The VPLC interns have created a resource list as a part of greater action plan for those dealing with faulty financial products. This list is designed to provide consumers with the tools needed to lodge a complaint to the proper authorities. The word “complaint” can have negative connotations, creating images of whining, nagging, and pestering, but issuing a complaint can be highly productive. For those recovering from the negative effects of damaging financial services and products, it can be a tough ask to go on record with private issues and introduce them to the public forum. But, one person’s complaint is almost definitely shared by others, and the more information that consumers have, the better. The list offers advice on a range of actions from disputing a credit report to lodging a complaint with a government agency to telling one's story to increase awareness. The how-to list can be found below.
Issuing a Complaint to the Bureau of Financial Institutions (BFI)
Information on filing a complaint can be found at the SCC’s website at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/bfi/complain.aspx and to file complaints directed to the BFI visit http://www.scc.virginia.gov/bfi/files/complaint_info.pdf for guidelines on submitting a written complaint. To check up on your complaint or make an additional inquiry, call 1-800-552-7945 (VA only.)
Issuing a Complaint to the Office of Consumer Affairs
Issuing a complaint to the Office of Consumer Affairs can be done online at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumers/cgi-bin/complaints.cgi. There you will be directed to fill out a form with the subject matter of your complaint. You will then be given the information (telephone number, mailing address etc.) of the organization that will field your complaint. You may also call the hotline at the Office of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-552-9963.
Issuing a Complaint to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
To issue a complaint with the CFPB in regards to foreclosures, home loans, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, land purchases or rentals from a developer, deposit accounts, other financial products or services, or even non financial products or services, visit the CFPB’s complaints portion of its site at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/get-help-now/consumer-questions-and-complaints/. To tell your story to this federal watchdog, fill in the tab at https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/tellyourstory. Note that this is not a complaint form.
Disputing a Credit Report
To dispute a credit report, you must send a dispute letter. For more information on where and how to send a dispute, visit http://myfaircredit.com/s/correcting-your-credit. For additional help and a sample dispute letter, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre21.shtm.
Internet Crimes
If you believe you have been the victim of internet fraud, go to http://www.ic3.gov to issue a complaint online. Fill out the online form on the home page of the site.
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