OCC Start Consumer Protection Website: www.helpwithmybank.gov

The OCC's new website, www.helpwithmybank.gov offer consumers answers, advice, and the means with which to make complaints against banks.  It is a very user-freindly site, listing topics such as "account errors," "overdrafts," "interest rates," and "denial of credit."  Clicking on a given topic will bring a consumer to a page with answers to common consumer inquiries and OCC contact information.  The site is relevant to both national banks and and other non-national financial institutions, as it is intended to help consumers of all financial institutions, and will direct consumers to the appropriate agency for resolving their problems.  States and other federal regulatory bodies may follow suit and offer their own user-friendly consumer protection website.  With the advent of the internet and the help of sites like www.helpwithmybank.gov, consumers today are more knowledgeable of their rights than ever.  This site serve as a reminder that banks that are not vigilant in their dealings with consumers face a serious risk of private suits and regulatory sanctions.