Consumer Education

The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions (AZDFI) is a state agency that regulates and examines a variety of state chartered financial enterprises and institutions.

AZDFI is committed to promoting current financial education for all residents and businesses. In 2015, Arizona joined 18 other states in adopting  April as Financial Literacy Month supporting increased awareness of personal financial education.

AZDFI developed these web pages for Arizona residents that are looking for information and resources about finances.

Consumer Education, Protection and Resources 

The following links lead to websites outside of the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions’ website and are provided only for your convenience.  The Department is not responsible for and exercises no control over the information or content of any other website.

State of Arizona Attorney General Consumer Protection:

• To protect the public from consumer fraud. To provide advocacy and public education on consumer protection issues with an emphasis on fraud and abuse.

State of Arizona Corporation Commission Securities Division:

• The Securities Division strives to preserve the integrity of the financial marketplace through investigative actions as well as the registration and oversight of securities, securities dealers and salespersons, and investment advisers and their representatives; to enhance legitimate capital formation and deter financial fraud; and to minimize the burden and expense of regulatory compliance by legitimate business.

Better Business Bureau (BBB):

• In addition to offering educational information, the BBB site also provides information on scams and identity theft. The BBB can help in resolving a complaint against a business, using conciliation, mediation, and arbitration services when appropriate.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):  

• The central mission of the CFPB is to make markets for consumer financial products and services work for Americans; whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer financial products.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection:  

• The FTC is the nation's consumer protection agency. The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection works for the consumer to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace.

IdentityTheft.gov:  

• This website is the federal government's central resource for identity theft victims.  This website provides streamlined checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Consumer Protection:  

• This website contains resources provided by the FDIC to educate and protect consumers, help revitalize communities, and promote compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws.

Federal Reserve Board Consumers and Communities:  

• This website contains various resources provided by the Federal Reserve to educate consumers about the role of the Federal Reserve and provides tools designed to help consumers deal with their financial needs.

National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Consumer Assistance Center:  

• This website contains information designed to help consumers find answers to their credit union questions.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Help with My Bank:  

• The OCC charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks and federal savings associations. It also supervises the Federal branches and agencies of foreign banks.