Consumer complaint received 2024-08-26
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Repossession — Account reinstatement or redemption after repossession
Company: SANTANDER HOLDINGS USA, INC. (KS)

Dear Consumer Protection Financial Bureau ( CPFB ), I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the repossession and unauthorized sale of my vehicle by Santander Consumer USA Inc . Despite my efforts to communicate with them, Santander repossessed my car without considering alternative solutions, causing me significant financial hardship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. 

The vehicle in question is a XXXX XXXX XXXX, VIN number XXXX. 
Repossession date : XX/XX/XXXX At the time of repossession, I was behind on payments due to unforeseen financial difficulties caused by the XXXX pandemic. The pandemic had a significant impact on my income and ability to make payments, and I had requested assistance from Santander. However, they failed to provide adequate relief and instead chose to repossess my vehicle. 

I believe that Santander 's actions were unfair and violated various USC codes and regulations, including : - Uniform Commercial Code ( UCC ) 9-610 : Santander failed to provide me with adequate notice and opportunity to cure the default before repossessing my vehicle.

- UCC 9-623 : Santander did not act in a commercially reasonable manner when repossessing my vehicle, causing unnecessary harm and expense.

- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) 1692e : Santander made false and misleading representations regarding the repossession and collection of my debt.

- FDCPA 1692f : Santander engaged in unfair and unconscionable collection practices, including repossessing my vehicle without justification.

Furthermore, I believe that Santander 's actions violated the COVID-19-related guidelines and regulations, including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act, which provides protections for consumers affected by the pandemic. 

As a result of the repossession, I have suffered significant additional harm and losses, including : - Loss of Home : Due to the repossession of my vehicle, I was unable to maintain my employment and ultimately lost my home. 
- Lost Wages : From XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/XXXX, I was unable to work as an XXXXXXXX XXXX resulting in lost wages of {$250.00} per day. This totals {$92000.00} in lost wages over the past year. 
- Pain and Suffering : The repossession of my vehicle and subsequent loss of home and income has caused me significant emotional distress, XXXX, and XXXX. 

Additionally, I was not given permission for the vehicle to be sold, and I believe this was a violation of my rights as a consumer. 
Added notes : vehicle was repaired by me twice, description provided with documents. 


I request that the CPFB investigate Santander 's actions and take appropriate action to hold them accountable for their violations. I also request compensation for the harm and suffering caused by Santander 's unfair and deceptive practices, including : - Lost wages of {$92000.00} - Compensation for pain and suffering - Compensation for loss of home and other related expenses Please find attached supporting documents, including : Included - Notes of the repossession notice - Correspondence with Santander - Evidence of hardship and emotional distress - COVID-19-related financial difficulties - Lost wages - Pain and suffering - Loss of home Thank you for your attention to this matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX XXXX