GUIDE 12 – How to Write a Clear Complaint (Without Ranting)

Facts over explosion

1. The trap to avoid

When you’re traumatized and furious, it’s natural to want to:

• Write 10 pages of emotional detail
• Call everyone a fraud or criminal
• Vent about everything in your life at once

Regulators and oversight bodies usually respond better to:

Short, factual, well-dated stories.

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2. Simple structure for a complaint

You can structure most complaints like this:

1. Who you are & what this is about
   • “I am a homeowner in [State], currently in foreclosure involving [Servicer/Bank].”
2. Key dates & events (short timeline)
   • 3–7 bullet points:
     • “[Date]: Received acceleration letter from [Company].”
     • “[Date]: First foreclosure case filed.”
     • “[Date]: [Specific behavior or misrepresentation].”
3. What you believe went wrong
   • Focus on actions, not labels:
     • “The company reported that they served me on [date] at [address], but I was [elsewhere] and did not receive these papers.”
     • “They have changed the supposed owner of my loan multiple times without clear explanation.”
     • “I requested basic information and they refused to respond.”
4. What you’re asking for
   • Be realistic:
     • “I am asking for a clear written response to these issues and a review of whether applicable laws/regulations were followed.”

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3. Tone to aim for

Aim for:

• Calm
• Firm
• Specific

Examples of good phrasing:

• “I am concerned that…”
• “The documentation appears inconsistent because…”
• “I would like this agency to review whether…”

Avoid:

• “You are all criminals.”
• “Everyone is corrupt and out to get me.”
• Whole paragraphs in ALL CAPS.

You can be honest about the impact on you without losing clarity.

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4. Writing process (so you don’t explode)

• Start with a rant draft just for yourself if you need to.
• Then create a second draft focusing on:
  • Dates
  • Documents
  • Specific statements/actions
• Keep it to 1–3 pages if possible.

You can then file the complaint online or by mail as required, and save:

• Your final text
• Any confirmations or complaint numbers.