Salem, Oregon – An insurance claim that goes unpaid, a lender charging too much, or a financial company refusing to return money can create serious problems for families. But across Oregon, thousands of individual financial disputes have contributed to a much larger consumer protection effort.
Since January 2023, Oregon has recovered more than $32.8 million for consumers who were denied payments, overcharged, or otherwise treated unfairly by insurance companies, lenders, and other financial institutions.
Governor Tina Kotek announced the recovery total, highlighting the work of the state’s Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) as her administration continues strengthening consumer protections amid efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce federal oversight.
The money was recovered through DFR’s consumer advocacy services, which help residents resolve disputes involving insurance policies, mortgages, student loans, banking products, securities, and other regulated financial services.
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The results have continued into 2026. During the first six months of the year alone, DFR advocates helped recover nearly $4 million for Oregon consumers.
“Oregonians work hard for every dollar they earn. When a company owes them money, they should get it – end of story,” Governor Kotek said.
“While the Trump Administration moves to gut consumer protections and open the door for companies to take advantage of working families, my administration will keep standing up for consumers.”
State advocates investigate complaints, examine financial records, request explanations from businesses, and work to obtain refunds, insurance payments, and other compensation that individuals might struggle to secure independently.
The announcement also comes as Oregon continues supporting legal efforts to prevent the Trump administration from dismantling the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Beyond recovering money, Oregon has introduced several consumer protection measures through legislation signed in 2025 and 2026.
Those changes include preventing medical debt from affecting credit scores, restricting hidden online shopping fees, banning deceptive ticket-selling websites, and expanding repair rights for electric wheelchairs and similar mobility devices.
Additional measures increased electric bill assistance for low-income households, closed a loophole involving high-interest loans from out-of-state lenders, and prohibited ticket resellers from advertising tickets they do not possess.
“As federal consumer protections are being dismantled, Oregon is stepping up and building a stronger foundation of consumer protections,” said Lisa Watson, Interim Executive Director at Oregon Consumer Justice.
Residents experiencing problems with regulated financial companies can contact DFR consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894.
Insurance-related questions can be directed to [email protected], while complaints involving other financial services can be sent to [email protected].
