useful.
Save:
- Account statements
- Emails
- Letters
- Transaction confirmations
- Screenshots
- Complaint numbers
- Dates and times of calls
- Names or identifiers provided by representatives
Organized records make it easier to explain what happened and when.
Important Reminder
Consumer-protection procedures differ by country, state, financial product, and organization.
The resources on this page are primarily U.S.-focused. If you live elsewhere, identify the relevant consumer-protection authority, financial regulator, credit-reporting organization, or law-enforcement agency in your jurisdiction.
Interest-Story provides educational information. We do not investigate individual fraud claims, determine whether a company violated the law, or provide legal representation.
When money or identity information is at risk, use official channels and act promptly.