CFPB complaint helper

When a lender or servicer mistreats you — errors they won't fix, junk fees, misapplied payments, an escrow mess, endless runaround, or discrimination — escalating in the right order is what actually gets it resolved.

1. Put it to the company in writing first. Describe the problem and the exact fix you want, and keep a copy. For servicing errors, send a written Notice of Error or Request for Information — under RESPA the servicer must acknowledge it and respond on a set timeline.
2. File with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. They forward it to the company, which is expected to respond — typically within about 15 days, with most closed inside 60. You can track it and add documents. It's free, and the regulatory visibility tends to get attention.
3. File with your state regulator too. Your state's department of financial institutions (or banking) licenses and supervises lenders; a parallel complaint adds weight. Find it through your state government website.
4. If it's discrimination — treated differently because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, family status, marital status, or income from public assistance — that's a fair-lending violation. Also report it to HUD; serious fair-lending cases can be referred to the Department of Justice.

General guidance, not legal advice. Complaining is free and creates a record; for serious financial harm, also talk to an attorney. Note that the CFPB complaint database is public.