Date Received: 2023-01-13
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Subissue: Problem with customer service
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX I emailed Firstmark customer service and asked them to define the " credit worthy '' conditions to have a cosigner removed from my private student loans. Firstmark who services 5 of my private student loans formally through XXXX XXXX responded by email stating " We regret that we are unable to provide that information. You may complete and return a cosigner release application and it will be reviewed and an approval or denial letter will be sent. '' By not providing consumers with the parameters with which Firstmark determines a person credit worthy leaves the door wide open for Firstmark to deny every application to remove a cosigner. They can literally say that a person with a XXXX XXXX XXXX does not meet their criteria in order to keep as many people on the hook for this type of debt. This needs to be addressed immediately. It's horrible enough that student loans are subject to unfair bankruptcy standards, but to allow loan servicers to withhold information to release a cosigner should be considered criminal. Please help me resolve this issue. *Side note : All payments to Firstmark have been made in full and on time since the repayment period started in XXXX The cosigners are my elderly parents in their XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 's respectively.
Company Response:
State: MT
Zip: 59601
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-13
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-13
Issue: Struggling to repay your loan
Subissue: Problem lowering your monthly payments
Consumer Complaint: I reached out to Nelnet on XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ). We were behind on our bill and the call started letting me know that I was a month going on XXXX months late. This is for my student loan, which is not federally backed. I requested an economic hardship deferral. Immediately I met with let 's get you on an income repayment plan. I explained that my wife had been in a terrible car accident. The rep. still wanted me to do a reduced payment plan. I then explained more of the story about the accident and our current circumstances. On XXXX XXXX XXXX my wife was in a tragic car accident and was airlifted to a medical center in XXXX XXXX Her car rolled over her breaking all of her XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Her surgeries were successful, and she is currently in inpatient rehab in XXXX XXXX However, we went through a period where we lost my wife 's income ; she was the primary provider for our household. We are currently swamped with medical bills and trying to make ends meet with XXXX of her income and my adjunct teaching salary of about {$440.00} a month. I am working as hard as possible to obtain gainful full-time employment. I am requesting a deferment/forbearance of this loan until we change our current emergency mode financial situation. Then she asked me about my employment. I told her that I was employed at XXXX XXXX XXXX as an adjunct instructor and made {$440.00} ( ish ) a month. She asked if I had tried to get employment... .full-time. I explained that I have submitted numerous applications over the past few months and am still looking for full-time employment. She finally stated that we qualify for the deferment but that there are needed documents. I asked for clarification. She mentioned my XXXX pay stub. I asked about what was needed for my wife 's accident. She didn't let me know what document was needed. I sarcastically asked if I need to show a video of my wife in the hospital without the use of her legs. She said sure, that will work. I asked how to submit the documents and was not given this information. I pivoted to ask about the payoff and if my family could contribute to help. She was more than willing to talk about this part of the process with me. This is unacceptable! We are in need and have a legitimate life crisis, and all Nelnet cares about is their money. This reminds me of the illegal tactics that XXXX XXXX was busted for a few years back. After the call ended, I went online and emailed support. I don't have an answer yet but the process is still very much... .you need to pay. We can not, at least not right now. This process during a trial like we are going through adds to the hurt and pain. Please help us!
Company Response:
State: AZ
Zip: 856XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-13
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-12
Issue: Improper use of your report
Subissue: Reporting company used your report improperly
Consumer Complaint: Firstmark Services continues to violate my right to privacy, which is a violation of the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. Even after when I made them aware of the federal laws they are breaking by sharing my nonpublic personal information WITHOUT my consent. They have willfully ignored my request to opt out of sharing my nonpublic personal information with other nonaffiliated XXXX parties. Firstmark Services continue to aid with consumer reporting agencies to furnish negative information in the form of " late payments '' on my consumer report without my consent in their attempt to extort me on this extension of credit. They make false statements stating that the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires them to furnish information about me without my consent when XXXX XXXX is OPTIONAL WITH MY CONSENT. I have suffered monetary actual damages from the results of Firstmark Services furnishing this inaccurate information, damaging my reputation and restraining me from operating in commerce in which the banking system is dependent upon! I have tried to resolve this issue through a direct dispute and indirectly through the consumer reporting agencies that they are furnishing this information to. *see attachments*
Company Response:
State: PA
Zip: 19142
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-11
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Subissue: Received bad information about your loan
Consumer Complaint: This new complaint should be tied to current complaints in the process. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX loan Dealing with your lender or servicer XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Closed Feedback provided XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX loan Dealing with your lender or servicer XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX servicer XX/XX/XXXX Closed Sent to Regulator, Not FTC XXXX I completed my XXXX XXXX XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX. My federal student loan servicer during this period was Nelnet. Nelnet was very prompt in providing notifications and details regarding loan increases to my consolidation student loans along the period when the repayments would start. However, Nelnet was not quick about relaying information on extending the Covid relief program, which suspended all federal student loans and accrued interest. They did not correctly provide details on how these temporary programs impacted my account and obligation. Nelnet 's lack of notification put me in a very pressured situation to find a new lender which could offer better interest rates to reduce payments I would be expected to pay with the increased amount of XXXX XXXX XXXX loans added to my consolidation amount. I selected XXXX in XX/XX/XXXX as a private lender to aid in consolidating my loans at a lower rate. Unfortunately, I got the payoff from Nelnet, who never acknowledged or notified me that the Covid Relief program was extended. I did not receive a notification until XXXX XXXX XXXX well after I had completed the consolidation with XXXX ; in fact, XXXX provided a payoff amount well over the amount necessary to pay off the loan consolidation for my Federal Loans. Instead of notifying them of the overpayment. Nelnet proceeded to pay my federal loans off and wire the amount that was over the payoff amount back to XXXX without any communication with me or request to update the payoff amount. XXXX took the funds returned from Nelnet and applied this amount to the principal balance of the new private loan consolidation. When I asked XXXX the reason for the additional funds added to the payoff amount, I was told that it ensured there were not any other amounts due to accrued interest or missed payments. Nelnet should have not only contacted me but also notified XXXX XXXX XXXX of this situation in which a loan service should be aware and have proper knowledge of the terms of the XXXX XXXX Covid relief program. This situation will affect my credit and the opportunity to take advantage of new relief programs with the Federal Government to reduce federal student loan balances.
Company Response:
State: GA
Zip: 30126
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-11
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-11
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Subissue: Received bad information about your loan
Consumer Complaint: My son attended XXXX XXXX of XXXX XXXX - XXXX. He attended XXXX for his XXXX and was told to look into XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX We spoke with admissions counselor and they gave us high percentage of students that graduated obtaining immediate employment upon graduation. During his 4 years he was told he was not eligible for scholarships, although his grades were XXXX XXXX XXXX, he took out several loans to pay for his education. Each time it came around to pay tuition we were told that I had to apply for a Parent Plus loan, although I knew I would be denied because of a recent XXXX. In XXXX I was approved for {$7000.00}. We did not need as much but we borrowed XXXX extra to purchase a car for him to get to school and for computer and supplies. I electronically signed the XXXX unknowingly and without explanation that this type of note allowed for withdrawals up to ten years. It made no sense because I still had to apply for PLUS loans each year. It was never really explained to us why, and my son ended up with over $ XXXX in student loan debt. My little Parent Plus loan is now XXXX XXXXXXXX. I have tried for XXXX XXXX to get help from the school financial aid officer, after leaving multiple messages and getting runaround I consolidated although I did not agree with the amount owed. 3 different loans. The documentation I did find on XXXX website has two XXXX but one lists incorrect name as student with my son XXXX. My XXXX amount was more than my car note, I only made XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX with housing abd other debt. I tried paying that until I get sick and went out on medical leave in XXXX and again in XXXX. I finally made the decision to XXXX XXXX XXXX to try and pay towards the balance but it is not discharged. Once I was discharged it began reporting open with XXXX XXXXXXXX balance and counting, dropping my score XXXX points!! I now understand the school is closed, my son worked with an attorney to address his student loans. Parent PLUS loans are rarely eligible for forgiveness. I was taken advantage of being ignorant to student loan lending by XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and so was my son. He just wanted to obtain his XXXX XXXX and I wanted to support. We thought loans were our only way and were never offered alternative grants or scholarships. .
Company Response:
State: NC
Zip: 28269
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-12
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Subissue: Received bad information about your loan
Consumer Complaint: I requested a {$10000.00} refund on my last loan payment. That submission was on XX/XX/2022. I have since never recieved the refund nor my balance has been updated on the loan servicer website. I have called multiple times since then and no one has an update for me and I have since seen no refund or movement on my refund request.
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 136XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-12
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-11
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Account status incorrect
Consumer Complaint: In XXXX, I applied for a total permanent XXXX discharge and was approved I've been noticing that XXXX was reporting over late payments over 190 days in accurate information I called XXXX and advised me that it was sent into default in XX/XX/XXXX was advised to call dept of education and was advised that my discharge status is in good standing and provided me a letter from dept of EDU. The dept of EDU said that it's the credit be reporting inaccurate information they have been doing this for years, and I'm XXXX I have a total permanent XXXX discharge and shouldn't be on my credit as inaccurate. I also can provide letter from Dept of EDU stating of the incorrect information being reported.
Company Response:
State: FL
Zip: 33313
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-02-23
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-10
Issue: Struggling to repay your loan
Subissue: Can't get other flexible options for repaying your loan
Consumer Complaint: During my last XXXX - XXXX years as an XXXX, I had to take out a private loan to finish my degree. The original loan was through XXXX XXXX the loans were sold to XXXX XXXX, and now they are with Firstmark Services. The customer service is XXXX ; I have made numerous calls to the company with questions, and I receive a different answer depending on the representative. When my loans were transferred to Firstmark in XX/XX/XXXX, my monthly payments were {$310.00}. I called Firstmark to ask if they offered an income-based payment plan, I was told yes. When I called back to ask about the paperwork required to an income-based payment plan, I was told that they DID NOT offer that plan at all. After suffering financial strain relating to the pandemic, I asked if there were any options for a reprieve/reduction in the monthly amount. I was told by a different representative that the company had an income-based option, but it was only allowed for one year. After reading this " income based '' application, the actual result is a temporary measure that reduces your monthly payment by 50 % for the first 6 months. During months XXXX - XXXX, the payment increases to 75 % of the original monthly amount. After one year, the monthly payments resume, usually at a HIGHER amount relative to the original monthly payment being made prior to their " 12 month payment reduction plan ''. I decided against their 12-month payment plan, and have continued to make my payments. In the past year, my payments keep increasing ( often with less than a month 's notice ). Between the months of XXXX and XXXX of XXXX, I had no choice but to defer monthly payments due to financial hardship. When payments resumed, they were {$310.00} ; I had expected some increase due to the deferment period. By XXXX of XXXX, the payment jumped to {$320.00}. In XX/XX/XXXX, the payment jumped to {$320.00}. I took my last allowed period of deferment between the months of XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX due to financial hardship. When payments resumed in XXXX, the monthly payment was {$360.00}. In XX/XX/XXXX, the monthly payment increased to {$390.00}. In about a year, my monthly payments have increased by {$81.00}. My total balance has exceeded the original loan. Today, XX/XX/XXXX, I received a second email from Firstmark Services stating : " In accordance with the terms and conditions of your loan agreement, and to ensure you are able to pay your loan within your remaining term, your payment has been recalculated. Effective XX/XX/XXXX, your new regular monthly payment increased to {$430.00} ''. I am already stressed about how to come up with the amount. The cost of EVERYTHING is increasing : food, fuel, rent. My wages have been stagnant for 2 years. It seems to me XXXX is more concerned about making money rather than helping their clients pay off their loans. I literally can not afford these sudden increases. The {$36.00} increase equates to half of our weekly food budget. It's disgusting. I am trying to refinance with other companies, but I do not make enough income to qualify.
Company Response:
State: AL
Zip: 36830
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-10
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-09
Issue: False statements or representation
Subissue: Attempted to collect wrong amount
Consumer Complaint: In response from your statement on XX/XX/XXXX. The company GREAT LAKES offer repayment options but they deny being a debt collector, it does not make any sense. In Pursuant 15usc1692a ( 6 ) The term debt collector means any person who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any debts, or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, debts owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another. The balance in the GREAT LAKES account is a positive balance which means I do not owe anything. For this company is convincing me into paying for something that I do not owe is indirectly collecting a debt which would make this company a debt collector. In pursuant to 15usc 1692 ( a ) abusive practices There is abundant evidence of the use of abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by many debt collectors. Abusive debt collection practices contribute to the number of personal bankruptcies, to marital instability, to the loss of jobs, and to invasions of individual privacy. This company is being deceptive and unfair because they deny being a debt collection agency but yet they want me the original creditor to pay for an account in a positive balance. In pursuant to 15usc 1681 ( a ) ( 1 ) of congressional findings and statement of purpose states The banking system is dependent upon fair and accurate credit reporting. Inaccurate credit reports directly impair the efficiency of the banking system, and unfair credit reporting methods undermine the public confidence which is essential to the continued functioning of the banking system The reason why this is the first statement under the U.S. code of this section is because the law knows the banking system is doing the exact opposite. GREAT LAKES is not using fairness and accurate credit reporting because I am allegedly obligated to pay for something in a positive balance of {$26000.00} which is not accurate nor fair. If I owed a debt the balance would be in a negative balance and it is not only unfair and inaccurate, but it is false and misleading information in pursuant to 15usc 1692e. This is my new evidence and proof. I am demanding this company to zero the balance and I need a response within 15 days.
Company Response:
State: MD
Zip: 20707
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-09
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2023-01-08
Issue: Dealing with your lender or servicer
Subissue: Don't agree with the fees charged
Consumer Complaint: The events commencing in XXXX when my student loan of {$34000.00} was first sold to XXXX at an APR of XXXX XXXX. I paid the loan off in good faith in XXXX, XXXX in the amount of {$36000.00}, disputing the usurious interest attached to my loan. Despite paying this {$36000.00} amount, the sale and resale of my loan, accruing interest with each sale, has my loan at the present amount of over {$100000.00}. The table below outlines the loan activity over the years. I utilized each lenders documentation to devise this table : Statement Date Lender Amount Owed Amount Paid XXXX Notes XX/XX/XXXX XXXX {$34000.00} XXXX XXXX First known student loan statement XXXX XXXX {$44000.00} XXXX XXXX Consolidated loans XXXX XXXX XXXX {$61000.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX purchased loan from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX {$56000.00} XXXX XXXX Balance decreased for reasons unknown XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX {$36000.00} Disputed accrued interest, issued {$36000.00} payment, lenders allowed interest to accrue XXXX XXXX {$64000.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX purchased loan from XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX {$64000.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX sold loan to XXXX XXXX, XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX {$85.00}, XXXX XXXX XXXX Incredible ! XX/XX/XXXX XXXX {$87000.00} XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX Fed Loan Servicing {$89000.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX assumed loan from XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX {$98000.00} XXXX XXXX XX/XX/XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX {$98000.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX Nelnet {$98000.00} XXXX XXXX Nelnet assumed loan XXXX XXXX Nelnet {$110.00} XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Incredible !
Company Response:
State: VA
Zip: 22041
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2023-01-08
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A