If an AAPL member you are working with has violated our Code of Ethics, you should file a Complaint. All AAPL members pledge to follow our Code, and we take allegations of violations of the Code seriously. Please keep in mind:

  1. You do not need to be an AAPL member to file a Complaint.
  2. Complaints must be in writing via the form below; we do not accept or recognize complaints by phone, mail, etc.
  3. We do not accept anonymous Complaints.
  4. We only consider Code of Ethics violations filed by the parties directly involved. This follows the same practice of having standing to file a lawsuit.
  5. A copy of the Complaint File will be furnished to the respondent (the individual or entity against whom the Complaint is filed).
  6. If you file a Complaint against a non-member, AAPL will keep a record of the complaint to review should the individual or entity seek AAPL membership, but there is otherwise no action we can take. We will do our best to connect you with other recovery resources.
  7. Our Complaint process is not intended to be a replacement for action through government, judicial, or law enforcement agencies. AAPL is not a governmental agency, mediator, arbitrator, debt collector, etc. You are encouraged to seek legal remedies if you feel it would be helpful to your situation.
  8. If there is an active lawsuit pertaining to any of the claims made in your Complaint, it will be temporarily placed on hold until the court(s) reach a decision. This protects both the Association and involved parties’ attorney/client privilege for unresolved legal matters.

Gather as much information and documentation about your complaint as possible prior to filing your complaint. Please be sure to black out any confidential information such as social security numbers, account numbers, etc.

Information to provide may include:

  • Date(s) of incident(s);
  • Type of loan or service;
  • How and when you observed/discovered the alleged violation;
  • The Respondent’s actions, practices, and/or behavior you think were violations of the Code of Ethics;
  • Descriptions and copies of any communications with others regarding this incident;
  • Descriptions(s) and dates of actions taken, if any, to try to rectify the situation prior to submitting this complaint;
  • Description and dates of any communications with the Respondent regarding your concerns and any responses received;
  • Signed and dated witness statements;
  • Copies of all other materials and evidence that corroborate and support the allegations;
  • Information about facts and circumstances in your complaint that are also the subject of any complaints to other regulatory entities, or legal cause of action.
  • Copies of all related correspondence for related complaints filed with another organization (Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, RipOffReport, etc.), that show to whom it was submitted, date of filing, and whether/how the matter was resolved;
  1. You will receive confirmation from us acknowledging that we received your complaint. If the complaint is outside our jurisdiction or doesn’t violate our Code of Ethics, we will provide an explanation.
  2. A copy of the complaint file will be furnished to the respondent (the individual or entity against whom the complaint is filed).
  3. AAPL will review your complaint and the Respondent’s response/appeal. This process may take several months. If further information is needed we will contact you.
  4. When we have reached a decision, we will contact you with the outcome.

Please note, if you file a complaint against a non-member, AAPL will keep a record of the complaint to investigate should the individual or entity seek AAPL membership, but there is otherwise no action we can take. We will do our best to connect you with other recovery resources.

Persons whose AAPL membership and certification have been revoked may petition for reinstatement at the completion of the revocation period provided membership revocation is not permanent.

AAPL’s deliberations are guided by the premise that reinstatement must be in the best interest of the Association, our wider membership, and the public. AAPL may set any reinstatement conditions or requirements it deems necessary for the protection and benefit of the public and profession.

Click here for the Petition for Reinstatement.