Consumer Protection Resources

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency dedicated to making sure you are treated fairly by banks, lenders and other financial institutions. Their website includes resources for consumers on fraud, scams, identity theft and more.

Consumer resources

Guides and educational resources for consumers 

One role of The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is to protect consumers from deceptive and unfair business practices. Advocacy and education are examples of how they bring their mission to life.

Identity Theft and Online Security:

• How to protect your personal information and privacy, stay safe online, and help your kids do the same.

Report identity theft and get a recovery plan.

• The FTC provides checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.
• reportfraud.ftc.gov

Explore The Data:

• Explore data about consumer protection topics like fraud, identity theft, and unwanted calls based on millions of reports from people across the country. You're able to track latest trends, see top fraud reports, and download visualizations for presentations/reports.

The Attorney General's Office provides information on the most important consumer issues and emerging scams.

Washington State | Office of the Attorney General

Fraud and scams can happen at any time to anyone. Learn more about common scams and what to do if you or someone you know has been affected. Click on the links below to be redirected to the proper resource. 

Common Types of Fraud and Scams:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) 

• Debt collection scams
• Debt settlement/debt relief scams
• Foreclosure relief/mortgage loan modification scams
• Grandparent scams
• Lottery/prize scams
• Mail fraud
• Money transfer/mobile payment services fraud
• Mortgage closing scams
• Romance Scams

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Charity scams
• Imposter scams

Washington State Attorney General's Office 

• Charities
• Wire transfer scams

Avoiding Fraud & Scams

CFPB

• What are some warning signs?

FTC

• How to avoid a scam
• Blocking unwanted calls and texts

Office of the Attorney General

• Sign up for consumer scam alerts

Reporting Frauds & Scams

CFPB

• Consumer Complaint Database

FTC

• What to do if you were scammed
• Report fraud

Office of the Attorney General

• File a complaint
• Consumer Protection Division
• 1.800.551.4636

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

• Internet Crime Complaint Center(IC3) | Home Page
• Seattle Office: (206) 662 - 0460

Spam - Report

• spam@uce.gov
• Text: 7726

Identity protection resources.

CFPB

• How can I spot identity theft?

FTC

• What to know about identity theft 
• Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
  • IdentityTheft.gov
• Identity theft and online security
• What to know about medical identity theft
• What to know about tax identity theft

Washington State Attorney General's Office

• Identity theft
• Common identity theft scams
• Data breach notifications

Learn what child identity theft is, how to detect it, and what to do if someone steals your child's identity. Learn the signs of elder financial abuse and identity theft. 

CFPB Resources

• Protecting Older adults from fraud and financial exploitation
• How to find help responding to elder financial abuse

FTC Resources

• How to protect your child from identity theft
• Protecting kids online
• Online privacy and security
• Social security impersonators

Washington State Office of the Attorney General Resources

• Senior fraud
• File a complaint with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General

Stay up to date about fintech apps consumer protections

• Buy now, pay later loans
  • CFPB Takes Action to Ensure Consumers Can Dispute Charges and Obtain Refunds on Buy Now, Pay Later Loans