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Protect Your Financial Well-Being

Information and resources from the Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to help you learn more about and protect your finances.

How DFI Can Assist You

Verify a License with DFI
Before doing business with a financial institution or individual, verify that they are licensed to do business in Washington State.
File a Complaint Online
If you have a complaint against a financial institution or individual operating in Washington State, you can file a complaint with us.
Browse Our Enforcement Actions
DFI publishes formal enforcement actions we have taken against companies or individuals who have violated Washington State financial services laws or rules.
Receive Consumer Alerts from DFI
If we spot a financial scam that is targeting Washington residents, we alert the public about it by issuing a consumer alert.
Contact a Foreclosure Counselor
Free state sponsored counseling is available to Washington residents who are facing foreclosure, thinking of buying a home, or considering refinancing. Don't wait until it's too late.

Protect Your Investments

Spot the Most Common Investment Traps in Washington
Learn about most common tactics and traps criminals use to defraud investors in Washington.
How to Make Wise Investment Decisions Amid the Crisis
Steps you can take to help protect your investments during the economic crisis.
Learn How the SIPC Covers You (PDF)*
Brokerage firms are required to be members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which insures customer accounts up to $500,000, including $100,000 in cash claims, when a brokerage firm fails.

Protect Your Home and Mortgage

Foreclosure Help and Information
Information about the foreclosure process, possible alternatives, and where to turn for help.
Be Cautious When Using Loan Modification Services
DFI is advising homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgage to be cautious about using the services of someone offering to help them work with their lender to modify the terms of their home loan.
Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams
Learn about steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of a foreclosure rescue scam.
Mortgage Fraud Prevention Tips
Tips from DFI on steps you can take to help yourself from becoming a victim of mortgage fraud.
Common Predatory Lending Practices
Protect yourself from predatory lending by learning about some of the common tactics used.

Protect Your Bank and Credit Union Accounts

Verify the Insurance Coverage on Your Accounts
In general, the FDIC (banks) and NCUA (credit unions) provide depositors with $250,000 in coverage for their individual deposit accounts. If you have more than $250,000 in an individual bank or a individual credit union, you will want to find out if you qualify for additional coverage. Contact your bank or credit union to discuss deposit insurance coverage in excess of $250,000.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Information on steps you can take to help thwart identity thieves.

Resources to Help You Manage Your Finances

DFI's Financial Education Information Center
The financial education information center contains information and resources about a variety of financial topics.
Free Publications Available from DFI
DFI has a number of publications available for free to Washington residents. Publications cover topics such as mortgages, investments, foreclosure,

Get Connected to More Information

Follow Us On Twitter
Follow us on Twitter for updates on financial issues affecting Washington residents.

Follow DFI on Twitter
Financial Education Blog
Visit our blog for the latest financial education news, programs, and resources.

Visit Our Blog "Money Talks"
You Tube
Visit our you tube channel for videos on how you can protect you finances.

View Our You Tube Channel

Questions? Contact Us

Our business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.

Phone: (360) 902-8700
Toll Free: 1-877-RING DFI (746-4334)
TDD: (360) 664-8216.

Email: webguy@dfi.wa.gov

* This document is a PDF file, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you may download it for free from Adobe.

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