Consumer Resources

Who We Regulate

The Department regulates Georgia state-charted banks, credit unions, trust companies, bank holding companies, and merchant acquirer limited purpose banks (MALPBs).  In addition, the Department regulates mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders, mortgage processors, mortgage servicers, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, installment lenders, and international banking organizations to the extent that such entities conduct business in Georgia, with Georgia consumers, or on properties located in Georgia.

The Department does not regulate national banks (e.g., Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Chase) or federal credit unions, whether operating in Georgia or elsewhere.  The Department also does not regulate banks chartered in another state (e.g., Truist, Regions Bank) or credit unions chartered in another state, regardless of where they are operating.  For more information on regulators for these institutions, please visit “Bank and Credit Union Regulators.”

You may visit the Department’s online portal to search Georgia state-charted banks, credit unions, trust companies, and bank holding companies. To search for mortgage brokers, mortgage lenders, mortgage processors, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, and installment lenders, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

 

Resolving Disputes

Customer service disputes are best resolved by direct communication with the financial service provider.  Disputes should be addressed to the provider, in writing, with confirmation of delivery.  For example, you may wish to send a brief letter stating the matter in dispute via certified mail with return receipt requested. Please include supporting facts and the requested corrective action.

The Department does not actively intervene in disputes between consumers and financial service providers.  However, if you have an issue you would like to report to the Department regarding an entity that we regulate, you may send a detailed account of the issue to [email protected].  The Department uses such information in supervising the entities we regulate.

In addition, you may wish to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”).  The CFPB helps consumers connect with certain financial service providers to get a response about their problems. For more information on the CFPB complaint process or to file a complaint online, please visit www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

 

Legal and Law Enforcement Resources

If you are unable to resolve a dispute directly with a financial service provider, you may wish to consult with a private attorney.  The Department cannot provide you with legal advice or representation.  However, the following resources may be able to connect you with an attorney:

If you believe that a financial services provider has defrauded you or otherwise committed a criminal act, you may wish to report them to the appropriate legal authority.  The following resources may be useful: