Help and resources for South & Central U.S. loan storefronts
Before you sign with a loan storefront, payday lender, or title loan shop in the South or Central U.S., it helps to know who is watching the industry and where to turn if something goes wrong. The organisations below are real federal and state agencies, nonprofits, and trade groups that handle complaints, license lookups, legal aid referrals, and consumer education related to lending.
Use this list to check a lender's license, file a complaint, or find free legal help if you think you have been treated unfairly.
Government & regulatory
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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Federal agency that supervises banks and non-bank lenders and accepts and investigates consumer complaints about loans (mortgages, auto loans, personal/installment/title loans, payday loans) and debt collection.
Visit website → Phone: (855) 411-2372 -
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Enforces consumer protection laws against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices, including loan scams and debt-relief scams, and offers guidance and reporting through its consumer sites.
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NMLS Consumer Access
Free public license-lookup database, run through the state-regulator-operated Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, that lets consumers verify whether a mortgage or consumer-finance lender or loan originator is licensed in their state.
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Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS)
National organization of state financial regulators that operates the licensing system behind NMLS Consumer Access and coordinates state supervision of non-bank lenders, mortgage companies, and other consumer-finance businesses.
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Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC)
Texas state agency that licenses and regulates non-bank lenders operating in Texas, including consumer loan companies, vehicle sales finance companies, and payday/title (credit access) businesses, and takes consumer complaints against them.
Visit website → Phone: 800-538-1579 (Consumer Assistance Helpline) Finance Commission Building, 2601 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas 78705 -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
Federal agency that supervises FDIC-insured banks and accepts consumer complaints about loans and other products offered by those banks.
Visit website → Phone: 877-275-3342
Industry & professional associations
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American Financial Services Association (AFSA)
Trade association representing consumer credit providers such as installment and personal loan lenders and finance companies, offering consumer-facing credit education material.
Consumer protection
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Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Nonprofit organization that publishes business ratings and consumer reviews and lets consumers check a loan company's complaint history or file a complaint against it.
Legal help
This is general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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National Consumer Law Center (NCLC)
Nonprofit legal organization focused on consumer law for low-income and disadvantaged people, covering predatory lending, debt collection, and consumer credit issues, with published guides and litigation and advocacy support.
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Legal Services Corporation (LSC)
Independent nonprofit created by Congress that funds more than 130 nonprofit legal aid organizations nationwide, providing free civil legal help to low-income consumers, including disputes with lenders and debt collectors.
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National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA)
Nonprofit association of attorneys and advocates who represent consumers in cases involving predatory lending, debt collection abuse, and fraudulent lending practices, with a directory to find a member attorney.
Financial assistance
This is general information, not financial advice. Confirm eligibility and terms directly with each program.
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National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
Nonprofit umbrella organization of accredited nonprofit credit counseling agencies that connects consumers to certified counselors for debt management plans, budgeting help, and credit or housing counseling.
Need a provider rather than a resource? Get loan options.