Acceptance NOW Predatory Lending via inflated charges and fees Jacksonville Florida
I purchased furniture 8 months ago that costed $1,346.00. I put down $213.46 + $60 for furniture delivery (we were sleeping on the floor and the furniture was delivered 6 weeks later). My monthly payments are $184.00 every month. It was never explained to me that I was "renting" furniture. I didn't qualify for Ashley Furniture credit so they said they had another credit option with an onsite company who would help re-build your credit. I was desperate for furniture and thought it was a blessing.
Today, after making my 7th payment, I contacted the store to pay off the balance. To my surprise, the payoff is $1,318.00! I went and found the original paperwork (I know this is completely irresponsible of me but it's what just happened), and see that every with each month's payment, my balance goes down about $12.00. After the 3rd month, the payoff went up to $1,389.00 and started going down from there. The terms I discussed with the sales person were for 12 months. I am on a 28 month contract paying $184.00 each month which will total $4,343.92 if I continue to pay! If I stop paying, I will lost the furniture that I've already paid $1,600. for even though it only costed $1,346 to begin with!
I said to the lady on the phone, "so if I pay it off today, it will be as if I haven't already paid over $1,000 for the furniture," she said, "exactly."
Before I go pay doulble the cost to avoid losing my furniture, or avoid paying quadruple for it, please confirm for me, isn't this form of predatory lending illegal?