vivekkopthsd/cfpb-consumer-complaints huggingface dataset:
Consumer complaint received 2016-08-09 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Payday loan
Issue: False statements or representation — Impersonated an attorney or official
Company: Nationwide Intermediary Services llc
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Received a call from a XXXX XXXX working for Nationwide Itermediary Services LLC who stating his firm has been retained for a pending lawsuit against me regarding a debt. He then called my Mother stating that he had spoken to me and that I told him to call her to " save my hide ''. If she paid via credit card today, they would cut the debt, but if I called, I would owe the entire amount. I then called him and requested a validation of debt via mail. He said it takes too long and he would be on his way to the court house in 30 minutes if we did n't resolve immediately. He stated he is a XXXX and I would have criminal charges against me for check fraud and suspend my drivers license. I told him I was working with XXXX XXXX XXXX and he said not to deal with them, they are a scam. He then sent me an e-mail with information regarding the debt and gave me 30 min to call back. I back tracked the debt and contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX who now owns the debt, but outsourced it to another party, which turned out to be Nationwide Intermeidiary services. She stated nobody was going to a court house and stated to call them back and request a manager to send me the validation via mail that I was entitled to. I called the number she gave and the person who answered the phone answered " XXXX ''. I said Who?? and she back tracked it realizing she should n't have said that. She immediately transferred me, but I hung up and contacted XXXX XXXX XXXX again and explained what happened. They were not pleased this happened and called Nationwide to figure out what was going on. She then apologized and asked me to call back and a manger was waiting for my call. I called back and XXXX XXXX immediately answered flustered. He said he did not know what happened when the other person answered the phone, but they should n't have said that. He said the lawyers are now on the floor and that person is packing their bags. He said he would cut some more money off the debt for my trouble told him I was livid and I wanted validation of debt via mail. He stated if I did that, then I would owe the whole amount and would just hang up, which he did. I re-contacted XXXX ( who was very helpful ) and they started an investigation. They told me not to talk to that company anymore and they would pull it back to handle the debt. She then stated she would send me out the validation of debt. XXXX XXXX attempted to call one more time, but I did not answer. I spoke to my Mother again and stated he had called her asking to pay the debt again, but she told him he was a fraud and hung up. He shared debt information with my Mother including who I owed and the amount. He tried to solicit money off of her, which she almost did out of fear. My stomach has been in knots all day at work trying to deal with these people and their tactics.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-08-11 00:00:00
Product: Bank account or service — Checking account
Issue: Account opening, closing, or management — 
Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
State: MN

Complaint narrative:
I discovered two-three weeks ago that Associated Bank was assessing overdraft fees for debit card transactions on my business account. It was my understanding and experience that if funds were not available, I would receive an " insufficient funds '' notification at the time of the transaction rather than have Associated Bank treat the transaction as a chequing account overdraft. 

When I opened the accounts, I spent approximately one hour and one-half hour meeting with the banker. At no time was I informed that overdraft fees would be charged to my debit card transactions if funds were insufficient. After I discovered this issue, I contacted Associated Bank and was told that there was an " opt-out '' for such transactions. This option was never discussed with me at the time I opened the account as I would have opted out. 
After reaching out to the bank and asking for a resolution - i.e., the restoration of the overdraft fees for the last 30 days, I informed them that if we were unable to resolve it I would be moving my accounts. This morning I received notice from Associated Bank that it would refund me a small portion of the overdraft fees. However, Associated Bank canceled by debit cards and closed my bank account. When I went to the bank to determine why my cards had been canceled and the accounts closed, I was met by several bankers at the teller window who simply stated " Your accounts are closed. '' I did not ask to close my accounts and instead told a Associated Bank representative that I would be meeting with my accountant on Tuesday XX/XX/XXXX to discuss the accounts, ensure that I had retrieved my bank data, speak with an attorney, and move the accounts. 
Associated Bank was sued for the same practices in federal court in XX/XX/XXXX ( Civil File No. XXXX ( XXXX. Fla ). In XX/XX/XXXX, a settlement agreement was reached wherein the Associated Bank agreed that it had an affirmative duty to inform its customers of debit card charges and to provide them with the opportunity to opt-out. 
The same practices continue to be applied.

Company response to consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Consumer complaint received 2016-01-25 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional adjustable mortgage (ARM)
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: PHH Mortgage Services Corporation
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I purchased a home in XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX. In XXXX I asked that my mortgage company escrow my real estate taxes. My monthly payment was {$3300.00}. At the end of XXXX XXXX, I received a call saying my mortgage account was past due. I have my bank automatically pay the amount due every month. Apparently the escrow amount went up and caused my monthly payment to increase. I asked what the issue was and I was told that taxes had increased. I knew this to be untrue. Then they told me that before taxes were only paid once a year and now they taxed me twice a year. This was also untrue because LA always charged taxes twice per year. After 45 minutes on the phone, I learned that the escrow calculation was grossly inaccurate and now I 'm paying double for the next year - almost {$1000.00} more per month. This company 's procedures are inadequate, cause economic hardship to consumers, and the company 's customer support and inadequately trained and deceptive to consumers.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2017-01-19 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional fixed mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: PHH Mortgage Services Corporation
State: CO

Complaint narrative:
This is a complaint against PHH Mortgage for holding money in escrow that was deemed to be used for repair of hail damage to our residence that occurred on XXXX XXXX, 2016. PHH Mortgage is currently holding over {$12000.00} that was sent to us from our insurance company since XXXX 2016 and even though we have contacted them on numerous occasions they still will not release the funds. There excuse is that they needed documentation in order to reconcile the amount that has been paid by the insurance company with the amount that that was estimated by our general contractor. Documentation from both the general contractor and insurance company has been sent to them on more than one occasion and they are still " dragging their feet ''.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2017-01-04 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — 
Issue: Other — 
Company: EXPERT GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/XXXX I opened a credit card account with SST/Cigpfi, I paid faithfully until going through a XXXX. A short while later a second account popped up on my credit report, with a different account # named SST/Synovus. Both accounts have the same date of being opened. I have tried to have XXXX of them removed as it is clearly a duplicate. Many letters later and they still appear on my credit report. I have asked for the company to provide the proof that I personally opened both accounts and they have failed to do so AND the marks on my credit report remain.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-04-06 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Other mortgage
Issue: Loan modification,collection,foreclosure — 
Company: ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP
State: MN

Complaint narrative:
Dear CFPB, I 'm submitting my complaint regarding a consumer mortgage loan with Associated Bank that was obtained through the XXXX XXXX Mn branch at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Mn XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. XXXX # XXXXThe loan amount was for {$41000.00}. I became concerned when I noticed that despite on time payments, my principal balance had not changed. Associated bank offered me several explanations on my numerous visits to the bank to inquire, which never really made sense to me. I was told that it took several years for the principal amount to decease. My last visit to the bank to inquire about this was in XX/XX/XXXX. I had gone into the bank and or called previous to XX/XX/XXXX, at least XXXX times a year, always trusting that the bank was correct and it would take time for my principal balance to come down. 
I was also told that my loan was an interest only loan ( though I specifically had requested a loan that was not interest only ) since my XXXX mtg was an interest only and I did not want another one. The gentleman that oversaw my loan at its inception assured me it was not interest only. Incidentally this man was no longer employed at the bank within weeks of my loan ( I did see him oddly enough at a store and he would not speak to me ) I really became concerned when a bank teller who processed one of my payments whispered to me that I really needed to get out this loan. 
At present I have paid off somewhere around {$39000.00} dollars on this consumer loan, and still owe more than the total it was taken out for some XXXX years ago. By the time I pay off this loan I will have paid {$130000.00} dollars. 
I 'm quite concerned that this loan is predatory in nature, that I was taken advantage of because of my lack of knowledge of consumer loans and that the terms of this loan were never fully explained to me despite my numerous attempts at contacting the bank. 
On my last visit to Associated Bank, I asked the loan officer if he would have advised his Mother to take this loan? He would not answer me. 
I do not think a {$40000.00} dollar loan should cost me XXXX, and I m asking for the CFBP to intervene on my behalf. 

I have attached my original note for your review. 

Most Sincere Regards, XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-02-24 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Medical
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: American Credit Bureau, Inc.

Complaint narrative:
There is a claim listed on my credit report that I do n't recognize. I have never received any communication regarding this claim. I can not get through to the credit collection agency listed. I 'd like to know what it is and will pay it if its legitimate or I 'd like it removed from my credit.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-05-08 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Home equity loan or line of credit
Issue: Loan modification,collection,foreclosure — 
Company: PHH Mortgage Services Corporation
State: IL

Complaint narrative:
PHH yet again denies us due process to receive fair access to assistance under any program in its considerable power to secure, commensurate with our need, particularly concerning Loan # XXXX. It is clear PHH is committed to continue, unabated, the practice of serial omissions and repeated failures intentionally designed to subvert fair and equitable services rendered in response to any hardship affidavit we might submit. Certainly the varied and detailed descriptions of our hardship condition ( s ), you dismiss even now, submitted on your demand, in formal application of a reasoned repayment plan, Forbearance or HELOC Refinance ( modification ) programs, plans readily available even prior to our early attempts to obtain a realistically structured solution, are adequate to your need - you provided written acknowledgement the hardship affidavits, detailed household expenditure submissions, tax transcripts and federal filings received and in your possession were adequate to complete several previous application packages concerning Loan # XXXX ( and # XXXX ) free of arbitrary or capricious currency limitations, the applications denied apparently by use of whimsical fancy, without fact based application of any information demanded we provided ; PHH betrays a committed resistance to any serious effort to evenhandedly administrate any program available, based on the financial and budgetary facts we submit ( ed ) representing an accurate debt ratio assessment. PHH demonstrates an interest solely in drawing out the process in hope to cause, discover, and/or exploit any infraction occurring as a result. 

We, along with XXXX XXXX, have cause to believe, based on evidence of the conduct by all operatives, representatives, agencies, and consigns working on behalf of the company encountered during this process, PHH does not intend to cease engaging in unfair practices, resulting in preventable injury, financial and personal disparagement ; and, PHH remains in violation of the federal programs ' fair standards and practices guidelines, and rules of conduct, by continued engagement in deliberate acts of harassment, the cause of undue emotional distress ; and, continued policies and practices of resistance to full disclosures, negligence, intentional " stonewalling, '' and refusal to honor requests for response to correspondence, and fair and open exchange of substantial information, important to achieve mutual understanding of facts in evidence, to establish the common ground and good faith required to reach just and equitable solution ( s ) or compromise ( s ).

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-12-31 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Credit card
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed — Debt was discharged in bankruptcy
Company: Mitchell Rubenstein & Associates, P.C.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
I received a dunning letter from a 3rd part debt collector. I attempted to get validation of debt from them by sending XXXX letters to them. I did not receive a satisfactory response. I then sent them an estoppel letter. ( see attached ). 

This debt collector unbeknownst to me filed an action in XXXX XXXX XXXX courthouse acting as if they were representing XXXX XXXX XXXX, this was fraud on the court. 

I just discovered a default judgement was entered in XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for a debt that was discharged in my wife 's bankruptcy in 2013 as evidenced by her credit report. 

These 3rd party debt collectors are posing as attorney 's representing XXXX XXXX XXXX, when in fact they are nothing but interlopers that purchased this old debt for pennies on the dollar and are now attempting to collect the entire amount. 

I was not properly served by a sheriff as required and as a result a default judgement was entered.

Company public response: Company chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-10-26 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional fixed mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: PHH Mortgage Services Corporation
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
We had an approved trial plan with XXXX. Our loan was transferred to PHH. PHH refused to honor our loan modification. We made all trial payments on time. I am attaching a fradulent statement sent to us by PHH. They bhave since refused our payments.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-03-04 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Conventional fixed mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: PHH Mortgage Services Corporation
State: CO

Complaint narrative:
My mortgage was sold to PHH Mortgage on XX/XX/XXXX, prior to that it was serviced by XXXX XXXX. I have spoken to XXXX XXXX and my last payment was applied correctly on XX/XX/XXXX for the XX/XX/XXXX payment. Which meant that my first payment to PHH should be applied to the XX/XX/XXXX Payment. On XXXX XXXX I made a payment in the amount of XXXX to be applied to the XX/XX/XXXX payment and on XXXX XXXX I made another payment in the amount of XXXX for the XX/XX/XXXX payment. I have been monitoring the account online since then. I noticed that my account was showing that the due date for the next payment was XX/XX/XXXX. I contacted them 2 weeks after the payments were made and was told that the second payment was misapplied to principle and would be backed out and applied to the XX/XX/XXXX payment. I contacted them again today XX/XX/XXXX. After being transferred 4 times I was now told that both payments were misapplied. I was told again that they would " fix '' it and apply them correctly, but I would have to wait 7-10 days, then I was told 3-5 days then told that it would be fixed today but I still would be unable to have confirmation until Tuesday. I asked what is going to happen when I make a payment this month that should be applied to the XX/XX/XXXX payment. I was told there was no way for them to guarantee that they would apply that payment correctly and I would have to monitor my account. This is absolutely ridiculous, PHH is supposed to be a loan servicer they should be able to properly apply payments to the account. At this point the only acceptable resolution is to have my account transferred to a servicer that can handle accepting monthly payments.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2016-05-13 00:00:00
Product: Consumer Loan — Installment loan
Issue: Shopping for a loan or lease — 
Company: Home Loan Center, Inc.
State: NJ

Complaint narrative:
I recently applied for a loan online from Lending Tree/XXXX XXXX and was pre-approved, and then proceeded to complete my application by phone. I was told over the phone that the loan had been finally approved at the rates I was quoted online, but was then transferred ( by phone ) to a local branch to make an appointment to sign the paperwork. That phone representative then quoted me a rate more than twice the original amount and tried to sell me an auto loan instead. 

This is a classic bait-and-switch scheme. They may have fine-print disclosures in the Terms and Conditions, but they should not be allowed to misrepresent the product to the consumer in this manner, which is misleading and false. They prey upon desperate consumers who need funds on an urgent basis and wear them down by keeping them on the phone for a long time, ultimately persuading them to accept a product for which the consumer pays a drastically higher rate, if they agree. 

They transferred me several times, and finally connected me to some kind of financial institution called XXXX XXXX XXXX at XXXX XXXX XXXX. in XXXX XXXX, NJ, XXXX. 

This is truly a horrifying scheme.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2017-01-27 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed — Debt is not mine
Company: Trident Asset Management, L.L.C.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
This company is trying to collect on a debt for XXXX that is not mine. I have never had a XXXX account. I asked for validation of debt and all I received was a bill. Where is the proof I signed for this account. I have never lived at the address they had listed. I would like proof of this debt like paper work with my signature showing this is a valid debt. It is negatively affecting my credit and I would like this removed.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Consumer complaint received 2017-02-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — I do not know
Issue: False statements or representation — Indicated committed crime not paying
Company: Financial Credit Service, Inc.
State: MO

Complaint narrative:
I recieved a call today regarding my ex husbands uncles debt. I have been divorced 5 years. I recieved a call from an unknown number stating they were with the XXXX courts and that I was being supeoned to testify. They needed my attorneys name to update the courts. When I asked what this was regarding they directed me to contact the plaintiff at XXXX. I recieved this call at work and had to leave my responsibilities to go to a conference and call the " plantiff ''. The number went to a company called a.r.a. asset recovery associates. The woman I spoke with said her name was XXXX XXXX. She said I was a co-dependent in a case against my ex husbands uncle. She provided me with case no. XXXX XXXX. She stated I was a co-defendent in a case against him regarding XXXX charges of check fraud which would be filed today. When I asked more questions she hung up on me. I called XXXX XXXX County and city courts. Neither had the case no. Asset recovery associates provided me with. I called asset recovery associates back at XXXX and the woman who answered the phone did not provide her name but stated she had already spoken with me today. I said I was hung up on earlier. She said that was because I kept calling. I asked her to send me something in writing regarding case no XXXX XXXX. She said you 'll get your supenoa. At that point I assumed she was using deceptive debt collection practices and asked her to cease and desist. She said only my attorney can request a cease and desist She then hung up on me again. These claims she made that I was a co-defendant in a case that had absolutely nothing to do with me caused me XXXX. I may recieved a supeno and if that 's the case then we 'll deal with that. However I feel that they had no right to threaten me on a fake cae

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-08-31 00:00:00
Product: Payday loan — 
Issue: Charged fees or interest I didn't expect — 
Company: EZCORP, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
Excessive fees and high interest rate of XXXX l only borrow {$940.00} and paid over {$900.00} dollars in fees and finance charge. 
This financial institution shutting down in lending because of. A Federal Government fine of {$10.00} XXXX dollars.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation
Consumer complaint received 2015-04-09 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — VA mortgage
Issue: Loan servicing, payments, escrow account — 
Company: UNITED SECURITY FINANCIAL
State: AZ

Complaint narrative:
United Security Financial Corp has selected " XXXX '' to service our VA mortgage after years with another firm. We are paid by the govt every XXXX of the month and have been making an electronic payment from our bank on this date throughout the term of the loan. We have NEVER missed or late on a payment. Their agent, XXXX, has now initiated debt collection calls on the XXXX and informed us that they will continue to harass us on the XXXX of every month hereafter.

Company public response: Company believes complaint represents an opportunity for improvement to better serve consumers
Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief