Find an Attorney
You may want to contact a lawyer. Your legal claim will be lost if you wait too long to seek legal help. If you are sued, almost always you must quickly file a written answer explaining why you dispute the claim or you will automatically lose the case.
File a Complaint
We recommend that you file a complaint with the appropriate state and federal agencies, as they may be able to assist you and will want to learn about problems that that lawmakers and regulators should address.
If your complaint involves a bank, you can file a complaint with the bank’s primary federal regulator, which may be the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). You can identify the bank’s regulator on the FDIC’s BankFind website by selecting “Bank Name” as the search type, then listing the bank’s name. If your complaint involves a credit union, you can complain to the National Credit Union Administration.
Reporters from newspaper, television or internet sites can also bring attention to a problem and often prompt a response from a company.
If your problem involves a scam or fraud, you should visit www.ReportFraud.FTC.gov, where you can find information about next steps.
You may also be able to obtain help and bring the problem to the attention of lawmakers by contacting your senators at www.Senate.gov or your representative at www.House.gov or by calling the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 and asking for your senator or representative.
Additional Resources
You can find a variety of educational materials, free resources, counseling, and advice to help consumers below:
Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project
National Consumer Law Center’s Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project is a related website for borrowers, their families, and advocates representing student loan borrowers.
Learn More
Surviving Debt
Surviving Debt, recently named “the best all around guide to navigating debt” by Business Insider, is NCLC’s leading resource for consumers, counselors and other non-attorneys. It’s available electronically for free on the NCLC Digital Library and for just $20 in print.
Read Here
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Consumer Action
- How to Apply for the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
- Foreclosure prevention assistance: HUD Approved Housing Counseling Organizations
- Free legal counseling for workers and retirees who live or worked in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Illinois: Pension Action Center
- U.S. military servicemembers: Free Legal Assistance
- Energy and utility questions? National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates
Disclaimer: None of the information provided in this web site should be regarded as legal advice. If you need legal advice, you should consult an attorney. Persons who need a lawyer or legal advice should contact their local bar association, legal services program, or legal aid society.