S T A T E  O F  V E R M O N T
Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities
& Health Care Administration (BISHCA)
89 Main St.  Montpelier, VT 05620-3101    Main Phone:  802-828-3301  
Paulette J. Thabault, Commissioner
 

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"Consumer Beware"  
Borrowing Advice:

Before signing any loan agreement with any "licensed lender"... Protect yourself from fraud and other lending abuses. Make sure the lender actually has a license to do business in Vermont. To find out, call the Banking Division at 802-828-3307.

>  See how to get your Free Credit Report online, as now provided for by law.  

> Check Unlicensed Entities, a list of suspicious lending activities and related scams

> The FDIC's website allows you to search a database of 
unclaimed funds 
from failed financial institutions. It contains details and claim forms.

> Civil Unions: common questions relating to personal finance

  Publications and Product Surveys for Consumers
Banking Division Publications include consumer guides to banking services, and comparative  surveys of checking and savings account services and rates.  
Reverse Mortgage Information Page

  Making Consumer Complaints:
The proper place to get help depends on who regulates your bank or licensee: the State of Vermont, or the federal government.  How do you know which regulator it is?  You may check charter designations in the Annual Report of the Banking Commissioner: Banks and financial institutions doing business in Vermont, or Credit unions ,
OR Contact the Vermont Banking Division at 802-828-3307 for assistance.

FOR STATE CHARTERED INSTITUTIONS/LICENSEES:
The Vermont Banking Division is an agency of the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration. Vermont has regulatory authority over Vermont state-chartered financial institutions and licensed lenders. These may include banks, savings and loan companies, credit unions, mortgage brokers and other individuals or companies called "licensed lenders." If your problem or complaint involves an entity under Vermont's authority, please see further details about how to
MAKE A COMPLAINT .

FOR NATIONAL AND FEDERAL INSTITUTIONS
There are numerous national and federal banks doing business in Vermont. Even though they are headquartered here, or operate branches in Vermont, the State of Vermont does not regulate them. Therefore, we have no authority over them with regard to consumer complaints. If your complaint involves a federal or national institution, you must contact the federal agency which regulates it. See on-line list of federal agency complaint contacts.

OR, IF you need help contacting banking regulators in another state, you can contact the consumer services unit of the Vermont Banking Division for assistance.

You may TELEPHONE with an inquiry:
(802)-828-3307
You may WRITE to:

Vermont Banking Division
BISHCA
89 Main St. Drawer 20
Montpelier, VT 05620-3101

To E-mail Us BISHCA - BnkConsumer@state.vt.us