Reporting a predatory lender takes effort but creates real consequences. Regulatory agencies act on patterns of complaints. A single report may not trigger action; enough reports from enough borrowers can lead to investigations, enforcement actions, and license revocations that protect others from the same harm you experienced. Here's where to report and what to include.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
The CFPB is the primary federal agency for mortgage lending complaints. File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The CFPB accepts complaints about mortgage origination, servicing, foreclosure, and related issues. The agency routes complaints to the lender and requires a written response. If the response doesn't resolve your issue, you can escalate. The CFPB's public complaint database allows you to see whether a lender has a pattern of similar complaints.
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
For Michigan-licensed mortgage lenders, brokers, or servicers, file with DIFS at michigan.gov/difs. DIFS regulates licensees and can investigate, sanction, and revoke licenses for regulatory violations. When filing, include the lender's name and license number (find it at nmlsconsumeraccess.org), a clear description of what happened, and copies of all relevant documents.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
For suspected mortgage fraud, including false appraisals, straw buyer schemes, income documentation fraud, wire fraud, or deed theft, report to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Include as much documentation as possible: loan documents, emails, wire confirmation records, and a timeline of events.
HUD Office of Inspector General
For fraud involving FHA-insured loans, report to HUD's Office of Inspector General at hudoig.gov/hotline. HUD OIG investigates fraud in FHA, HUD-assisted programs, and FHA-approved lenders and appraisers.
Michigan Attorney General
File consumer complaints with the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at michigan.gov/ag. The AG can investigate unfair or deceptive trade practices, mediate complaints, and take legal action against businesses that violate Michigan consumer protection laws.
What to Include in Your Report
Every report should include: the full name and address of the lender, broker, or servicer; your loan number; a clear narrative of what occurred with specific dates and dollar amounts; copies of all loan documents, correspondence, and payment records; and the names of individuals involved. The more documented your complaint, the more actionable it is.
Coventry Enterprises LLC can provide an independent assessment to support your complaint documentation. Related: predatory lending laws and borrower rights.