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News Release

Oregon Insurance Commissioner To Participate In Tele Town Hall With AARP On Fighting Fraud (Photo) - 03/18/26

Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen will take part in an AARP-sponsored Tele Town Hall on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has partnered with AARP the past several years on Scam Jam events throughout the state to inform consumers on the most common scams taking place in Oregon and nationwide. This year, the focus is on Fraud Fighter events and several such events are planned throughout Oregon. The Tele Town Hall is a different format, however, as people can attend from anywhere by calling 855-408-1333 (toll-free).

 

This comes on the heels of National Consumer Protection Week earlier this month, as well as numerous educational outreach events and press releases DFR has done on everything from romance scams to health insurance-related scams

 

“We hear about people every day who are hit by scammers and have hard-earned money taken from them,” said Keen, who is also DFR’s administrator. “We want to continue to get the word out, to get in front of as many people as possible about all the ways scammers are trying to reach people.”

 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost more than $133 million to fraud in 2025. Along with this Tele Town Hall, DFR and AARP are coordinating several in-person Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

  • April 11 in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
  • April 17 in Medford at Rogue Community College
  • April 28 in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

 

If you ever believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, you can call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Oregon Insurance Commissioner To Participate In Tele Town Hall With AARP On Fighting Fraud (Photo) - 03/18/26

Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen will take part in an AARP-sponsored Tele Town Hall on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m.

 

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has partnered with AARP the past several years on Scam Jam events throughout the state to inform consumers on the most common scams taking place in Oregon and nationwide. This year, the focus is on Fraud Fighter events and several such events are planned throughout Oregon. The Tele Town Hall is a different format, however, as people can attend from anywhere by calling 855-408-1333 (toll-free).

 

This comes on the heels of National Consumer Protection Week earlier this month, as well as numerous educational outreach events and press releases DFR has done on everything from romance scams to health insurance-related scams

 

“We hear about people every day who are hit by scammers and have hard-earned money taken from them,” said Keen, who is also DFR’s administrator. “We want to continue to get the word out, to get in front of as many people as possible about all the ways scammers are trying to reach people.”

 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost more than $133 million to fraud in 2025. Along with this Tele Town Hall, DFR and AARP are coordinating several in-person Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

  • April 11 in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
  • April 17 in Medford at Rogue Community College
  • April 28 in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

 

If you ever believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, you can call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Gresham Contractor Fined $113,852 For Repeatedly Violating Fall Protection Standard (Photo) - 03/06/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Gresham roofing contractor $113,852 for repeatedly failing to protect workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.

 

The division cited New Exteriors LLC after an inspection of a jobsite in Lake Oswego where work was being done on the roof of a multistory house.

 

The company did not ensure that an employee – who was installing composite shingles – was protected against a potential fall, according to Oregon OSHA’s findings. The company failed to provide a fall protection system, exposing the employee to falling as much as 12 feet to the ground. New Exteriors violated an Oregon OSHA rule requiring employers to provide, install, and implement fall protection systems where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.

 

This was the fourth time since May 2023 that New Exteriors violated fall protection requirements. Oregon OSHA rated the severity of the fourth-repeat violation as “death,” because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. The division issued a penalty of $113,852 for the fourth-repeat violation. Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses. Oregon OSHA also issued an “other-than-serious” citation to the company for not documenting that an employee received training in fall protection systems.

 

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions, and to raise concerns free of retaliation. The law requires employers to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.

 

“Working at heights is dangerous. That is why there are clear and effective safety standards in place to address the very real risk of a worker falling,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Any employer who directs employees to work at heights must account for fall hazards from the standpoint of prevention.”

 

Oregon OSHA’s enforcement program is rooted in prevention and requiring employers to correct violations. New Exteriors corrected the violations during the inspection.

 

Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. New Exteriors has filed an appeal of the citation.

 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:

 

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

Oregon OSHA also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.

 

###

 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

Gresham Contractor Fined $113,852 For Repeatedly Violating Fall Protection Standard (Photo) - 03/06/26

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Gresham roofing contractor $113,852 for repeatedly failing to protect workers from fall hazards that could seriously injure or kill them.

 

The division cited New Exteriors LLC after an inspection of a jobsite in Lake Oswego where work was being done on the roof of a multistory house.

 

The company did not ensure that an employee – who was installing composite shingles – was protected against a potential fall, according to Oregon OSHA’s findings. The company failed to provide a fall protection system, exposing the employee to falling as much as 12 feet to the ground. New Exteriors violated an Oregon OSHA rule requiring employers to provide, install, and implement fall protection systems where employees are exposed to a hazard of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level.

 

This was the fourth time since May 2023 that New Exteriors violated fall protection requirements. Oregon OSHA rated the severity of the fourth-repeat violation as “death,” because the typical result of the hazard would be the death of an employee. The division issued a penalty of $113,852 for the fourth-repeat violation. Under Oregon OSHA’s rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses. Oregon OSHA also issued an “other-than-serious” citation to the company for not documenting that an employee received training in fall protection systems.

 

Under the Oregon Safe Employment Act, workers have a right to safe and healthy working conditions, and to raise concerns free of retaliation. The law requires employers to create and maintain safe and healthy workplaces. In the construction industry, falls are one of the leading causes of death.

 

“Working at heights is dangerous. That is why there are clear and effective safety standards in place to address the very real risk of a worker falling,” said Renée Stapleton, administrator for Oregon OSHA. “Any employer who directs employees to work at heights must account for fall hazards from the standpoint of prevention.”

 

Oregon OSHA’s enforcement program is rooted in prevention and requiring employers to correct violations. New Exteriors corrected the violations during the inspection.

 

Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal. New Exteriors has filed an appeal of the citation.

 

Employers are encouraged to use free resources – available now from Oregon OSHA and involving no fault, no citations, and no penalties – for help protecting their employees:

 

Consultation services – Provides free help with safety and health programs, including how to control and eliminate hazards, and hands-on training

Technical staff – Helps employers understand requirements and how to apply them to their worksites

Oregon OSHA also offers free fall protection video training in English and Spanish, and key information for employers and workers.

 

###

 

About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: Oregon OSHA logo, DCBS logo,

National Consumer Protection Week Is March 1-7 (Photo) - 03/05/26

Salem – In observation of National Consumer Protection Week, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is partnering with local and national agencies to empower consumers to avoid, report, and recover from fraud.

 

“Financial fraud is an increasingly pervasive problem here in Oregon and across the country,” said TK Keen, Oregon insurance commissioner and DFR administrator. “Scammers are inundating Oregon consumers with romance, affinity, and investment scams and false claims that they owe money.”

 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost over $133 million to fraud in 2025. National Consumer Protection Week is an annual initiative sponsored by the FTC bringing together federal, state, and local agencies, along with private and nonprofit partners, to provide resources and educational tools to help investors avoid scams and protect their financial well-being. DFR is coordinating, along with AARP, several Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

  • April 11 in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
  • April 17 in Medford at Rogue Community College
  • April 28 in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

 

This week’s campaign is to remind people to slow down and verify information before acting. Fraud does not always look dramatic or complicated. It often looks ordinary – a text from a delivery company, a call from someone claiming to be your bank, a message from a grandchild in trouble. The common theme is urgency – to take immediate action.

 

Common fraud tactics

 

While schemes change over time, many rely on the same basic strategies:

  • Imposter scams: A caller claims to represent a bank, government agency, law enforcement office, or utility company. They may demand payment or ask for account information.
  • Account alerts and phishing texts: Messages warn of “suspicious activity” and direct you to click a link. The goal is to capture your login credentials or personal identification information.
  • Investment fraud: Promises of high or guaranteed returns, especially involving cryptocurrency or new trading platforms. Fraudsters often build trust before asking for money. These may even include fake investment platforms that disappear once the scammers have your money.
  • Romance scams: Someone builds a relationship online, then requests financial help for an emergency, travel costs, or investment opportunity.
  • Payment redirection: A message says you owe money and must pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand payment this way.

What to do before you respond

Fraud prevention does not require special tools. It requires a pause. Make time to verify who is contacting you, what the “emergency” is and where the money is going.

 

If you receive an unexpected call, text, or email:

  • Don’t click links or open attachments.
  • Don’t share account numbers, Social Security numbers, or one-time passcodes.
  • Hang up and contact the company directly using a verified phone number from its official website or your account statement.
  • Take time to think. Fraud often depends on urgency.

If someone asks you to move money quickly, buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency, or keep the request secret, recognize these as warning signs of potential fraud.

 

Protecting your financial accounts

 

Basic steps can help reduce risk:

  • Use strong, unique passphrases for financial accounts.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication when available.
  • Review bank and credit card statements regularly.
  • Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. (You can do this weekly!)
  • Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze if you suspect identity theft.

These actions will not eliminate all risk, but they make it harder for someone to misuse your information.

 

Investment and licensing checks

 

Before sending money for an investment or working with a financial services provider, verify that the person or company is properly licensed or registered in Oregon. Make certain that the investment platform you’re being asked to use is real. You can also call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

A practical approach to prevention

Fraud prevention is not about being suspicious of everything. It is about building habits: Pause. Verify. Do not send money under pressure. National Consumer Protection Week is a reminder that consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Regulators like DFI enforce licensing laws and investigate complaints. Financial institutions monitor accounts. At the end of the day, however, individuals make the final decision to send money or share information.

 

A brief pause can interrupt a scam. That pause can protect not only your finances, but also your time and peace of mind.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

National Consumer Protection Week Is March 1-7 (Photo) - 03/05/26

Salem – In observation of National Consumer Protection Week, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is partnering with local and national agencies to empower consumers to avoid, report, and recover from fraud.

 

“Financial fraud is an increasingly pervasive problem here in Oregon and across the country,” said TK Keen, Oregon insurance commissioner and DFR administrator. “Scammers are inundating Oregon consumers with romance, affinity, and investment scams and false claims that they owe money.”

 

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Oregonians lost over $133 million to fraud in 2025. National Consumer Protection Week is an annual initiative sponsored by the FTC bringing together federal, state, and local agencies, along with private and nonprofit partners, to provide resources and educational tools to help investors avoid scams and protect their financial well-being. DFR is coordinating, along with AARP, several Fraud Fighter events in April on the following dates:

  • April 11 in Springfield at the Riverbend Hospital
  • April 17 in Medford at Rogue Community College
  • April 28 in Portland at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

Each of those events will begin at 8:30 a.m. with check-in, followed by a 9 a.m. to noon town hall with presentations, question and answer time, and panel discussions.

 

This week’s campaign is to remind people to slow down and verify information before acting. Fraud does not always look dramatic or complicated. It often looks ordinary – a text from a delivery company, a call from someone claiming to be your bank, a message from a grandchild in trouble. The common theme is urgency – to take immediate action.

 

Common fraud tactics

 

While schemes change over time, many rely on the same basic strategies:

  • Imposter scams: A caller claims to represent a bank, government agency, law enforcement office, or utility company. They may demand payment or ask for account information.
  • Account alerts and phishing texts: Messages warn of “suspicious activity” and direct you to click a link. The goal is to capture your login credentials or personal identification information.
  • Investment fraud: Promises of high or guaranteed returns, especially involving cryptocurrency or new trading platforms. Fraudsters often build trust before asking for money. These may even include fake investment platforms that disappear once the scammers have your money.
  • Romance scams: Someone builds a relationship online, then requests financial help for an emergency, travel costs, or investment opportunity.
  • Payment redirection: A message says you owe money and must pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand payment this way.

What to do before you respond

Fraud prevention does not require special tools. It requires a pause. Make time to verify who is contacting you, what the “emergency” is and where the money is going.

 

If you receive an unexpected call, text, or email:

  • Don’t click links or open attachments.
  • Don’t share account numbers, Social Security numbers, or one-time passcodes.
  • Hang up and contact the company directly using a verified phone number from its official website or your account statement.
  • Take time to think. Fraud often depends on urgency.

If someone asks you to move money quickly, buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency, or keep the request secret, recognize these as warning signs of potential fraud.

 

Protecting your financial accounts

 

Basic steps can help reduce risk:

  • Use strong, unique passphrases for financial accounts.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication when available.
  • Review bank and credit card statements regularly.
  • Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. (You can do this weekly!)
  • Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze if you suspect identity theft.

These actions will not eliminate all risk, but they make it harder for someone to misuse your information.

 

Investment and licensing checks

 

Before sending money for an investment or working with a financial services provider, verify that the person or company is properly licensed or registered in Oregon. Make certain that the investment platform you’re being asked to use is real. You can also call one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

A practical approach to prevention

Fraud prevention is not about being suspicious of everything. It is about building habits: Pause. Verify. Do not send money under pressure. National Consumer Protection Week is a reminder that consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Regulators like DFI enforce licensing laws and investigate complaints. Financial institutions monitor accounts. At the end of the day, however, individuals make the final decision to send money or share information.

 

A brief pause can interrupt a scam. That pause can protect not only your finances, but also your time and peace of mind.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Rain, Wind, And Snow Can Cause Havoc To Your Home And Property; Make Sure You Have The Correct Insurance Coverage (Photo) - 02/26/26

Salem – As rain and snow begin to fall more, now is a good time to talk to your insurance company or agent about flood insurance and landslide coverage, which are also called difference-in-conditions policies. Parts of Oregon are flood prone, and we have already seen landslides on the Oregon Coast in December, which destroyed three homes and damaged two others. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) urges homeowners, businesses, and tenants to consider protecting their property and contents with comprehensive flood and landslide insurance. Most homeowners, renters, manufactured home, condominium, and business policies do not cover these perils.

 

Flood and landslide insurance provides peace of mind to property owners and renters, and protects them from the financial devastation that often accompanies natural disasters. Floods and landslides can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, including structural damage and loss of personal property. With this additional coverage, property owners and tenants can focus on recovering and rebuilding, reducing their financial burden.

 

You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are also some private insurers that offer it as well. Flood insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer, providing options for building coverage, contents coverage, and replacement cost coverage. When purchased, a typical flood insurance policy has a 30-day waiting period, so it should be purchased before flooding concerns.

 

“Typical homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damages from floods or landslides, and many people may not know that their home is not covered for these types of perils,” said TK Keen, Oregon’s insurance commissioner. “In Oregon, flood insurance is a separate policy that provides coverage for damages caused by flooding, and it is important for homeowners, businesses, and renters to evaluate whether to have this coverage to protect their property. Landslide insurance is a different policy that homeowners, businesses, and renters may also need to seek based upon the specific location of the property.”

 

DFR encourages property owners and renters to consider flood and landslide insurance as a crucial part of their disaster preparedness plan and to talk to their insurance company or agent.

 

“Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your property from flooding or any kind of disaster,” Keen said. “With the right policy and coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing you are prepared.”

 

Depending on where you live, your mortgage company may or may not require flood insurance. If they don’t require it, you can still apply for coverage. Not all insurance companies offer difference-in-conditions policies. If your current insurance company or agent does not write this coverage, ask an agent for recommendations. Always make sure you are working with a licensed insurance agent, which can be confirmed by searching here.

 

For more information on flood insurance and other natural disaster preparedness, check out DFR’s website.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Rain, Wind, And Snow Can Cause Havoc To Your Home And Property; Make Sure You Have The Correct Insurance Coverage (Photo) - 02/26/26

Salem – As rain and snow begin to fall more, now is a good time to talk to your insurance company or agent about flood insurance and landslide coverage, which are also called difference-in-conditions policies. Parts of Oregon are flood prone, and we have already seen landslides on the Oregon Coast in December, which destroyed three homes and damaged two others. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) urges homeowners, businesses, and tenants to consider protecting their property and contents with comprehensive flood and landslide insurance. Most homeowners, renters, manufactured home, condominium, and business policies do not cover these perils.

 

Flood and landslide insurance provides peace of mind to property owners and renters, and protects them from the financial devastation that often accompanies natural disasters. Floods and landslides can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, including structural damage and loss of personal property. With this additional coverage, property owners and tenants can focus on recovering and rebuilding, reducing their financial burden.

 

You can buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are also some private insurers that offer it as well. Flood insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer, providing options for building coverage, contents coverage, and replacement cost coverage. When purchased, a typical flood insurance policy has a 30-day waiting period, so it should be purchased before flooding concerns.

 

“Typical homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damages from floods or landslides, and many people may not know that their home is not covered for these types of perils,” said TK Keen, Oregon’s insurance commissioner. “In Oregon, flood insurance is a separate policy that provides coverage for damages caused by flooding, and it is important for homeowners, businesses, and renters to evaluate whether to have this coverage to protect their property. Landslide insurance is a different policy that homeowners, businesses, and renters may also need to seek based upon the specific location of the property.”

 

DFR encourages property owners and renters to consider flood and landslide insurance as a crucial part of their disaster preparedness plan and to talk to their insurance company or agent.

 

“Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your property from flooding or any kind of disaster,” Keen said. “With the right policy and coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing you are prepared.”

 

Depending on where you live, your mortgage company may or may not require flood insurance. If they don’t require it, you can still apply for coverage. Not all insurance companies offer difference-in-conditions policies. If your current insurance company or agent does not write this coverage, ask an agent for recommendations. Always make sure you are working with a licensed insurance agent, which can be confirmed by searching here.

 

For more information on flood insurance and other natural disaster preparedness, check out DFR’s website.

 

###

 

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Consumer Advocates Recover Over $1 Million In Fourth Quarter 2025 To Put Last Year’s Total At More Than $7 Million (Photo) - 02/24/26

Salem – In the fourth quarter of 2025, Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) consumer advocates helped recover more than $1 million for Oregon consumers. The fourth quarter consists of the last three months of the year. The $1,118,375 recovered brings the 2025 total to $7,039,774 – money that goes directly back to Oregonians.

 

Consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services regulated by DFR.

 

“The agency’s work to protect consumers by holding companies accountable to their customers helps to make Oregon more affordable for all of us,” Gov. Tina Kotek said.

 

The final quarter of last year saw 1,454 complaints come through DFR’s consumer advocates for a total of 5,663 complaints in 2025. Insurance complaints led the way in each quarter, with 935 in the last three months of 2025, while more than 3,700 insurance complaints came in throughout the year. Credit union complaints were the next highest of areas DFR regulated with 59 complaints for the quarter and 212 for the entire year. Advocates also received 254 insurance complaints that were not regulated by DFR.

 

Examples of consumer complaints successfully resolved by DFR advocates in the last three months of 2025 include:

  • Following a dental trauma, a consumer was seen at an in-network emergency room and referred to an out-of-network specialist for follow-up care. The in-network doctor submitted a prior authorization for the specialist’s services, but the consumer did not understand that since the specialist was out-of-network, they would be responsible for the full bill, which totaled $12,000. The insurer denied the consumer’s appeal to pay the claim and waive the charges, so the consumer filed a complaint with DFR. During the insurer’s review, because the in-network emergency room provider requested prior authorization from an out-of-network provider instead of an in-network provider, the insurance company agreed to negotiate a single case agreement, which means the consumer will be responsible only for their in-network cost share.
  • A consumer filed a complaint indicating a debt management service provider charged for services while he resided in Oregon when the provider was not licensed in the state. The service provider credited the consumer $3,176.48 for fees earned while he lived in Oregon.
  • A consumer reported a hail loss in July 2025. The company’s estimate and the contractor’s estimate were significantly different. The two areas of concern were skylights and roofing materials. The consumer lived in a homeowner association that set requirements for the quality of materials used for building or repairs. Some differences appeared associated with those requirements and, based on the insurance contract, were not owed by the insurer. However, through the complaint process, the company reassessed these two areas of the repair estimate and made adjustments to properly reflect like kind and quality of the repair materials. Additional payments totaling $4,389.17 were issued.
  • A consumer traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to see a specialist for a rare type of cancer and ongoing treatment. During travel, an emergency occurred requiring the consumer to be hospitalized for a full month and to undergo multiple procedures. The provider had previously been in-network. However, the consumer’s employer recently changed insurers, and the provider was now out-of-network. The consumer was not aware there would be such a drastic difference in benefits. The consumer returned to Oregon as soon as they were able, but now had significant bills due of about $40,000. After corresponding with the insurer, the insurer agreed to retroactively approve continuity of care for the consumer, which allowed several large claims to be reprocessed as in-network. Partnering with the consumer and the insurer to verify outstanding balances and claim statuses, four separate previously out-of-network claims were able to be reprocessed, saving the consumer $38,800.75.

“Last year saw over 5,000 complaints come in to our consumer advocates, and they handled them professionally,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “We have a dedicated group of employees who have a common goal of helping Oregonians navigate the often complicated world of insurance and financial services.”

 

Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said consumer advocates have a tough job and handle it professionally.

 

“I am very proud of our team of industry experts, who continue to put their knowledge to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said Keen, who is also the DFR administrator. “Many of the cases they deal with are highly complex and take a lot of time to navigate. I am happy to see their hard work benefitting so many people in our state.”

 

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related issues and dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

 

Here is the list of complaints through 2025:

 

 

Quarter 1 2025 (January to March)

Quarter 2 (April to June)

Quarter 3 (July to September)

Quarter 4 (October to December)

Total for 2025

Banking

12

12

9

15

48

Check casher

0

0

1

0

1

Collection agency

8

4

11

4

27

Consumer finance

15

8

25

13

61

Credit services

0

1

1

0

2

Credit union

48

52

53

59

212

Debt buyer

2

0

0

0

2

Debt management service provider

1

2

3

6

12

Insurance

857

812

869

935

3,473

Manufactured structure dealer

1

2

0

2

6

Money transmitter

18

22

31

10

81

Mortgage banker/broker

5

10

12

11

38

Mortgage servicer

55

48

43

40

186

Other

2

2

1

0

5

Pawnbroker

2

2

2

0

6

Payday loans

1

1

0

0

2

Pre-need provider

1

0

0

0

1

Securities

23

28

16

11

78

Student loan

31

42

32

23

128

Title loans

0

0

1

0

1

Virtual currency

0

2

11

9

22

Not regulated by DFR: All other

56

53

48

50

207

Not regulated by DFR: Banking

17

13

3

10

43

Not regulated by DFR: Credit unions

4

4

5

1

14

Not regulated by DFR: Insurance

265

245

243

254

1,007

Total complaints:

1,424

1,365

1,420

1,454

5,663

Recoveries

$2,749,854

$1,275,220

$1,896,325

$1,118,375

$7,039,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,

Consumer Advocates Recover Over $1 Million In Fourth Quarter 2025 To Put Last Year’s Total At More Than $7 Million (Photo) - 02/24/26

Salem – In the fourth quarter of 2025, Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) consumer advocates helped recover more than $1 million for Oregon consumers. The fourth quarter consists of the last three months of the year. The $1,118,375 recovered brings the 2025 total to $7,039,774 – money that goes directly back to Oregonians.

 

Consumer advocates have extensive knowledge across many areas of regulation, including helping those experiencing difficulties with insurance, mortgages, banking products, securities, student loans, and a variety of other financial services regulated by DFR.

 

“The agency’s work to protect consumers by holding companies accountable to their customers helps to make Oregon more affordable for all of us,” Gov. Tina Kotek said.

 

The final quarter of last year saw 1,454 complaints come through DFR’s consumer advocates for a total of 5,663 complaints in 2025. Insurance complaints led the way in each quarter, with 935 in the last three months of 2025, while more than 3,700 insurance complaints came in throughout the year. Credit union complaints were the next highest of areas DFR regulated with 59 complaints for the quarter and 212 for the entire year. Advocates also received 254 insurance complaints that were not regulated by DFR.

 

Examples of consumer complaints successfully resolved by DFR advocates in the last three months of 2025 include:

  • Following a dental trauma, a consumer was seen at an in-network emergency room and referred to an out-of-network specialist for follow-up care. The in-network doctor submitted a prior authorization for the specialist’s services, but the consumer did not understand that since the specialist was out-of-network, they would be responsible for the full bill, which totaled $12,000. The insurer denied the consumer’s appeal to pay the claim and waive the charges, so the consumer filed a complaint with DFR. During the insurer’s review, because the in-network emergency room provider requested prior authorization from an out-of-network provider instead of an in-network provider, the insurance company agreed to negotiate a single case agreement, which means the consumer will be responsible only for their in-network cost share.
  • A consumer filed a complaint indicating a debt management service provider charged for services while he resided in Oregon when the provider was not licensed in the state. The service provider credited the consumer $3,176.48 for fees earned while he lived in Oregon.
  • A consumer reported a hail loss in July 2025. The company’s estimate and the contractor’s estimate were significantly different. The two areas of concern were skylights and roofing materials. The consumer lived in a homeowner association that set requirements for the quality of materials used for building or repairs. Some differences appeared associated with those requirements and, based on the insurance contract, were not owed by the insurer. However, through the complaint process, the company reassessed these two areas of the repair estimate and made adjustments to properly reflect like kind and quality of the repair materials. Additional payments totaling $4,389.17 were issued.
  • A consumer traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to see a specialist for a rare type of cancer and ongoing treatment. During travel, an emergency occurred requiring the consumer to be hospitalized for a full month and to undergo multiple procedures. The provider had previously been in-network. However, the consumer’s employer recently changed insurers, and the provider was now out-of-network. The consumer was not aware there would be such a drastic difference in benefits. The consumer returned to Oregon as soon as they were able, but now had significant bills due of about $40,000. After corresponding with the insurer, the insurer agreed to retroactively approve continuity of care for the consumer, which allowed several large claims to be reprocessed as in-network. Partnering with the consumer and the insurer to verify outstanding balances and claim statuses, four separate previously out-of-network claims were able to be reprocessed, saving the consumer $38,800.75.

“Last year saw over 5,000 complaints come in to our consumer advocates, and they handled them professionally,” said Sean O’Day, director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “We have a dedicated group of employees who have a common goal of helping Oregonians navigate the often complicated world of insurance and financial services.”

 

Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said consumer advocates have a tough job and handle it professionally.

 

“I am very proud of our team of industry experts, who continue to put their knowledge to work for the benefit of Oregonians,” said Keen, who is also the DFR administrator. “Many of the cases they deal with are highly complex and take a lot of time to navigate. I am happy to see their hard work benefitting so many people in our state.”

 

Anyone who may need a consumer advocate can call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related issues and dfr.finanicialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for financial-related issues.

 

Here is the list of complaints through 2025:

 

 

Quarter 1 2025 (January to March)

Quarter 2 (April to June)

Quarter 3 (July to September)

Quarter 4 (October to December)

Total for 2025

Banking

12

12

9

15

48

Check casher

0

0

1

0

1

Collection agency

8

4

11

4

27

Consumer finance

15

8

25

13

61

Credit services

0

1

1

0

2

Credit union

48

52

53

59

212

Debt buyer

2

0

0

0

2

Debt management service provider

1

2

3

6

12

Insurance

857

812

869

935

3,473

Manufactured structure dealer

1

2

0

2

6

Money transmitter

18

22

31

10

81

Mortgage banker/broker

5

10

12

11

38

Mortgage servicer

55

48

43

40

186

Other

2

2

1

0

5

Pawnbroker

2

2

2

0

6

Payday loans

1

1

0

0

2

Pre-need provider

1

0

0

0

1

Securities

23

28

16

11

78

Student loan

31

42

32

23

128

Title loans

0

0

1

0

1

Virtual currency

0

2

11

9

22

Not regulated by DFR: All other

56

53

48

50

207

Not regulated by DFR: Banking

17

13

3

10

43

Not regulated by DFR: Credit unions

4

4

5

1

14

Not regulated by DFR: Insurance

265

245

243

254

1,007

Total complaints:

1,424

1,365

1,420

1,454

5,663

Recoveries

$2,749,854

$1,275,220

$1,896,325

$1,118,375

$7,039,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

 

 

Attached Media Files: DFR-logo-blue.jpg,