Consumer complaint received 2024-07-09 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Problem with a company's investigation into an existing problem — Their investigation did not fix an error on your report
Company: Kikoff Inc.
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/XXXX, I noticed a credit drop on my credit report resulting from Kikoff and an overdue payment for 2 months. I had an account with Kikoff that was due for payment on XX/XX/XXXX but paid in full on XX/XX/XXXX and no balance was owed at that time. ( See attached email of payment notification ). Unbeknownst to me, Kikoff automatically renewed my subscription without my consent ( see screenshot of emails from Kikoff-no mention of auto renewal ) The account in question isnt an continuation from a previous account but a separate, new account that I signed up for on XX/XX/XXXX ( see attached order confirmation email ). Prior to that, I had another credit builder loan product through Kikoff that I finalized the payment on XX/XX/XXXX ( See attached payoff confirmation email ). When I contacted Kikoff on XX/XX/XXXX, I was informed of the renewal and told at that time, I could stop it in their app but I would have to pay the late fees. I canceled the auto renewal but tried to find ways to cancel the debt since I hadnt given consent nor agreed to be placed on an auto renewal. Consent from the consumer is required before an auto renewal can be processed per FTC. Kikoff terms of service doesnt mention auto renewal as being mandatory to use their services and I never gave consent. 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I filed a complaint with CFPB about my score and Kikoff auto renewal to which Kikoff responded that they were accurate in their credit reporting and they had sent notice 30 days prior of the payment being due of the auto renewal. ( See screenshot of emails-no mention of auto renewal ). 

On XX/XX/XXXX, I filed another complaint with the CFPB using Kikoffs response to my initial complaint that no notice was given by email or postal mail about auto renewal to which Kikoff responded that they did send an email dated on XX/XX/XXXX ( see attached ) notifying me of the auto renewal. Since my payment was due 7 days after this email was, appropriate notice was in fact not given ( see screenshot of emails-emails go back 60 days and auto renewal isnt mentioned ). Companies are required to give consumers 30-60 days notice in advance per FTC rules. Also upon sign up to Kikoff service, the auto renewal clause isnt mentioned in their own Terms of Service ( see attached ). Kikoff email dated on XX/XX/XXXX had no mention of an auto renewal in the subject line. Instead its a congratulary email of being a member for 1 year which is misrepresentation which violates FTC. The email didnt state the date I had to cancel the service by to avoid being charged nor did it give clear and concise instructions on how to cancel the auto renewal. These mishaps clearly violate a number of FTC rules concerning auto renewal of a subscription. 

As of today, XX/XX/XXXX, I have had to file a report for fraud with the FTC against Kikoff due to them violating my consumer rights and not adhering to federal laws. Report number is XXXX. Kikoff ihave caused a reprehensible harm to my credit rating and are unwilling to fix the problem leaving me to file another complaint and seek damages at this point

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation