Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Provides Consumer Tips At National Consumer Protection Week Event on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON—The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency promoted awareness of consumer protection resources during today's National Consumer Protection Week event on Capitol Hill.

"Events like National Consumer Protection Week are good opportunities to remind consumers that the best way to protect themselves against unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent practices is to stay informed," said Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan. "Since 2005, the OCC has increased its efforts to reach out to consumers on important issues that affect them, have worked with regulators and the banking industry to improve disclosures so consumers can have the information they need to make well-informed decision, and have expanded the capabilities of OCC's Customer Assistance Group."

The OCC supported this year's consumer protection week theme, "Financial Literacy: A Sound Investment," by sharing information, resources, and providing staff to answer questions. Information provided by the agency addressed topics that include gift cards, cashiers checks, nontraditional mortgages, and how to get assistance through the OCC's Customer Assistance Group.

Staffers also highlighted OCC's new consumer website, www.helpwithmybank.gov. HelpWithMyBank.gov provides answers to common questions based on thousands of calls made to the OCC Customer Assistance Group each year. While targeted to national bank customers, the site answers many questions common to all banking consumers and provides useful information about contacting regulators of institutions other than national banks.

The OCC's Customer Assistance Group is available to help national bank customers with questions or complaints from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern, Monday-Friday, at 1 (800) 613-6743.

Related Links

• Comptroller of the Currency John C. Dugan
• www.HelpWithMyBank.gov
• OCC website
• OCC Community Affairs