ComplaintsforSouthern Auto Finance Company, LLC

Consumer Finance Companies

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Initial Complaint
09/24/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
***This company is a Nightmare it wants more money than the car is worth ***I have not had the car in many years yet they act like I still have it ***It's not in my name This should out of my credit history by now it is illegal to do this and to harass a customer If I knew this ********************** would be like this I would have never got a car under my mom's name and I will not pay they're ridiculous rip off prices
Business response
09/25/2023
SAFCO has received the consumer's inquiry and peformed an investigation. It has been determined that his consumer previously filed a BBB complaint (case #********) regarding this account. ********************** provided an answer at that time, and as such considers this inquiry to be a dupiclate of the previously filed complaint. SAFCO considers this case closed as duplicate.
Initial Complaint
09/11/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I am a victim of identity- theft, I am writing to request that you block all accounts disputed as fraudulent on my credit reports with Transunion, Equifax, and Experian. This information does not relate to any transactions I have made. I did not give anyone authorization or consent to use my personal information. I hereby exercise my legal rights enacted by Congress and The ************************* which explicitly states when a victim of identity-theft dispute a fraudulent account on his/her credit report it shall be honored by all credit bureaus and all fraudulent information should be blocked within 4 days and proper notification shall be given to all data furnishers pursuant to section 605b of The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. SOUTHERN FINANCE/SMC ACCNT#********I understand that the Office of the Attorney normally provides copies of the complaint forms or information regarding complaints to the business complained about and other private and public agencies. I authorize BBB to give copies or any information on the form to anyone deemed advisable.
Business response
09/14/2023
SAFCO received this inquiry on 9/11/2023 and has performed an investigation.

During the investigation, it was determined that the information reported to the credit reporting agencies was accurate. SAFCO does not have any record of an account for this consumer and the information provided. It is our determination that the credit reporting agencies are reporting a SAFCO customer under this consumers trade line. As such, the consumer must contact the credit reporting agencies directly to dispute this trade line.

As this is not a SAFCO customer or an error on *********************** part, ********************** considers this case closed.
Initial Complaint
07/11/2023
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I do not have an account with ********************** and they continue to place it onto my credit report.
Business response
07/12/2023
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding an invalid and unverified account on the consumers credit report.
SAFCO is unable to identify the consumer with the limited information provided. SAFCO does have an account with a name match, but due to limited demographic information within the BBB filing, SAFCO is unable to complete an investigation. The consumer may contact SAFCO at ************** Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST or file a dispute with the CRA(s) directly as to why this account is inaccurately reporting under this consumers trade line.
Initial Complaint
07/11/2023
Complaint Type:
Order Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Im not liable for this debt with Safco and I dont have a contract with them also they didnt provide me with the original contract as requested.
Business response
07/11/2023
SAFCO has reviewed and investigated the consumers inquiry regarding the information reporting on their credit report.

In regards to this inquiry received July 11, 2023, SAFCO sent via **** a debt validation to the consumer at the address on file. The debt validation included a copy of the signed contract, payment history of the account, and a letter with loan origination and account status information.

This account was involved in a total loss insurance claim and the SAFCO account was paid in full on 12/16/2020 by the insurance company, after going 70 days past due. Late payments may remain on the trade line for up to seven (7) years from the date of first delinquency,which was 11/06/2020.

SAFCO has verified that there has been a true and accurate reporting on the customers credit report per the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As such, no modifications will be made to the consumers trade line for the SAFCO account.
Initial Complaint
04/10/2023
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
on 7/12/2017 My Daughter (***********************) included this vehicle that Safco Auto financing is still currently reporting on my credit report, in a Chpt 13 bankruptcy reference# ******DLT, according to her Experian credit report that Chpt 13 bankruptcy was dismissed on 2/28/2018. but Yet Safco has continued reporting this false and negative reporting on my credit reports .the car was returned to the dealership and resold, safco offered me to pay $4000 to close the remaining balance on the account, but they are reporting a inaccurate amount due of $23,032.00, I want them to remove this inaccuracy from my credit report as i was only a cosigner on the car for my Daughter and the amount owed is an incorrect amount that they are reporting, this is false and misleading information , i have attached a copy of her credit report that shows the chpt 13 dismissal..Safco Auto financing and their reps have been very rude and mean and i feel they have been a Bully of my credit for way to long!!!! I need help resolving this matter. Please help me to get from under their curse!
Business response
04/17/2023
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding their SAFCO account reporting on their credit trade line.

This consumer is the primary borrower on the account, which is a joint account with her daughter being the co-borrower. *******borrower did file bankruptcy in 2017 and it was dismissed. The bankruptcy was reinstated and dismissed a 2nd time on 3/1/2018.   The attachment provided in the consumers inquiry confirmed the bankruptcy was dismissed. On a dismissed bankruptcy, the account and applicable debts remains valid. On 4/26/2018, the vehicle was voluntarily turned in. The vehicle was sold at auction leaving an outstanding deficiency balance owed on the account in the amount of $9,973.54. On 8/1/2018,SAFCO spoke with the co-borrower regarding the deficiency balance, and offered a $4,500.00 settlement. At that time the co-borrower stated they had no interest in settling the deficiency balance or making any type of repayment plan. SAFCO spoke to the borrower on the account on 10/25/2018 to discuss a possible settlement for 50% of the principal balance owed on the account. The borrower advised they would speak with the co-borrower and for ** to call back. SAFCO has had no further contact with the borrower or co-borrower in regards to settling the outstanding balance owed on the loan since those conversations.
The outstanding balance continues to accrue interest until paid in full, and will reflect the new balance each month with the credit bureaus. This information can remain on both consumers credit trade lines for up to 7 years from the date of first delinquency, which was 2/28/2018.   Should the consumer have any further questions or wish to settle the outstanding debt, our Debt Resolutions Team is available at **************.
Through our investigation, SAFCO has determined all information to be true and accurate. SAFCO considers this case closed.
Customer response
04/18/2023

Complaint: 19916926

I am rejecting this response because: I never received any record in writing that the balance owed was of $9,973.54. , 2nd the offer was a $4,000.00 settlement NOT a $4,500.00 settlement, 3rd Safco is illegally reporting an incorrect & disputed amount owed at this time to the Major credit bureaus in the amount of $23,032.00..on an account that was closed and charged off in 2018 , HOW CAN SAFCO continues to accrue interest ON A CLOSED AND CHARGED OFF ACCOUNT THAT WAS REPORTED TO THE *** AS A CHARGED OFF ACCOUNT?
I am requesting to receive calculated proof IN WRITTING on how Safco can go from a CHARGED OFF balanced owed of $9,973.54 ON A CLOSED AND CHARGED OFF ACCOUNT AND AFTER FILING THE VEHICLE TO THE *** AS A CHARGED OFF ACCOUNT to Legally reporting an incorrect balance owed of $23,032.00 on a charged off account that was reported closed on my credit report as of March 31, 2018... I DO NOT AGREE WITH SAFCO DECISION BECAUSE SAFCO IS NOT BEING HONEST AND TRUTHFUL!! SAFCO information IS NOT true and accurate. I ********************* DO NOT considers this case closed.

Sincerely,

*********************
Business response
05/05/2023
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding their SAFCO account reporting on their credit trade line.
As stated in the prior response, the account balance and amount owed continues to accrue interest at the contractual rate. The amounts reported to the major credit reporting agencies include principal balance, interest and fees per credit reporting guidelines. The balance quoted from 2018 was the amount at that time, which continues to increase as the interest continues to accrue on this balance owed to SAFCO. Due to the account status, ********************** reports this amount as an unpaid balance reported as a loss (charge-off). This reporting does not dissolve SAFCOs right to this money nor the responsibility of the consumer to pay this amount. SAFCO reports account information as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
In regards to the consumers request for a copy of the Explanation of Calculation of Deficiency that was mailed to the consumer on May 1, 2018. SAFCO has sent a copy to the last known address on the account, which matches the address on the BBB inquiry. With the prior settlement offers presented to the consumer, SAFCO has attempted to resolve this account. If the consumer is interested in discussing a current settlement offer, please contact out office at **************.
Customer response
05/11/2023

Complaint: 19916926

I am rejecting this response because: Safco is still reporting false and misleading information the balance was only $9000 in 2018! please show me the daily accrued interest and how they are calculating the interest with proof of my agreement to those terms

Sincerely,

*********************
Business response
05/12/2023
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding their SAFCO account reporting on their credit trade line. With the most recent request, SAFCO has mailed a copy of the Explanation of Calculation of Deficiency to address on file, which matches the address on the BBB inquiry. SAFCO has validated the debt owed and provided the requested information to the consumer. In an effort to provide additional clarification, attached is a balance as of May 12, 2023 that reflects the outstanding principal balance owed of $9,973.54 plus the accrued interest of $17,980.10. SAFCO has expressed our willingness to settle on this amount owed. SAFCO is willing to discuss settlement options at amounts lower than previously discussed with the consumer in an effort to resolve and close this account. As ********************** has deemed this account and amount due as valid, SAFCO will not, per Fair Credit Reporting Act,simply delete this account or amount due. If the consumer wishes to discuss a settlement, please contact our office at **************.
Customer response
05/15/2023

Complaint: 19916926

I am rejecting this response because: I am being bullied into paying for something that I didn't agree to!, and I am stress out over the fact that a company can just get away with just submitting a statement as if its true when in fact it is not ! Safco is falsely reporting a incorrect amount owed to the credit agencies and they need to be stopped!! this is why they have so many complaints!

Sincerely,

*********************
Initial Complaint
01/31/2023
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Hello, I have been trying to contact this business for almost 2 weeks. Every time I speak with a representative, they tell me that they cant find my account. I explained to them that my account has been paid in full since 2018, My issue is that my car has been paid in full, but this company has a lein on my title, which is causing a delay in a transaction for me to sell the car. I finally spoke with someone in their corporate office which the person sound so low as if she was in her home speaking with me. I asked for a confirmation email that she will submit to have the lein release, she said that shes was unable to provide one. Here I am a week later, The lein is still on my title, I live in ******* and lein holds are electronic. I sent a email to their website, with no response. Horrible company. I need a follow ASAP.
Business response
02/09/2023
Tell us why here...SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding their title issue on a paid SAFCO account.
In regards to this request received on January 31, 2023, SAFCO requested a title search on the applicable collateral. SAFCO confirmed that the **************** still had SAFCO listed as lienholder as well as another company as secondary lienholder. In an effort to resolve the situation, SAFCO contacted our Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) vendor to process an additional lien release to remove SAFCOs name. To verify this was completed, SAFCO checked the lien after this request and on the electronic title the **************** moved SAFCO from primary to secondary position rather than removing our name completely. The SAFCO **************** has been in communication with both the **************** and the consumer to get this corrected. As of February 9,2023, our request with the **************** is on standby.
Should the consumer have any questions while this is continuing to be resolved, please contact the SAFCO **************** at ************** or **************.
Initial Complaint
01/06/2023
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I viewed my credit report and noticed that there are fraudulent accounts. This was not sent in error. I am consumer by law. Here are the details of the said inaccurate accounts, company name, balance & date last reported: Account Name SAFCO Balance $6,147.00 Account Number ********
Business response
01/13/2023
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding an inaccurate account, company name, balance and date last reported on their trade line.
In regards to this request received January 6, 2023, SAFCO sent via **** on January 13, 2023 a debt validation to the consumer at the address on the complaint. The debt validation included a copy of the signed contract, payment history of the account, and a letter with loan origination and account status information.
Through our investigation, SAFCO has determined all information to be true and accurate and as such, will not be removed from the consumers trade line. Should the consumer have any further questions or wish to settle the outstanding debt, our Debt Resolutions Team is available at **************************.
Initial Complaint
12/15/2022
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
SAFCO has been my auto finance company since 2020. Each occasion I receive negative interaction with staff, not willing to help. I lost my job due to Covid 19 I would inform Safco of my changes. However, on each occasion it was unpleasant with reps. ** car was recently repossessed. I have the payment to bring my balance up to date. However, again Safco will not assist me in this matter. Safco wants me to pay ****** without any other options.
Business response
12/19/2022
SAFCO has reviewed and investigated the consumers inquiry regarding the situation with their account.

Per the signed retail installment sales contract that the consumer has with SAFCO, the consumer is required to provide SAFCO with any changes to their contact information including, but not limited to, the consumers phone number, address, and place of employment. The consumer did not provide SAFCO with updates to these demographics and SAFCO was required to secure the collateral after non-payment on the account. Due to the consumer contact information not being current, the collateral was secured 29 days after the order was placed at an alternate address than what was on the consumers file. It is SAFCOs policy to require a full payoff to redeem the collateral under these circumstances.

As a one-time exception and courtesy to the consumer, SAFCO has agreed to allow the consumer to redeem the collateral for the past due amount plus repossession expenses. The consumer has been advised to provide SAFCO with current demographic information. The amount due to redeem was communicated to the consumer on December 16, 2022 and SAFCO is pending a response and payment from the consumer to redeem the collateral.

If the consumer has any further questions, they may contact SAFCO at ************** or ***************************************
Initial Complaint
12/13/2022
Complaint Type:
Sales and Advertising Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
This companies collection practices are problematic. They for whatever reason, do not check notes on the account before they make collection calls to see if there is an arrangement made. Due to the economy etc *** had to make arrangements several times. I have NEVER ONE TIME failed to keep the arrangement. EVERY SINGLE TIME they call to ask why I didnt pay. Its super irritating and unprofessional. They need to do better.
Business response
12/19/2022
SAFCO has reviewed and investigated the customers inquiry regarding the collection activity with payment arrangements on their account.

SAFCO has reviewed policies and procedures regarding notating an account when multiple payment arrangements may apply and completed calibrations with the staff to confirm comprehension and adherence to these policies and procedures.

If the consumer has any further questions, they may contact SAFCO at ************** or ***************************************
Initial Complaint
12/09/2022
Complaint Type:
Service or Repair Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
I was almost finished paying off my car loan. I think it was a little under $2000 left to pay. I got into a car accident and my insurance company, which was State Farm, considered the car totaled. I was under the understanding that the lien holder( safco) gets paid because its their car until I pay it off and IF theres any money left, thats what I get. I got less than $800 and still had to save up before I could get another car. This happened back in maybe 2014.Ive had about 3 cars since then. Im almost done paying on the car I have nowunder $1400. So on Credit Karma, it says my balance went up on my safco account!! Now they are trying to collect money with 6 to 7 years interest!It is a very shady company. Im still trying to figure out who I can talk to , to get this off my credit report. I wish I could fine them. Its so unfair that companies can s**** your over like this. And look how many years its been going on!!!
Business response
12/19/2022
SAFCO has received and reviewed the consumers inquiry regarding a request for a debt validation.
In regards to this request received December 10, 2022, SAFCO sent via **** on December 19, 2022 a debt validation to the consumer at the address on the complaint. The debt validation included a copy of the signed contract, payment history of the account, and a letter with loan origination and account status information.
After all ancillary product cancellation proceeds were received and applied to the principal balance on the account, an outstanding balance remains on the account. This balance continues to accrue interest and may report to the credit bureaus for up to (7) years from the date of first delinquency which was October 31, 2016.
SAFCO had contact with the customer on December 11, 2017 and discussed the outstanding balance that was due after the insurance proceeds were received. The customer stated she would not pay and requested cease and desist at that time.
Through our investigation, SAFCO has determined all information to be true and accurate. Should the consumer have any further questions or wish to settle the outstanding debt, our Debt Resolutions Team is available at **************.

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