If you have a problem with a bank or other financial institution you now have someone to call for help.

The Federal Reserve just announced its consumer help office.

The Fed makes sure that banks and lenders comply with consumer protection and fair lending laws. This includes checking and savings accounts, credit cards and consumer loans including mortgages.

You can check out their Web site: www.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/ or email them at mailto:consumerhelp@federalreserve.gov. The Web site also has basic personal finance information on it in English and Spanish. It’s worth checking out even if you don’t have a banking problem.

To call them dial 888-851-1920 (8am to 6pm Central Time). You can call outside of these hours and leave a message too. TTY number is 877-766-8533. Toll free fax is 877-888-2520.

Mailing address is:
Federal Reserve Consumer Help
P.O. Box 1200
Minneapolis, MN 55480

The Fed says you don’t need to know which of the five federal bank regulators covers your bank – they’ll point you in the right direction.

Nov. 30, 2007.