CFPB expands complaint department

WASHINGTON, March 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. government said its complaints department for savings and checking accounts was now open for business.

The recently launched Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, mandated by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul bill, said it was now ready to handle complaints about checking and savings accounts in addition to credit card and mortgage complaints, which the bureau had already been handling.

"Consumers need someone on their side to keep banks and credit unions accountable -- that is our job at the consumer bureau," said CFPB Director Richard Cordray.

The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that the bureau was expecting to handle complaints concerning deposit accounts, as well as debit cards and ATM services.

Complaints can be filed online or phoned in by dialing 855-411-CFPB.

Consumers can also send complaints by mail or by fax. The agency is also prepared to handle complaints from people with hearing or speech impediments.

A language barrier? The bureau said it is accepting complaints in 187 different languages.