After struggling to get back on my feet after a long divorce, I was able to go and purchase a car from a local dealer. I was financed through County Financial and began to make my payments regularly. I initially contacted their customer services department to ask about the due date and any grace period thereafter. I was told that the payment was due on the 5th but I had until the 15th. While it is NOT considered late to the credit reporting agencies, however, I was told that it was late to their office if not paid by the 5th.
Recently, I changed my phone number, I sent my payment in on the 10th and because the calls from them were not answered or returned, my car was repossessed. I changed my home number, but the callers are given my new number. It was NOT disconnected.
One of the reasons first given to me by one of their representatives was that my home number was not the same and they could not verify where I was living. The second excuse given by another representative was that I did not return any of the calls made to my office. My secretary asked several times what the nature of the calls were, but she was never given any other information or a call back number.
Hen the car was taken, I was told that I had to make 2 payments, because they were not going to take a chance and that basically they could do whatever they wanted to do because they "own" the vehicle.
Another person who identified herself as a supervisor told me that I should change my attitiude about the loan and that I should be "greatful" that I even had a loan. She told me that all I had to do was Western Union my payment and I would get my car back.
I did what I was told to do, because I felt as though they had the upper hand and I was at their mercy.
Once I made the payment I was told by yet another representative that they needed confirmation from the dealer that it was ok to give the car back to me! I asked how long that would take and I was told it could take several days. I went to the dealer and asked what they needed from me, and they were surprised at the information I was sharing with them. They immediately contacted County Financial and told them to release the vehicle.
I got the car back and hope to refinance the loan through a reputable finance company soon.
I don't know how these people get away with their practices and why a law suit has not been filed.
Toni
Central Valley, California
U.S.A.
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