Consumer complaint received 2025-03-11 00:00:00
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Getting a loan or lease — Problem with signing the paperwork
Company: SANTANDER HOLDINGS USA, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/XXXX, I entered into a retail installment contract with XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for the purchase of a XXXX XXXX XXXX. However, I later discovered that the dealership engaged in deceptive and misleading practices related to financing approval. 

The dealership falsely represented that my financing had been approved through XXXX XXXX XXXX Santander Consumer USA Inc.. However, when I contacted Santander Consumer USA Inc. on XX/XX/XXXX, I was informed that : No loan application had been submitted on my behalf. 
No financing had been approved or processed. 
No funding had been issued to the dealership under my name. 
Despite this, the dealership misrepresented the financing approval and insisted that I was legally bound by the contract. Furthermore, the dealership refused to provide documentation confirming when and if my financing was submitted or approved, violating federal Truth in Lending Act ( TILA ) disclosure requirements.

Key Violations and Concerns : 1. False Representation of Loan Approval The dealership lied about financing approval, claiming my loan was approved when no such approval existed.

2. Failure to Submit Loan Application The dealership never submitted the financing application to Santander Consumer USA Inc., despite telling me that financing was in place.

3. Failure to Provide Financing Disclosures I requested proof of financing approval, but the dealership refused to provide the required documentation under TILA.

4. Invalid Contract Enforcement The dealership is attempting to enforce a contract that was not signed by the dealership, which per its own terms is invalid.

5. Potential Unauthorized Credit Inquiry If the dealership applied for financing without my knowledge and/or consent, it may have violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). 

What I Did to Resolve This Issue : XX/XX/XXXX : I visited the dealership in person and requested a copy of my financing approval. The XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, refused to provide this documentation and falsely claimed my loan had been approved. 
XX/XX/XXXX : I contacted Santander Consumer USA Inc., who confirmed no loan application had been submitted by the dealership. 
XX/XX/XXXX : I formally requested to cancel the sale and return the vehicle, but the dealership refused. 
XX/XX/XXXX : The General Manager initially verbally agreed to let me leave the vehicle until my financing concerns were resolved, but later denied any agreement and demanded I take the vehicle back.

Requested Resolution : 1. Investigation into the dealerships deceptive financing practices, including their failure to submit my loan application while falsely claiming financing was approved.

2. Confirmation that no loan has been opened in my name.

3. Legal enforcement ensuring that the dealership does not attempt to collect on an unenforceable contract.

4. If a loan application was submitted without my consent, I request CFPB action to address potential violations of FCRA and TILA.

I respectfully request CFPBs assistance in addressing this issue, as this dealership is engaging in deceptive and unfair financing practices that harm consumers.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation