Mark
North Richland Hills,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sun, April 01, 2007
You would be surprised what a phone call, an e-mail and a HAND written letter to your Senator and Representative will do. You will get an instant response. Make sure to mention the unit he is in, the date he was activated, and where he is currently stationed.
Aafes
Viernheim,#3Consumer Comment
Sun, April 01, 2007
What you should do, if you have not already done so, is first contact your base legal office to discuss these matters and get advice. If they are not able to assist you, it is certainly worth your time to consult a private attorney. As you stated you applied for relief under the SCRA the creditors are likely violating federal law by their actions. These creditors "bank" on the fact you will simply find it too much trouble to exercise and protect your rights under the SCRA.
David
austin,#4Author of original report
Sun, April 01, 2007
In addition to the complaint above Option One has reported me late 30 days, 60 days, and then 30 days again. I was late twice and it was less than 30 days late. They claim to have charge me three $15 NSF Fees and I don't write them checks. I use a bill pay service through my bank. Also, I have at least 5 statements with NSF fees listed. Every time they take the $15 first my mortgage payment is short so it generates a $95 late fee. Our losses due to active duty really hit us in DEC 06. I am being reported late for since AUG 06 which coincidentally is the same month we first asked for SCRA protection. AND my bank records show the payments before DEC 06 were made in full and on time. Their letters show only 2 months late at less then 30 days but my credit reports show at least 4 lates. Their records are inconsistent. They do not return calls unless you threaten them with legal or public action. The BBB and FTC have been unable or unwilling to help. They have no proof, when I requested it, of these NSF payments but they refuse to take them off. This in turn validates the late fees according to Option One. Then there is the whole issue with "other" and "miscellaneous" charges on my statement that I can not get an explanation for. I have called and called and called but they only claim I am wrong and there are no "other" charges. If that is true why is it on my monthly statement and why is it shorting my monthly payment so I generate yet another late fee? Add this to the loss of $1000 a month due to my spouse's active duty orders and all I can say is I am outraged as this companies less than reputable business practices that flaunt the laws designed to protect the consumer during times of legitimate financial hardship. This company claims the want to "help me." Apparently the only thing they want is to help me lose my house and ruin the good credit I have worked hard all my life to protect and maintain.