Consumer complaint received 2025-03-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit reporting or other personal consumer reports — Credit reporting
Issue: Incorrect information on your report — Account information incorrect
Company: Kikoff Inc.
State: ME

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a formal complaint against Kikoff regarding incorrect billing, improper late payment reporting, and failure to issue a promised refund. 

Between [ XXXX ] and [ XXXX ], I made multiple payments toward my Kikoff account in small installments ( {$2.00}, {$5.00}, {$20.00}, and {$40.00} ), totaling {$460.00}. Despite making these payments, Kikoff misapplied or lost track of them, leading to double charges and an incorrect increase in my balance. This resulted in unfair late fees and an account balance that does not reflect my actual payments. 

Additionally, Kikoff has reported late payments that are factually and legally invalid, including : XXXX late payments recorded before my account was even opened. 
XXXX late payment recorded after my account was already closed. 
According to consumer protection laws, once an account is closed and inactive, it can not remain semi-open solely to apply late paymentssuch entries must be removed. Likewise, reporting late payments before an account is even established is an outright error and criminal. 

When I contacted Kikoffs support team, I was promised a {$160.00} refund for the overcharges, yet I have not received the refund. Instead, Kikoff improperly added the amount I paid back to my balance instead of issuing a refund, further compounding the issue.

Requested Resolution I am requesting the following corrective actions : A full refund of all excess payments taken from me, including the {$160.00} refund that was promised. 
A correction to my account reflecting XXXX late payments, as all my payments were made on time. 
A full and accurate transaction history showing how my payments were applied. 
Immediate removal of the incorrect late payments that were applied before my account was opened and after it was closed. 
They applied late payments incorrectly, including : XXXX late payments before my account was even opened XXXX XXXX 
XXXX late payment after my account was already closed XXXX. 
These actions violate consumer protection laws, as a closed account can not legally remain open just to report late payments. 
I was promised a {$160.00} refund, but Kikoff never issued it. Instead, they added my payments I made back to my balance instead of refunding them. 
Kikoffs response to my complaint was dishonest, providing false explanations and making no real attempt to fix their mistakes.

Escalation Request Kikoff has demonstrated bad faith in handling my case, so I am now requesting further action from your office. Specifically, I ask that you : Investigate Kikoff for fraudulent billing practices and inaccurate credit reporting. 
Require them to issue a full refund of all excess payments, including the XXXX plus any other payments made refund witin XXXX days of notice. 
Order them to correct my account, remove all incorrect late payments, and provide an accurate transaction history. 
Hold them accountable for their deceptive and unethical business practices.

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation