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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Learn about DFI: Division of Consumer Services

The next division we are featuring in our learn more about DFI series is the Division of Consumer Services.

DFI’s Division of Consumer Services is responsible for licensing and regulating the business activities of:
  • consumer loan companies
  • mortgage brokers and loan originators
  • escrow agents and officers
  • money transmitters and currency exchangers
  • tax refund anticipation loan facilitators
  • and check cashers and sellers, also known as payday lenders.
Examination and Regulation
The Division of Consumer Services regularly reviews the books and records of individuals and companies they license for compliance with state and federal law.


When a company is found to have collected inappropriate fees and charges, the Division makes sure that refunds are made to customers.

How the Division of Consumer Services Can Assist You
The Division of Consumer Services is dedicated to protecting Washington consumers from illegal and fraudulent lending practices.

The Division frequently alerts the public to possible fraud and scams on DFI’s consumer alerts page at www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/alerts.htm. You can subscribe to have alerts emailed directly to your inbox.

Consumer Services also reviews complaints from the public about individuals and companies they license. If you have a complaint against a consumer loan company, mortgage broker, escrow agent, money transmitter, or payday lender you can file it with the Division at www.dfi.wa.gov/cs/complaint.htm.

We will review your complaint and let you know of the outcome. For even more information about the Division of Consumer Services visit www.dfi.wa.gov/cs/ .