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| Texas - Finance Commission, Department of Banking |
Mission Statement
“The mission of the Finance Commission of Texas is to ensure that the banks, savings institutions, consumer credit grantors, and other regulated entities chartered or licensed under state law operate as sound and responsible institutions that enhance the financial well-being of the citizens of Texas”.
The Department of Banking is overseen by the Finance Commission of Texas and their mission is to ensure Texas has a safe and sound financial services system.
Use the following link to access current information on the Texas Department of Banking.
http://www.banking.state.tx.us/
Contact and Location Information
Texas Department of Banking
2601 N. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78705-4294
Telephone Number (512) 475-1300
Fax Number (512) 475-1313
Consumer Hotline 877-276-5554
Complaints
How to file a complaint against a Texas State-Chartered Bank, Trust Company, or Foreign Bank Agency….
STEP 1: Determine if the Institution is regulated by the Department of Banking
The Department of Banking is only authorized to handle complaints on the following types on Texas financial institutions:
- State-chartered banks
- State-chartered trust companies
- State-chartered foreign bank agencies/representative offices
To ensure that the Department of Banking supervises the institution that you have a complaint against, look for the specific entity on the Entities the Department Supervises web page. Use the link at the end of this section to access the website.
If you do not find the entity on our list, you may view the Other Regulator Referral List for referral information to other regulatory authorities.
STEP 2: File a Consumer Complaint
If your complaint is against a Texas state-chartered bank or trust company, contact the Consumer Assistance Activities or file a written complaint by completing the Consumer Complaints Form. While the Department can occasionally resolve complaints over the phone, in most cases it is necessary for a written complaint to be submitted.
The complaint should include the name and office location of the bank or trust company. It should explain the problem in a simple, chronological narrative, making sure to include names and dates. Make legible photocopies of any documentary evidence that supports your claim and include this material with the complaint. Do not send originals.
Mail the complaint to:
Texas Department of Banking
Consumer Assistance Activities
2601 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78705-4294
Or E-mail:
consumer.complaints@banking.state.tx.us
STEP 3: Complaint Resolution
Once a complaint is received, a copy of the complaint and any supporting documentation are sent along with a cover letter from the Consumer Assistance Specialist to the appropriate contact person within the bank or trust company. The Department asks that the entity respond within 10 working days from the date the complaint is mailed.
Once a response has been received, the Department reviews the submitted information and makes a determination about the merits of the complaint. The review process may involve further communication with the complainant and/or the regulated entity. The Department will try to mediate a fair and equitable resolution. The complainant will receive a letter documenting our conclusions and actions regarding the complaint.
Frequently, complaints relate to matters governed by the Texas Business and Commerce Code (the Code), which establishes guidelines for many banking transactions such as check collecting and authorization. While the Department attempts to mediate complaints related to the Code, they are not authorized or empowered to enforce the Code. Generally, consumers need to retain private counsel to pursue alleged violations of the Code by a bank. These complaints may also be directed to the Attorney General's Office.
If the matter is in litigation or if a court has made a ruling, the Texas Department of Banking will not intervene.
The Consumer Complaint Form is provided in PDF (Portable Document Format) for use with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use the attached like to access instructions on how to file a complaint and to access the complaint form.
http://www.banking.state.tx.us/PODES/howto.htm
Supervised Entities
The following institutions are regulated by the Division of Banking…
- State-chartered banks
- State-chartered trust companies
- State-chartered foreign bank agencies/representative offices
Rules and Regulations
The Department of Banking is responsible for enforcing various rules and regulations on the institutions they regulate.
Use the attached link to access information on these rules and regulations.
http://www.tsld.state.tx.us/SSB_Statutes.html
Identity Theft
When it comes to identity theft, the old adage applies, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The following are useful tips and information for consumers to avoid identity theft:
- Be careful about giving out your personal information. Don’t give out any personal information over the phone unless you initiate the call;
- Pay attention to your billing cycles. If you don’t get your bills in the mail, be suspicious;
- Be cautious about where you leave your information. Think of your bills as cash, don’t leave them lying around;
- Guard your mail from theft. Be vigilant about checking your mail promptly after it has been delivered. Don’t let it pile up while you are away;
- Watch what you throw away. What may be garbage to you can be stolen treasure to an identity thief;
- Travel light. Don’t carry more checks or credit cards than you need. That will minimize the damage if your wallet is lost or stolen; and
- Check your credit report on a regular basis. Order a copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies at least once a year and make sure that the information they have is correct.
- The agencies are:
- Experian 1-800-397-3742
- Equifax 1-800-525-6285
- Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
If a consumer is a victim of Identity theft, he/she should:
- Contact creditors by phone and by certified mail;
- Stop payment on checks and close bank accounts;
- Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and your local postal inspector;
- File a report with your local police department; and
- Call the FTC’s fraud hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT.
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