Financial and Revenue Services Section

CONSUMER RESOURCES:

• AVOIDING FINANCIAL SCAMS

  The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (“DCP”) provides guidance for consumers to help them avoid common types of fraud and scams, including identity theft and other financial scams.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to DCP.

  The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) provides resources to help consumers avoid financial-related scams, including descriptions of common types of scams.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to the CFPB.

  The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) also provides consumers guidance on avoiding common types of scams.  Click here to report a fraud to the FTC.

• STATE AND FEDERAL TAXES

  The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (“DRS”) has statutory authority to collect state income and other taxes from individuals and businesses pursuant to state law.  The DRS website provides information and resources for taxpayers, including how to obtain assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Office.

  The federal Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has statutory authority under federal law to collect federal income and other taxes from individuals and businesses.  The IRS website provides information and resources for taxpayers, including how to obtain assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

• INSURANCE

  The Connecticut Insurance Department (“CID”) licenses and regulates insurance companies doing business in Connecticut, including those offering auto, homeowners, health, long-term disability, and life insurance.  Click here to submit insurance-related complaints or other inquiries.  Click here to learn more about the role of CID’s Consumer Affairs Unit.

• SECURITIES / BUSINESS INVESTMENTS

  The Connecticut Department of Banking enforces the Connecticut Uniform Securities Act and the Connecticut Business Opportunity Investment Act.  In addition, the Department supervises and regulates certain aspects of the securities industry.  Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry to the Department.  Click here to access the Department’s educational resources for investors, which includes tips on investment fraud, cryptocurrency, and investment fees.

  The federal Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) operates a comprehensive website – Investor.gov – providing information and resources for first-time and experienced investors.  Click here to submit a complaint or question to the SEC.

• BANKS / CREDIT UNIONS

  Information on banks and credit unions operating in Connecticut is available here.

  State chartered banks and credit unions operating in Connecticut are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Banking.  Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry regarding a bank or credit union regulated by the Department.

  Federally chartered banks operating in Connecticut are primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  Complaints and other inquiries may be submitted to these agencies via their websites.

  Federally chartered credit unions are regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”).  Complaints and other inquiries may be submitted to the NCUA via its website.

• MORTGAGE LOANS / FORECLOSURE

  The Connecticut Department of Banking regulates state-licensed mortgage loan originators and servicers operating in Connecticut.  For mortgage loan resources or to file a mortgage-related complaint, click here.  For guidance on avoiding foreclosure and to file a foreclosure-related complaint with the Department, click here.

  The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) website provides useful information on obtaining a mortgage loan and guidance on foreclosure protections under state and federal law.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to the CFPB.

  The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides research guides and other resources regarding Connecticut foreclosure law.  In addition, the Branch operates the Foreclosure Mediation Program under which a neutral third party mediator may help a homeowner and mortgage lender try to reach a fair, voluntary, and negotiated agreement.

  The Connecticut Fair Housing Center, a nonprofit organization, operates a foreclosure prevention program and serves as a resource for homeowners.  Click here to access the Center’s Foreclosure Guide.

• STUDENT LOANS

  The U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid (“FSA”) provides information and guidance regarding federal student loans, including applying for federal student loans and the repayment and forgiveness process.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to FSA’s student loan ombudsman group.

  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) provides tools and resources helpful to those preparing for college or who are repaying student loans.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to the CFPB.

  The Connecticut Department of Banking investigates complaints regarding student loan servicers, including alleged violations of Connecticut laws relating to student loan servicing, and provides helpful resources for student loan borrowers.  Click here to submit a complaint or inquiry to the Department.

   

• CONSUMER LOANS / “PAYDAY LOANS”

  Companies making unsecured small loans to Connecticut consumers typically must be licensed by the Connecticut Department of Banking.  Click here for information regarding small loan companies licensed in Connecticut.  Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry to the Department.

  To better understand the risks of “payday loans” and for information on borrowers’ rights, visit the website of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry to the CFPB.

• DEBT COLLECTION

  Companies that collect debts from Connecticut consumers are licensed and regulated by the Connecticut Department of Banking.  For information on consumer debt collection or to submit a complaint to the Department click here.

  In addition, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) regulates certain large debt collection companies.  For information on debt collection issues visit the CFPB’s website.  Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry to the CFPB.

  The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) provides information and resources regarding fake and abusive debt collectors.

• CREDIT REPORTS / CREDIT SCORES

  Information on obtaining free credit reports is available from the Connecticut Department of Banking.

  Guidance on disputing errors on credit reports is available from the Federal Trade Commission.

  In addition, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) website also provides guidance on credit reports and credit scores.  Click here to submit a complaint or other inquiry to the CFPB.

• RENTAL SECURITY DEPOSITS

The Connecticut Department of Banking provides information regarding rental security deposits in Connecticut, including frequently asked questions regarding the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.  Click here for information on resolving rental security deposit issues.