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Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
P.O. Box 41200 Olympia, WA 98504-1200
1.877.RING.DFI ⚫ www.dfi.wa.gov
Dear Washington State Homeowners,
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions understands how important it is to have
accurate information and access to resources and assistance if you are having difficulties paying your
mortgage or at risk of losing your home to foreclosure.
As the state regulatory agency charged with oversight of the mortgage industry, we know there is the
potential for fraudulent companies and individuals to prey on Washington homeowners, particularly
those in desperate situations trying to avoid losing their homes.
We hope this resource guide will provide the tools and assistance to help protect you, take the
necessary steps to keep your home, or minimize the financial and emotional impact if you find
yourself in a foreclosure situation. As you use this guide, we urge you to also make sure the people
and organizations you work with are licensed professionals working to help you, not take advantage of
you. You can verify a license by visiting www.dfi.wa.gov and clicking on “Verify a License” and
entering the applicable information. If there is no licensing information available, you can call DFI at 1-
877-RING-DFI (746-4334) for assistance.
There are also HUD-approved counseling agencies that can provide information on local, county,
state and federal programs available to help you avoid foreclosure. These counselors are also
working to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Get connected with a counselor immediately by
calling 1-877-894-HOME (4663).
If you feel you have been a victim of discriminatory or fraudulent mortgage, loan modification or
foreclosure relief practices, please contact our offices immediately at 1-877-RING-DFI (746-4334) or
file a complaint online at https://dfi.wa.gov/file-complaint. Our investigative teams are here to assist
you. We hope the resources in this guide will help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud and help you
remain in your home.
Sincerely,
Charles Clark, Director
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
“Leading the way in consumer protection and financial services regulation.”
January 2020 | Page 3
