Consumer Affairs Frequently Asked Questions:
The North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks charters, licenses and regulates a variety of financial institutions within the State.
Answers to many of your questions and concerns may be found in this section. Please use any of the links to the left for additional assistance.
If you still need assistance, please call Consumer Affairs at 888-384-3811 or visit
Consumer Inquiries and Complaint Information, and we will be happy to assist you.
I am facing foreclosure. Where can I find more general information about foreclosure issues?
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) runs the State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project, which provides
assistance to homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Visit
www.ncforeclosurehelp.org for more information.
Be sure to also see that site's Frequently Asked Questions for additional guidance.
How do I know that my money in my bank is safe?
All banks regulated by NCCOB are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. For more information, please
visit our Is My Money Safe? web page for additional guidance.
What kinds of financial service businesses does the N.C. Office of the Commissioner of Banks ("NCCOB") regulate?
NCCOB regulates the following providers of financial services to North Carolina residents:
What should I do if I have a problem with one of the financial service companies listed above?
You should first contact the business and make a good-faith effort to settle the dispute. Depending on the problem and the company, you may need to speak
to more than one person - try to be patient and fair. If you make the contact by telephone, keep a record of the date(s) and time(s) of your calls. Try to get the name and
telephone number of the person with whom you speak. If you write, keep a copy of your letter and the originals of any documents you send.
If you can't resolve the issue, you may contact the NCCOB's Consumer Affairs group or file a complaint with our office.
What if the company with which I have a problem isn't on the above list?
You may be able to get assistance from another state or federal agency. Go to
Other Resources for more information.
I can’t find the bank that I have a complaint against under “Who We Regulate.” How do I find out who regulates my bank?
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website has a brief form that helps you find the regulator for your bank. Visit
www2.fdic.gov/idasp/main_bankfind.asp for more information.
How do I contact the Consumer Affairs Group?
You may call Consumer Affairs at 888-384-3811 or visit
Consumer Inquiries and Complaint Information.
What information should I include when I file a complaint?
Be sure to complete all requested information on the Complaint Form, if possible. Explain the problem in your own words, but try to be brief. Please be sure to include
any account or loan numbers and note your requested resolution. Send copies of any papers, documents or letters you think will help us understand your complaint. Do not send
original checks, statements or other documents. You may forward your additional documents to our office via fax at: 919-733-6918.
How can the Consumer Affairs Group help?
We will review your complaint and forward it to the company for a response. Once the response is received, it will be reviewed by our staff for any violations of
applicable laws or regulations and a copy will be forwarded to you. If you have filed a complaint against a company that our office does not regulate, we will forward your complaint
to the appropriate regulator and notify you.
In every case, we will:
- review and evaluate your complaint and gather necessary facts and documents
- receive and evaluate the company's explanation
- provide you a copy of the company's response
- recommend you consult a qualified attorney regarding the possibility of legal action if you are not satisfied with the company’s response
Can NCCOB provide legal advice or represent me in a case against a financial institution?
NCCOB can help facilitate communications between you and the entity that we regulate; however, we cannot provide legal advice or legal
representation.
Can you find an attorney to represent me?
NCCOB cannot recommend individual attorneys. You should talk to friends and relatives to get recommendations, or you can contact the
North Carolina State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-662-7660 or 919-677-8574).
Will the Consumer Affairs Group always be able to resolve my problem?
No, not always. Some complaints result from honest disputes over what was said or done by you or promised by a representative of the company.
Again, unless we find that a company has violated a law or regulation, we cannot force the company to give you what you've asked for. Also, some complaints result
from company's internal business policies, which may not be governed by state or federal laws or regulations.
Can banks charge a fee for cashing a check that is written on that particular Bank?
Yes. Banks are not prohibited from charging fees for services rendered to non-depositors.
Where can I find more general information about buying a home?
Go to the Home Loan Learning Center link to access information about buying a home.
Does NCCOB regulate Debt Adjusters?
No, but pursuant to NCGS 14-426(7)g,
NCCOB Commissioner of Banks approves accrediting organizations that are independent and nationally recognized for providing accreditation to
organizations that provide credit counseling and debt management services. The following organizations have been approved by NCCOB: