Consumer complaint received 2020-03-03
Company: MARINER FINANCE, LLC
State: VA
Product: Payday loan, title loan, or personal loan
Sub-product: Installment loan
Issue: Charged fees or interest you didn't expect

Complaint:
In XXXX of XXXX, I purchased a dog from XXXX in XXXX XXXX - XXXX XXXXXXXX. They told me financing offers and when they told me about Mariners Finance and the fees, I accepted. In XX/XX/XXXX, I was laid off from my job due to company cutbacks. I explained my financial situation to Mariners as I may not be able to pay on time, but the representatives only cared about getting their money, even if it meant being behind on my rent or medical expenses as I have a medical condition with costly medicine that I must take daily to sustain my health. That's when I received a call in XXXX to get a new loan with additional fees and I would have the original one wiped out. I was desperate and the representative seemed nicer than the ones that would call. I got to the branch across from XXXX XXXX and filled out the new application, even as I explained to the rep that I was just starting a new job and may not be able to take on this additional payment. I was assured that everything will be fine. That's when I began getting threatening calls to not only my cell phone, but my job, references and threatening voicemails from the branch supervisor. She would tell me that they will take me to court and that it's pretty much my fault for singing the loan. I was never directly told about the interest and principal because had I been told about the high rates, I would've never agreed to it. Because I was still getting back on my feet, I was given a date to make a payment by or they will garnish me. I again explained that I will try to work out something at a smaller payment amount, but with rent, car note, insurance and medical, it was impossible to bear anything else. Not soon after, my pay from work was garnished at {$1000.00} with a principal amount of {$28.00} and interest at {$1000.00} as shown in the attachment. After going to meet with their attorney before court, I was given a payment plan of {$110.00}, which I have been keeping up with best I can since XX/XX/XXXX. However, I again was never told about paying their court fees and additional fees that have doubled that I owe back and adding more financial stress. When I asked for a ledger of break down in XX/XX/XXXX because I felt like I was paying on a never ending loan, they never mailed it although it was in a noted call. I checked my account today ( 3/3 ) online out of curiosity because I was told I could not check it online since my account is in special situation due to the debt collection, I saw that my balance after my XX/XX/XXXX payment shows one thing and the payoff shows another, as I have attached that screenshot as well. Mariners Finance has no compassion for their customers in times of financial distress and will take them to court to gain more money instead of being transparent on all fees to expect no matter what.

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