Consumer complaint received 2018-07-26
Company: Meridian Financial Services, Inc.
State: CA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
My Dispute is with Meridian Financial Services, XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX, NC XXXX Disputing the timing of receipt of the debt and payment amount. On the day that I was going to pay, the amount increased over {$200.00}. Charged XXXX XXXX fee. 
I originally emailed a letter of complaint which I have not received a reply to in writing although they acknowledge they received it. 
I have since paid the {$820.00} on XX/XX/XXXX because I called and actually spoke to the person who I originally stated I would pay on XX/XX/XXXX and she said she would try and process the payment and see if the system would allow it. She said normally it doesn't but she would try. I requested they waive the other fees since I was paying on the same date that they said the fees were added. I felt this was an attempt to collect XXXX XXXX anyway and even if I had called to pay it sooner, they would have probably stated the fee was due. 
Before sending the email, I spoke to someone that morning of XX/XX/XXXX to pay and they would not take my payment unless it was the full payment they were seeking, {$1000.00}. I stated I was prepared to pay {$820.00}. They said they could not accept that. I asked for a manager and I called the manager XXXX and left a message. He never called me back until today XXXX. 

With several communications back and forth, I asked for what documentation they had that states they can collect and that the fees are XXXX XXXX. I was told the fees are set by XXXX and they could not waive them. They've only offered to waive {$62.00} and today XXXX offered to waive only {$52.00}. 

It is the principle more than anything, with the fact that I called on the day that they supposedly assessed the XXXX XXXX that they could not accept my payment of {$820.00}, the original amount. 

Here is the email I sent them on XXXX Re : XXXX Owner Account XXXX I am writing because I have been speaking to someone in your office regarding the payment due for the XXXX Resort. I am a very busy person as most people are and I am sure you are as well. I spoke to someone on Wednesday and at that time I informed her I would be making the payment as soon as I could, and that I get paid on Friday, XX/XX/XXXX. 
On XX/XX/XXXX, your representative called me and I stated before he began his recital about this is an attempt to collect a debt ; that I was planning to call today to make the payment. He proceeded to tell me that the payment was now {$1000.00} and I stated that I am only prepared to pay the {$820.00}. Many timeshare owners are frustrated in the fact that the maintenance fees consistently increase every year and most find it difficult to pay that amount ... ... '' I called XXXX XXXX and they only showed me owing {$820.00} on that day XXXX, but said I needed to make my payment with XXXX. XXXX does not even have a website where consumers can pay. I asked for a manager that day and got voicemail. I left a message and only received a call back from him today because I called them yesterday XXXX. I think they are selling services to their customer as Early out and No cost to you dues collection. I have attached images from their website. I don't think this is fair practices. They have not produced a document from XXXX stating that I agreed to pay XXXX XXXX in collection and fees. I also asked for a copy of their contract with XXXX which they refused. I believe their practices are in violation of FDCPA as I only originally owed {$820.00} and it was paid on XXXX, my account was never sent to collection ( not filed with credit bureau XXXX. Also I would like to mention that I have a floating week and I agree I should pay maintenance fees. I normally in the past have paid directly with XXXX before I use or exchange my week.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation