Document the problem before escalating
Save the loan agreement, cost disclosures, screenshots, emails, text messages, payment history and bank statements. Write a short timeline showing what was promised, what happened, how much money is disputed and what resolution you requested.
Complain to the company
Many issues can be resolved fastest through the lender or servicer’s written complaint process. Ask for a case number and keep the response. Do not rely only on phone calls for a dispute involving money or authorization.
State regulator or attorney general
Licensing, state rate limits and state small-loan rules are often handled by the state banking, financial-services, consumer-credit or commerce regulator. The state attorney general may also take consumer complaints or address deceptive practices.
CFPB complaint process
The CFPB continues to accept complaints about consumer financial products and services. Its complaint page states that complaints are sent to companies for response when appropriate and that most companies respond within 15 days. In 2026 the Bureau changed aspects of public complaint-database presentation, including ceasing publication of unverified narratives, but the consumer complaint intake process remains available.
FTC fraud and scam reporting
For suspected fraud, impersonation or advance-fee scams, the FTC’s consumer resources can help identify common patterns and provide reporting channels. An advance-fee demand for a “guaranteed” loan is a major warning sign.
Bank or credit union for payment disputes
If the problem involves an unauthorized electronic debit, contact the financial institution promptly. Regulation E timing can matter. If you previously authorized automatic withdrawals but want them to stop, follow the revocation and stop-payment procedures appropriate to the situation.
Legal notices require separate attention
A regulator complaint does not substitute for responding to a lawsuit, arbitration demand or court order. Do not ignore legal papers. Borrowers facing collection litigation or complex jurisdiction disputes may need licensed legal counsel.
How this fits the U.S. knowledge map
Use the U.S. Digital Lending Knowledge Center to place this topic in context. App-based borrowing can involve several overlapping layers: product structure, federal consumer law, state licensing and price rules, payment authorization, data sharing and the borrower’s actual agreement.
Related U.S. regulatory topics
- Federal vs. State Lending Rules in the United States
- Truth in Lending, APR & Finance-Charge Disclosures
- ACH Authorization & Electronic Loan Repayment
- CFPB Payday Lending Rule: Payment Withdrawal Protections
- How to Verify a U.S. Online Lender or Loan App
- Online Lenders & Loan Apps in the United States
- Loan Lead Generators & Online Marketplaces
- Tribal Lending & Online Loans: What U.S. Borrowers Should Know
- Payday Loan Laws Vary by State
- Earned Wage Access & Cash-Advance Apps in the U.S.
Primary sources
AppLoans prioritizes government and regulatory sources. This page is educational information, not legal or financial advice. U.S. lending rules and agency guidance can change; verify current requirements with the applicable regulator and provider agreement.