Consumer complaint received 2026-01-08 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Getting a loan or lease — High-pressure sales tactics
Company: CAPITAL ONE FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
This complaint involves coercive dealership practices that resulted in a high-APR auto loan under emotional distress. I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my vehicle purchase from XXXX of XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX, involving a XXXX XXXX XXXX financed under a retail installment sales contract. 
I am a full-time XXXX student and the sole decision-maker on this purchase. At the time of sale, I was placed under significant emotional pressure by dealership staff and made to feel trapped, rushed, and unsupported. I was not provided a fair or neutral environment in which to make a major financial decision. 
During the sales process, dealership representatives invoked my history of domestic violence and personal trauma in a manner I found deeply inappropriate, manipulative, and distressing. I was told statements including, but not limited to : That I look too good to let someone beat on me and my car, referring to both myself and my XXXX XXXX XXXX that had dents all over it done by my ex husband That I needed to move on from my trauma and leave that car behind with it These statements were used to emotionally pressure me into trading in my prior vehicle and proceeding with a new purchase, rather than focusing on my financial ability, long-term affordability, or my expressed concerns about cost. 
I felt that my personal trauma was leveraged as a sales tactic, rather than respected as a sensitive and private matter. This conduct was deeply unsettling and, in my view, crossed professional and ethical boundaries. 
As a result, I entered into a contract with : A 15.64 % APR A monthly payment of {$750.00} A total cost exceeding {$57000.00} for a XXXX XXXX As a XXXX student, this payment places significant financial hardship on me. At no point did I feel I was given meaningful alternatives, adequate time to review the contract, or support to step away and reconsider. I felt pressured to proceed and left believing I had no realistic option to decline or seek help. I want to be clear that I am not attempting to avoid responsibility for my obligations. I am continuing to make payments despite the hardship. However, the circumstances under which this agreement was entered were not neutral or fair. Because my history of domestic violence was directly referenced during the sales process, I experienced emotional distress and a freeze response that made it difficult for me to disengage, ask for help, or fully advocate for myself in that moment. I believe this context is important in understanding why I proceeded despite clear financial concerns. 
Since that time, the financial burden of this loan has created ongoing strain while I pursue my XXXX education and work toward long-term stability. I am asking not for special treatment, but for a fair review of whether ethical sales standards were met and whether appropriate remedies are warranted given the circumstances. 

I am filing this complaint to formally document : XXXXCoercive and emotionally manipulative sales practices XXXXExploitation of disclosed domestic violence trauma XXXXFailure to provide a fair, non-pressured financing environment XXXXResulting financial harm and distress I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed for compliance with consumer protection standards and ethical sales practices. I am prepared to provide copies of my contract and any additional documentation upon request. 
Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter. 
Sincerely, XXXX. 
Full-Time XXXX Student

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation