Pennsylvania Secretary Wiessmann Advises Consumers to be Well-Informed on Check Cashing

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers who are paid by check have several options available to them to gain timely, free or low-fee access to their money, according to PA Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann.

"More than one in four Pennsylvanians either do not have access to free check cashing at a bank or credit union, or do not know how to take advantage of this service," Wiessmann said. "In addition to using licensed or registered check cashers, consumers who are paid by check have additional options to get their money when and how they want."

Wiessmann urges consumers and community groups to learn about the range of check-cashing options available to them by taking advantage of a new advisory on check cashing that has been posted on the department's website: http://www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Handouts/Check-Cashing%201P.pdf.

"It is important for consumers to know that when they call our 1-800-PA-BANKS helpline, they can have an impact far beyond their own, personal issue," Wiessmann continued. "This advisory, which is available to everyone, is the direct result of consumers calling us to ask questions and file complaints about check cashing. We look forward to issuing more advisories based on what consumers call us to discuss." 

Members of the public can contact the Department of Banking and Securities consumer helpline (1-800-PA-BANKS) to file a complaint or ask questions about financial products, transactions, or companies. Consumers and businesses can learn more at www.dobs.pa.gov, and are also invited to connect to the department's outreach efforts by following us on Facebook and Twitter or subscribing to the department's newsletter.

Media contact: Ed Novak, 717-783-4721

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities