vivekkopthsd/cfpb-consumer-complaints huggingface dataset:
Consumer complaint received 2016-09-13 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Advertising and marketing — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
I signed up for an American Express Platinum credit card with a XXXX signup bonus and a {$3000.00} minimum spending requirement. I was using the card for my regular purchases, not tracking exactly how much I was spending. About a month later, I received XXXX points in my account. As a regular consumer, I assumed that I had spent enough for the signup bonus because I received it in my account. I kept on using the card for my purchases and thought nothing of it and the 3 month deadline for the minimum spend came and past. About 4 months after I signed up for the card, I suddenly found out that XXXX points were taken from me. I tried contacting American Express, and they said that apparently I did properly fulfill the terms and conditions of the signup offer, but the customer service representative did not know exactly why I was not eligible. I am contacting the CFPB because American Express is running a bait and switch scheme by promising a lucrative signup bonus, misleading me into thinking I have fulfilled the requirements of the offer, and then pulling the offer when I have no recourse by using a technicality in the terms and conditions. If I did not fulfill the terms and conditions, there is no need to wait 3 months to remove the points on my account with zero communication prior to this. If there was any type of communication, I could have fixed the issue. What is especially malicious is that they removed my signup bonus the day after an implementation of a no refund policy for the annual fee. Thus, they took my {$450.00} annual fee when I was under the impression that I received my signup bonus, and once I was not eligible for a refund on the fee, they took my signup bonus back. This is certainly deceptive advertising and American Express should not be allowed to continue this shady behavior.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-07-19 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Other — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: KS

Complaint narrative:
I recently filed a complaint about American Express failing to accurately report my credit history. They state the account was transferred to XXXX ; therefore, I need to contact them about the problem. XXXX has clearly stated that American Express is responsible for accurately reporting the credit history while I was a member with them. This issue predates XXXX purchasing the account. So clearly American Express needs to resolve this issue. Please refer to the original complaint.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-07-29 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional adjustable mortgage (ARM)
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC.
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
I purchased a home in XXXX of XXXX with XXXX as the lender, a XXXX and XXXX mortgage. The loans were refinanced with XXXX XXXX XXXX and paid in full in XXXX of XXXX. It was brought to my attention dealing with my current lender, XXXX, that XXXX never submitted the documents to release the liens. I contacted the title company and they provided payoff transmittals and checks to substantiate the payoff to XXXX. I contacted XXXX and sent the title policy, settlement statement, payoff transmittals and legal description to have the liens released. As instructed, that information was sent via USPS Certified Mail to PO Box XXXX, XXXX, FL XXXX and was received XXXX XXXX, XXXX. I received an auto generated letter from XXXX stating there was an error and the Lien Release process was initiated. Upon following up, one week later, I was told the loans were now being serviced by PHH Mortgage and that I needed to e-mail the information to their Lien Release Department at XXXXXXXXXXXX. I obliged and e-mailed all of the information on XXXX XXXX, XXXX. During my initial follow up one week later, the Customer Service Rep confirmed the loans were paid in full and that at this point it was a matter of having the Liens physically released. I have followed up with PHH Mortgage every week since sending over the documents only to be told that they do not have any additional information and that these issues take up to 30 days to process. Once the 30 days were exceeded the target then moved to " it can take up to 60 days to complete the Lien Release process ''. I have resubmitted the information to XXXX XXXX XXXX Ext. XXXX and XXXX XXXX, so it has been submitted to their company 3 times. I was also given a Supervisor 's name and number XXXX XXXX XXXX Ext. XXXX but she will not return any calls. Yesterday, 68 days into this process, I called their Customer Service Department and I was instructed to resend the information because he did not " see it in the system '', I had to tell him that I have submitted the information 3 times. I find it concerning that I have no accessible file in their system that would show the information was received or where it 's at in the process. We are now 69 days into this process and every time I call, no one can give me a status update or even really find my information. This is a simple matter of releasing XXXX old liens. I am very frustrated and seeking immediate resolution to this issue. This is not my fault, as these loans were paid-in-full with XXXX in XXXX and they did not follow through on their obligation to release the liens. This is causing problems for me dealing with my current lender as I can not produce a clear title to my home.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-05-17 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card
Issue: Improper contact or sharing of info — Contacted me after I asked not to
Company: LTD Financial Services, L.P.
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
I would like to bring attention to the illegal activity that LTD Financial Services is doing. I had spoken with rep XX/XX/XXXX about a settlement. She was very extremely rude. I wanted to know why my parents had been called, especially since I have not spoken with them in over 8 years. I asked what skip tracing tool was used to locate this information. She refused to tell me so I could give follow up with my concern with the skip tracing company. Either way I requested that all number but my number XXXX be removed. Then I offered a settle on the account to close it out at that time of {$200.00} right then over the phone. This card was impossible to make payments on. I could never log on online and I could never reach anyone over the phone to make a payment. I also never got any statements from them. If I was able to make any payments on this I would have. It was n't possible. It is n't like I did n't try. I left {$200.00} was a good amount and a fair amount due to the trouble. When she refused the settlement I asked for a cease and desist on the account. I also wanted a fax number to fax in a cease and desist. On XX/XX/XXXX I faxed in a Cease and Desist to XXXX with my account number on it of XXXX. A week later a received a letter in the mail from LTD for a settlement amount. I had also continued to receive several from that point on. Today XXXX/XXXX/2016 I finally answered when LTD called from XXXX. I spoke with XXXX XXXX ext XXXX. I advised him that I was under a cease and desist. He claimed LTD never received anything. I once again advised I wanted a cease and desist on the account and he stated he put it in for me and also gave me the same fax number as before. I will be faxing another cease and desist over again tomorrow. I also asked if they still would decline the settlement offer that I offered and he asked how much. I said {$200.00} today to close it out. He basically just laughed at me. Not very professional, but I understand the type of industry, it 's rough. Either way concern is that this company is illegally contacting people when they have cease and desists on account. They need to be held responsible for their actions.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-05-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Billing disputes — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
I was sent a letter by American Express stating that they incorrectly credited my account for fraudulent charges and that the charges were being reversed. When i called American Express no one was able to tell me what charges were fraudulent, when they were charged, or who the merchant was. Am i just supposed to " take their word for it ''? I dont think so! This is the 3rd time this has happened to me and i believe Amex is trying to cut their losses by hoping people wont inquire about the " supposed reversal '' of credits. In this day of data and technology there is no way i believe that they cant tell me exactly what credit is being reveresed and why! I think a class action lawsuit should be brought against the company and anyone who has experieince this nonsense should be refunded the credit reversal.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-06-23 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — FHA mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC.
State: CO

Complaint narrative:
I was relocated to XXXX by my company, and was issued benefits through a relocation company ( XXXX XXXX ) that included benefits with the sell of my current home. In XXXX 2015 I started the process to sell my home, I had to go through a number of inspection and repairs before my house was able to be placed on the market. Once under contract, paperwork would be done between the relocation company and myself.Then how it works is, I sell the house to them, and then the sell of the house would actually be between XXXX and the new buyer. I went under contract in XXXX, and was advised by the relocation company not to make the payment they would take care of everything. Apparently the first check sent to HSBC was received at the Dock according to the USPS but the payment never applied to the account. XXXX did a stop payment after 2-3 weeks and sent another check overnight. Which at that time, it was already late.Then there was a problem with the attorney and they had to get a new XXXX, which delayed us about a week or two. I signed the contract selling my home to XXXX on XXXX/XXXX/2015 and was issued a settlement check on XXXX/XXXX/2015 for the proceeds from my home. I was told I was done with the house, and even if it fell out of contract, I was no long responsible. The buyer did have trouble and it took longer to close, so XXXX was responsible for making the payments. XXXX was sending the checks for my mortgage payments. Unknown to me they made XXXX of these payments late. Worried about my credit, a called and spoke with a gentleman by the name of XXXX XXXX, to repeatly be told that my credit would n't be effected, the late fees would be reversed and even sent me a letter confirming our conversation. Later to find out my mortgage was report late for XXXX months. Since then, I have made a number of phone calls and sent contracts, settlement statements, the letter from XXXX, letter from XXXX accepting responsibility. I faxed papers, I have done everything to get this fixed and know one will help. This is effecting my credit, and now I am unable to obtain a new home loan based on the fresh mortgage lates reporting on my credit report.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-04-04 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Other fee — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
American Express is demanding payment of old annual fees on a dormant account otherwise with no balance or charges. 

I encountered severe problems affecting my health and my wife managed my business affairs. American Express insists on collecting annual card fees for that time despite the fact that they sent no notices and the account has been idle for at least 5 years. This is unconscionable as I received and asked for no services from them during that time.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-10-19 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed — Debt was paid
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: OR

Complaint narrative:
I called to see how much money was in my bank and found it was garnished by Asset Acceptance. They claim I owe on a debt that I already paid to XXXX XXXX, attorney in Oregon. I paid this off XX/XX/XXXX. Apparently there was a judgment for this paid off debt XX/XX/XXXX. I called XXXX 's office and they sent all the paperwork to Asset acceptance, who just garnished my checking account. I originally called XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX to see if I was making my last payment when I was told the account was transferred back to Asset Acceptance and was given the number. I called to make sure that was my last payment and was told I was not showing as owing anymore. Fast forward to today, I had XXXX garnished from my bank account and I am told I had a judgment and I still owe the full amount. My husband had to deal with this same company last year when they called everyone in the family and claimed to be a law firm ready to take our home, harassed the family and his work, for a debt he already paid. He got the money they took back but it took a month. How are they still in business and how can I fight this? I had no notice, nor contact with this company, so how are they able to garnish my account for something I do not owe? Please help!! How do I stop this. I talked to the attorneys doing the garnishment and notified XXXX 's office, but they said they sent all the copies to asset acceptance.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-11-24 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Other — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: SD

Complaint narrative:
i paid a company with my american express card that turned out to be a scam.i reached out to my credit card company for help and was told they could not help me.supposedly i was out of a time period to dispute.i just dont understand why they would do that.a company as big as american express should be able to do something.the company name was XXXX.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-07-15 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Advertising and marketing — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
i had to open AmEx Delta Gold card with AmEx on emergency to obtain a ticket on Delta airline.after i opened card i did not receive a number so i was forced to use other meaning to buy a ticket.After i got to NY next day i called to AmEx on XXXX XXXX to cancel card without even without getting a number yet but was told i have to wait until card arrive, s in mail.I left NY next day and came back XX/XX/2016Called to AmEx to cancel card, which came in a mail, even before it was activated.Card number is:XXXX. Expiration XX/XX/XXXX.Spoke to XXXX XXXX who said there is a new promotion and it would made me re-consider cancellation.She transfer me to promotion department and XXXX XXXX, after consulting her superiors told me if i keep this card and spend {$2000.00} within 3 month i would get XXXX Delta Airline points and {$50.00} more if buy any Delta products.I spent {$2000.00} and instead of XXXX XXXX Delta points i was promised received only XXXX..Contacted AmEx XXXX/XXXX/16 and asked why, was told by XXXX investigation open since XXXX/XXXX/16 about it.I did not understand what to investigate, but let it go.Contacted AmEx again to clear it XXXX/XXXX/16 and was told same thing investigation is going on, but when i asked what they investigate my " Chat '' session was terminated. Why AmEx, who seems to be respectable enough, does not feel obligated to keep their own promises.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-10-23 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Customer service / Customer relations — 
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
On XXXX/XXXX/2016 I was trying to pay for an XXXX purchase via XXXX using my American Express card that is registered to my XXXX account. I received XXXX error messages saying that the card was declined. I contacted American Express via their on-line chat system and was given the number of their fraud department, which I immediately called. I spoke to an American Express fraud representative and he confirmed that my card was blocked because of " suspicious activity '' the purchase I was trying to make was in XXXX XXXX. I confirmed that I had made the attempt to pay and that it was not fraudulent. The AmEx representative indicated he would unblock my card and I would be able to proceed with my purchase. 
I tried to pay for the purchase again twice, and continued to receive the declined message. I called AmEx back and talked to a representative who said that my account had been blocked with a fraudulent charge and that my card had been cancelled and that they were sending me a new card. I informed her that a mistake had been made, I did not want this card processed, and that I needed to have my current card reactivated. She said she would forward me back to the fraud department. Although I had called the fraud department at XXXX, I 'm assuming she did not want to deal with me as I waited almost 10 minutes throug various " please hold '' and music, and kept hearing number tones between each XXXX, until finally I was told be a recording that my call did not go through. 

I called back the fraud line and the last person I talked to confirmed that my card had indeed been cancelled. I explicitly said that I wanted to be transferred to the Office of the President so that I could file a formal complaint. However, this person instead must have pretended to forward me and then my call was disconnected. 

I am now in a position where I have promised to pay for goods in XXXX and American Express has prevented me from doing so in a timely manner that causes me harm to my reputation on XXXX as well as harm to my relationship with the individuals and business I have agreed to purchase items from. 

I 'm not sure how American Express is treating their customer service people, but there appears to be a complete lack of compliance when it comes to following the rules and regulations for filing complaints that could cause severe under-reporting to the CFPB. 

While I am glad that American Express is protecting me from fraud, I am very unhappy with how I 've been treated and their blatant disregard for the rules and regulations of the XXXX. I would like American Express to revalidate my card as soon as possible. 

I am requesting that this be published so that others know that if a company refuses to let you file a formal complaint with them, you can come to the CFPB website and file it.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-06-22 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed — Debt is not mine
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
Continued annoyance phone calls twice a day from XXXX, XXXX XXXX from Midland Credit Management. I am not the person they are looking for, I have a different address, different birth date, different SS and they still call everyday, early morning and late afternoon.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Consumer complaint received 2016-11-06 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card
Issue: Taking/threatening an illegal action — Threatened to sue on too old debt
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: AL

Complaint narrative:
I 'm XXXX, disalbled, after an accident at work in 2013, i lost my truck, my home, my wife, my job, @ now I 'm losing what XXXX I had left, before I could pay my bills, now I ca n't, I do n't have anything that this co.Midland funding can take, without the food stamps I get each month, i would n't be able to eat atleast one week a month.after I pay rent, water, serus, lights, @ my insurance, i have about {$92.00} left, I have nothing they can take, i have no dignity left, i have nothing, now they are sueing me in XXXX co court, '' XXXX, if they had bothered to check they would see the only money I get is my XXXX rent an apartment, i have no car, no truck, '' nothing. " Please can y'all help me, im afraid they will take whatitg little I get, @ I, ll be out in the street.i ca n't pay any laser to help me " can y'all help?

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2017-03-16 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Taking/threatening an illegal action — Threatened to sue on too old debt
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I called Midland funding to offer a settlement on a very old debt. They threatened me and indicated I am being sued and needed to contact XXXX 

I called XXXX and was rudely told I am being sued. The lady I spoke with was XXXX. She refused to accept a settlement although I insisted this account was included in a bankruptcy.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-04-11 00:00:00
Product: Student loan — Non-federal student loan
Issue: Dealing with my lender or servicer — Received bad information about my loan
Company: TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS INC
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS INC XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX PA XXXX PRODUCED A PRIVATE LOAN FROM 20 YEARS AGO AND DEFAU ; LTED ME CAUSING BAD CREDIT

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-06-30 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card
Issue: Disclosure verification of debt — Not given enough info to verify debt
Company: ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP INC.
State: RI

Complaint narrative:
I contacted Midland Credit Management to verify my debt and they refuse to do so and do not want to hear it.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-06-22 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional fixed mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: HSBC NORTH AMERICA HOLDINGS INC.
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
I have a mortgage through House Hold finance Member of HSBC Group. I am wondering if I qualify for some kind of relief due to predatory lending practices? I have paid this company approximately {$110000.00} since XX/XX/XXXX-XX/XX/XXXX. I still owe {$66000.00} for a property that is assessed at {$69000.00}. I have no equity built up so that I could refinance with another banking institution. No one will help me get away from this lender. The local branch office closed years ago. There is no one to contact any longer. I think the home office is in XXXX. I really do not know.The last time I spoke with someone, it took weeks because I had to use regular mail. The phone numbers on my statements only lead to menus and not a person to speak with. The web site is a joke of looped links that offer no help.They told me that I can not refinance with them any longer because there is no equity. ( No kidding! They absorbed it! ) Are you able to direct me on what to do? I do n't want to lose my home and am close to retirement ( XXXX years ).

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation