ComplaintsforSouthern Auto Finance Company, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  10/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT

  Business response

  10/25/2024

  Dear ****** *****,
  
  SAFCO is in receipt of your inquiry concerning your account with **********************. We take our customers inquiries seriously and opened a full investigation. SAFCO strictly adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements when reporting to credit reporting agencies.  The **** requires SAFCO to report all account information accurately. Though SAFCO is not subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, our practices follow the law.
  
  During our investigation, we determined that the information we reported to the credit reporting agencies was accurate, and is reflecting accurately on your credit report based on our records. Our records indicate your account is reflecting Paid/Closed, there was at least 1 late payment in your account and your account was past due when it was paid off, all of which SAFCO is required to report. As such, we are not able to make any modifications to your trade line. Please note negative credit information may stay on your credit report for seven years.
  
  We do not see a prior request for a debt validation from you. The following information is being provided to validate your debt. For your privacy and convenience, you will also receive a debt validation letter with this information along with a copy of your signed contract and account payment history with SAFCO:
  
  The above described vehicle was purchased on December 27, 2014 and financed by Southern Auto Finance Company, LLC d.b.a. SAFCO;
  The original contract amount was $15,700.41;
  The current principal balance on the account is $0.00; and
  The account was paid in full as of: August 3, 2020.
  
  We consider the above information to have addressed all of your concerns. If you have any questions please contact SAFCO at *************.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  SAFCO Consumer Response Team

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was told by ******************************** Portfolio, that I needed to bring my account current to receive a two-month deferment. I paid the amount they stated to bring current in Aug. Then received a unprofessional, rude call from ***** at Peritus Portfolio stating yeah, we got the payment but your past due. I then contacted Safco manager ****** *******, and he stated to me. "Well, this is what we came up with. I have strong armed ***eatedly on this acct, I have requested audits, I have sent in proof of payments with bank statements and NOT received credit-told I was however payments continue to increase not decrease, Now, this-we all understand how deferments work and yet they just keep taking my monies not honoring laws, GAAP or their own arrangements. I need help getting this account audited and payments posted correctly-the accounting records, payment history is insane-SAFCO sends ledger and payment history to Peritus Portfolio (they handle SAFCO BANKRUTCY CASES-yet their records do not match-payments may show on and not the other and vice versa-upon years of trying to get resolve - I just receive rude responses, going over the payments BUT know updates or answers to the unposted payments, the request for acct. to be audited, answer to mismatched ledgers and etc. Now, the most absurd thing-this deferment-I had to pay CURRENT to receive the two-month deferment-I paid it in AUGUST & in SEPT-they contact me and state I am 2 months behind and reflect this in the payment history-HELP ME! I have attached the liaison between Safco to Peritus-manager ****** ******* email correspondence about the deferment, yet they are harassing me, threatening *** and stating account is still delinquent.

  Business response

  10/04/2024

  SAFCO is in receipt of Ms. Lee’s request concerning her account with SAFCO. We take our customers’ requests seriously and opened a full investigation.
  SAFCO is happy to inform Ms. Lee that the missing payment has been located and has been successfully applied to her account. Additionally, a full review of her account has been conducted to ensure it is reflecting her account information accurately.
  SAFCO spoke with Ms. Lee on September 23, 2024 to provide a summary of her account and confirm her satisfaction with the end result. SAFCO appreciates Ms. Lee’s patience during this process and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. If Ms. Lee has any further questions or needs additional assistance, she may contact us at contactus@gosafco.com.
  Kindest Regards,
  SAFCO Consumer Response Team
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Esta Empresa esta causando de manera equivocada mis pagos a mi crdito de Vehculo. no se estn causando los intereses en la fecha de pago correcta. La informacin de los dos ltimos meses es confusa no hay respuesta con argumentos solidos por parte de su personal de servicio al cliente.Intente Crear un caso de revisin a mi cuenta pero fue imposible, no me entregaron un numero de caso con respecto a mi queja en mi ultima llamada la cual fue atendida de manera muy poco profesional por el seor ***** *******.This Company is wrongly causing my payments on my Vehicle credit. Interest is not being incurred on the correct payment date. The information from the last two months is confusing, there is no response with solid arguments from their customer service staff.I tried to create a review case on my account but it was impossible, they did not give me a case number regarding my complaint in my last call which was handled in a very unprofessional manner by Mr. ***** *******.

  Business response

  09/27/2024

  SAFCO is in receipt of Mr. Javier Palacios’s request concerning his account with SAFCO. We take our customers’ requests seriously and opened a full investigation.
  A full review of his account has been conducted to ensure it is reflecting his payments accurately, which it is. Our SAFCO account managers tried to explain to Mr. Palacio that he has simple interest financing, with the same installment payment due every month, and that his interest is calculated based on his balance and accrued daily. We also offered him a payment history. SAFCO is happy to speak directly to Mr. Palacio at his convenience and has tried calling him on several occasions but he has not answered. We strive for excellent customer service, so if Mr. Palacio has any further questions or needs additional assistance, he may call us at 800-599-8858 or contact us at contactus@gosafco.com.
  Kindest Regards,
  SAFCO Consumer Response Team

  Customer response

  09/30/2024

   
  Complaint: 22311384
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I attach my payment history for June 28, which is correct.

  Then in the payment history of August 21, Safco initially sends all my payment to the principal and then in the payment of September 19, it sends everything to the interest.

  I only need my payments to be made correctly on the corresponding date as my previous payments have been. They must cause the corresponding interest and capital payments in each payment and not accumulate them.
  

  I also sent a picture of my missed calls and voicemail because I never received a call from their customer service. I only ask that they do not use dirty strategies with my payment information to further increase their interest earnings.
  

  Thanks

   

   

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Javier Palacios

  Business response

  10/11/2024

  Dear Mr. Palacios,

  SAFCO is in receipt of your response concerning your account with SAFCO. SAFCO is committed to excellent customer service and would be glad to speak to you to go over your account history. We think we see the communication issue. Our records show our representatives called a phone ending in -1737 on two different occasions. This is the phone we have on file matching your vehicle purchase documents. The first attempt was on September 26, 2024, at 3:34 pm, and the second attempt was on September 27, 2024, at 4:04 pm. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach you because your contact information has not been updated in our system.
  

  On October 10, 2024, Jorge Serrano, our Sr. Account Services Manager reached out and spoke with you and successfully updated your contact information, confirmed your identification, and answered all your questions regarding your account. Additionally, as per your request, we have sent you an updated payment history for your reference.

  Should you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at (800) 599-8858.

  Kindest Regards,

  SAFCO Consumer Response Team

  Customer response

  10/17/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22311384, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Javier Palacios

• Initial Complaint

  08/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company did an un authorized pull of my credit report and would like the hard inquiry be removed from my credit report

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  SAFCO is in receipt of ************** request regarding the credit inquiry on his credit report. We take our customers requests seriously and opened an investigation. SAFCO strictly adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (****) requirements when reporting to credit reporting agencies. The **** requires SAFCO to report all account information accurately.
  
  During our investigation, we determined that SAFCO received an application for credit under application No. ******* on 11/23/2022 from *************** ********** with contact number ************. The information we reported to the credit reporting agencies was accurate, and is reflecting accurately on your credit report based on our records. Since the application was authorized, we are unable to make any modifications.
  
  
  SAFCO Consumer Response Team

• Initial Complaint

  07/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This agency committed a serious infraction under Title 18 of the United States Code (USC). They used my social security card without my consent by way of fraudulent use pursuant 15 USC 1644. They have knowingly submitted my personal identification information to consumer reporting agencies. Along with false and fictitious documents to make it seem like I owe a debt to their company when I do not. Because of their deceptive actions, they have successfully created this tradeline. Making them liable under 15 USC 6823, for aggravated identity theft under 18 USC 1028(a). They got my personal information by false pretense. To make an extortionate extension of credit, which is punishable under 18 USC 892.

  Business response

  08/02/2024

            August 2, 2024
  
  
  SAFCO is in receipt of ************************** inquiry via the BBB portal. We take our customersinquiries seriously and opened a full investigation.
  
  SAFCO strictly adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (****) requirements when reporting to credit reporting agencies. The **** requires SAFCO to report all account information accurately.
  During our investigation, we determined that Mr.********s account information we reported to the credit reporting agencies was accurate, and is reflecting accurately on his credit report.
  
  In addition, SAFCO received a previous request from ********************, in March of 2022, regarding a 1099c in which we were not able to substantiate as there is an outstanding balance is still owed on his account, and nothing has been waived. Our response at that time disclosed the original high credit limit, the principal balance due and the payoff amount. Since his account remains active, we are required to report the outstanding balance to the credit bureaus. Negative credit reporting may stay on a consumers trade line for up to seven years from the date of first delinquency. The date of first delinquency on his account is 03/20/2020. If he is interested in settling his account, he can call *********************** Debt Resolutions Team at ***************.
  
  SAFCO has provided Mr. ******** a debt validation letter along with a copy of his Retail Installment Sales Contract and payment history.
  
  At this time SAFCO consider this case closed.
  

• Initial Complaint

  07/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  *Date of transaction: 02/28/2023 *Amount of money paid to the business: $10,000+*What the business committed to provide you: Financial Statements (Ledger). An account was opened on my behalf without my prior consent by the dealership ****** and the Bank. I have requested for the balance sheet, Income Statements, and Cash Flow Statements as evidence that this account was opened fraudulent. I also, requested for the Certificate of Indebtedness, proving that this security exists. There is a Bill of Sale that was requested too. Safco have sold this security and disposal of the real property. I need these documents for my records. * What the nature of the dispute: 1. In order to demonstrate the existence of this security, it is necessary to provide documentation. Each account should have a ledger containing a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement, detailing the allocation and use of funds, the original purpose of the funds, where did these funds originated from, and the assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, displaying that this security was an asset to Safco, ****** dealership, and the Bank and a liability to me. It should also indicate whether there was a loss or profit, and if there was a gain on the alleged security.* Whether or not the business has tried to resolve the problem: Safco provided the totally opposite of what I've requested. For example, payment history showing all payments received posted on the said account, debt validation, alleged note, and a copy of the Notice of Right to Cure Default letter. I have ensured clarity and simplified the documentation required for my records. Similar to Safco, who maintains a ledger containing all securities and accounts in their accounting books, I also require such information for my own accounting records.

  Business response

  07/09/2024

  SAFCO has received a BBB Inquiry on June 24,2024 concerning Ms. ****** Browns account. Please note, ************** has requested we cease all forms of communication directly to her pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1692c. Prior to ************** requesting we cease communications, we provided her a debt validation letter, a copy of her signed retail installment contract, notice of right to cure default letter, and payment history.

  Customer response

  07/10/2024

   
  Complaint: 21934790
  
  I am declining this reply as I did not receive the requested information. It is crucial for Safco to adhere to regulations rather than being noncompliant.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  07/17/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to state our position.Unfortunately, our hands are tied with this customer. On January 16, 2024, at 12:41 PM EST, SAFCO responded to Ms. ****** CFPB debt validation request by sending a debt validation letter, signed contract, payment history, and a copy of the Notice of Right to Cure Default letter to the address she provided on that CFPB request.
  That same day, on January 16, 2024, around 5:07 PM EST, ************* sent a cease and desist letter via email to SAFCO invoking the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, section 15 USC 1692c(c) Ceasing Communication,which states:
  If a consumer notifies a debt collector in writing that the consumer refuses to pay a debt or that the consumer wishes the debt collector to cease further communication with the consumer,the debt collector shall not communicate further with the consumer with respect to such debt, except
  (1) to advise the consumer that the debt collectors further efforts are being terminated;
  (2) to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such debt collector or creditor; or
  (3) where applicable, to notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.
  If such notice from the consumer is made by mail, notification shall be complete upon receipt.
  
  Attached is the request, response, and cease and desist demand. While ************** continues to request debt validation information from SAFCO,which had already been sent to her prior to her invoking a cease and desist demand,the above legal statute and law prevents us from providing such information again, since it is not one of the enumerated permissible responses under the statute. 

  Customer response

  07/17/2024

   
  Complaint: 21934790
  I am declining this reply as Safco employees have proven to be incapable of providing the important documents I have asked for. I have temporarily lifted the cease and desist order for 72 hours in order to obtain access to these documents. If I do not receive them, I will seek to initiate arbitration proceedings between myself and Safco.
  

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I called to pay my bill early back in may of 2024 and was charged another payment a few days later (auto payment ) . I disputed the 2nd charge and Safco removed all future electronic payments for 12 months . I notified them that I was unable to physically drive and make a cash payment .They refuse to take a payment over the phone . I emailed them making them aware and now Im waiting for them to keep adding the bill and Late fees because They will not collect my payment .

  Business response

  07/05/2024

  
  July 5, 2024
  
  
  
  SAFCO is in receipt of Ms. ***************** inquiry regarding her ineligibility to make payments on her account in the form of credit card or ACH payment. We take our customers concerns very seriously and opened a full investigation. 
  During our investigation it was determined that the applicant had multiple non-sufficient funds on her account and for that reason she is no longer permitted to make payments on her account via credit card or ACH. The customer called in after the payment had been processed resulting in the **** Due to multiple non-sufficient funds on her account any future payment would need to be made through one of SAFCOs cash options or certified funds.
  It is SAFCOs policy to turn off AutoPay when consumer payments repeatedly fail. Ms.******** account will remain ineligible for credit card or ACH payment for 12 months. After 12 months of timely and valid payments, ****************** may request her account be reviewed.
  SAFCO considers this case closed.

  Customer response

  07/18/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Dear Better Business Bureau,I am writing to formally file a complaint against SAFCO (Southern Auto Finance Company) for a violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) concerning the permissible use of my credit information. The date of the unauthorized inquiry by SAFCO is listed below:Creditor: SAFCO Date of Inquiry: 8/25/2023 Under the ***** specifically 15 U.S.C. 1681b, credit reporting agencies may furnish consumer reports only under certain circumstances and for permissible purposes, such as in response to a court order, with the written consent of the consumer, or for a credit transaction initiated by the consumer, among other specified uses. Unauthorized access to my credit report is a clear violation of these provisions.I have not initiated any credit transactions with SAFCO that would warrant such unauthorized access to my credit report. This inquiry has negatively impacted my credit score and caused undue stress and inconvenience.I request that the Better Business Bureau take immediate action to investigate this unauthorized credit inquiry. SAFCO must be held accountable for violating the permissible use provisions under the ***** I also request that the unauthorized inquiry be removed from my credit report and that corrective measures be put in place to prevent future violations.Sincerely ************************* SS:#****

  Business response

  06/12/2024

  Dear ******************,
  
  SAFCO received your inquiry via BBB regarding the credit inquiries on your credit report.  Credit application number ******* was received by SAFCO on 8/25/2023 from *********************** Hyundai **************. Please contact the submitting dealership(s) listed above for additional information or assistance regarding the credit application.

• Initial Complaint

  05/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My vehicle was repossessed in April of 2024, for several late payments. The vehicle was repossessed by towing company hired by SAFCO. I Emory paid SAFCO through western union (see photo attached) on April 3, 2024. I did not receive my car till about a month later. I called SAFCO *************) and spoke to My Eggy, due to delay Mr. **** said that they fumbled the ball, and the vehicle was sent to an auction place in ******** ******* after I paid the money via western union. Mr. **** said that I can go pick the car up ******** but I said no I could not. I had to wait a whole month to receive my car. Once my car came, I had to pay $225.00 additional to the towing company to receive my car after I paid SAFCO all the Repossession fees. Once I received the car there was extensive damage to the car. Wires were cut, car horn and dashboard not working, system check keeps coming on, windshield wiper lines cut, engine leaking oil, tire on back of car missing (not original tire). The vehicle was serviced before repo. (See documents attached.) I got stopped by police officers for having a bad tag or should I say dead persons tag (Not my original tag) on my car. Guns were drawn on me. Police then had car towed by ********************* NMB due to the tag issue. I had to pay ********************* $ ****** to receive my car back on May 10, 2024. I then called SAFCO and spoke with Mr. **** again and informed him of what happened. He promised me he will have car repaired regarding prior complaint with damage after repo of car. Mr. **** offered me a deferment of one-time payment and to fix all the damages on the car. Im also asking for refund of towing expenses that was paid by me to kings wrecker service, due to wrong tag on car. I have been calling SAFCO, asking for Mr. ***** only to be ignored, constantly being told he is on another call, leaving messages. I am being constantly ignored. I AM FUSTURATED. Can this matter be resolved ASAP.

  Business response

  06/09/2024

  ****************, 

  We are very sorry to hear about your experience and hope we can come to a resolution. We reviewed our records and are unable to find such promises being made. However, we have escalated the matter to both the manager and director of ******* Services who should be in touch with you, if they have not already done so. Thank you for being our customer.

• Initial Complaint

  05/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  im not liable for this debt with safco, i do not have a contract with safco, they did not provide me with the original contract as requested

  Business response

  06/04/2024

  SAFCO is in receipt of *************************** inquiry. We take our customers concerns very seriously. We investigated the customers account and do not see a prior request from the customer for his contract. Our records indicate that the address we have on file is not up to date.

  
  In regard to Mr. ****************** request to remove his credit information, SAFCO strictly adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (****)requirements when reporting to credit reporting agencies.  The **** requires SAFCO to report all account information accurately. During our investigation, we determined that the information we reported to the credit reporting agencies was accurate and is reflecting accurately on your credit report based on our records. 

  
  If *************************** would like to provide his current address, SAFCO can send him a debt validation letter with his contract. Otherwise, SAFCO considers this case closed.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩