How to File a Complaint Against a Collection Company in the State of Arizona

If you want to file a complaint against an Arizona collection agency, you will do so with Arizona's Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). DFI not only oversees the licensing and registration of collection agencies, but also investigates complaints consumers have filed alleging collection agency misconduct. Its stated objective is to resolve complaints in a manner acceptable to both parties. After reviewing the complaint and the collection agency's response, the DFI will determine if a violation of law has occurred and take action based on that determination.

Instructions

1

Contact the collection agency's consumer affairs representative or its senior management to try to resolve the complaint directly. Getting in touch with the right person within that organization will sometimes yield faster results than waiting for DFI to complete an investigation.

2

Confirm the full name, address, phone number and fax number of the collection agency. This information is required in the complaint form to correctly identify the offending party. DFI maintains on its website a list of collection agents with active Arizona licenses and their contact information. If the debt collector has failed to obtain a required state license, that could result in sanctions, in addition to any consequences for improper actions against the complainant.

3

Visit the DFI website (azdfi.gov) and download the complaint form.

4

Complete the complaint form with all requested information. Describe in detail the basis for the complaint with names of individuals involved, dates and locations. Include copies of correspondence, receipts and any other supporting documentation. Sign and date the complaint form.

5

Mail the original signed complaint, together with a copy of the signed complaint and two copies of all supporting documents, to:

Arizona Department of Financial Institutions

2910 N. 44th St., Suite 310

Phoenix, Arizona 85018