Date Received: 2020-07-31
Issue: Incorrect information on your report
Subissue: Information belongs to someone else
Consumer Complaint: There are incorrect bills being reported to my credit. 1 ) Regions Bank 2 ) XXXX XXXX XXXX, ( a debt collector for XXXX XXXX ) The debts are a result of Identity theft previously reported to the above creditors yet they have not removed the accounts from my credit report. I have also previously supplied creditors and the credit companies with information regarding this ID theft and they have failed to properly investigate, remove or stop reporting incorrect collections on my credit report. I have been trying to purchase a home but I can not due to the fraudulent accounts.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: AL
Zip: 35209
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-31
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Problem using a debit or ATM card
Consumer Complaint: In XX/XX/2020 I purchased tickets to an event using my Regions debit card. The following month, in XXXX, this event was cancelled due to COVID-19. I never received a refund from the vendor despite contacting them multiple times. Therefore, I filed a transaction dispute over the phone with Regions in late XXXX ( proof attached ). The Regions claims rep told me the money would be refunded to my account within 10 business days. She lied. Instead, Regions sent me a claims denial letter the very next day due to " lack of evidence '' ( proof attached ). I faxed Regions proof of the event cancellation ( proof attached ). Regions never responded or refunded the money to my account, so visited a branch location in XXXXXXXX on XX/XX/XXXX. The asst mgr, XXXX XXXX, told me that she can not assist with a claims dispute in-store and that it must be handled through their 800-number. I informed her that I called the number multiple times and no one EVER answers. She said " I know they don't answer, but you just have to keep trying. '' To-date, Regions has failed to refund my account ; I am escalating this matter to CFPB for investigation and resolve.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: GA
Zip: 30214
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-30
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Funds not handled or disbursed as instructed
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/2020 I attempted to make a cash depose at a regions ATM at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX tn XXXX, aroundthe XXXX XXXX. I tried to deposit the cash, {$400.00}, XXXX my checking account. The machine spit back XXXX, the machine continued to act like it was going to return my money. It didn't give it back, but it then said report to your financial institution the error. I then drive to the bank next door at 5 minutes till XXXX XXXX. I called the lobby number on the door let it ring for a solid 3 minutes. There was no answering service and no one picked up.so I drive to the drive thru, where the atm is located. And reported the incident.where I was told it's Not their atm and it will be Next week before they decide if any extra money in the atm is mine. Totaling XXXX. She alsosaid it Will take another week to have it investigated, and then I'll get a letter in the mail to let me know if I am owed My own money. Then I will have returns to me. I feel like. It should not take up to a month to get my money their banks atm ate.i also think they should have immediately watched the video or checked to see if I was indeed trying to make a deposit. This is ridiculous.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: TN
Zip: 37130
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-30
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account
Subissue: Can't stop withdrawals from your account
Consumer Complaint: I purchase a car with 2 debit cards one didnt have enough money on one them to complete the transaction and the other made the difference when I Disputed the transaction it did not go through the investigator stated not enough documentation on the second debit card after I contacted the bank about the amount I wanted to dispute on the transaction 2nd time and I did not have a problem with XXXX XXXX XXXX they returned the bulk of money owed after investigation {$5600.00} but Regions Bank would not return my money to my account after I disputed it 2 times {$1000.00} they needed more proof the proof is a receipt that I paid and the car was returned to the dealer and I wanted my money refunded back Regions investigator claim not enough documentation so it would not be lot Of documentation because I paid right then and the next day disputed this transaction because of fraudulent practices and charges on my card By this car dealership and the vehicle was not working I dont believe anyone should have your money and what you purchase too violates your right as a consumer also I believe the debit card fee should be fair after return of purchase
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: TX
Zip: 77449
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-29
Issue: Problem caused by your funds being low
Subissue: Bounced checks or returned payments
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX two {$500.00} transactions were debited from my checking account without my authorization. I contacted Regions Bank for information regarding these transactions. I was told I could not file a dispute because the transactions had not yet posted to my account. My bank statement showed that these transactions were done through XXXX XXXX. I contacted XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX and spoke with XXXX. She was unable to refund my money. I received an Email from XXXX XXXX on XXXX from XXXX XXXX and he informed me that my case was being transferred to a specialists, I need to provide more information and that it could take 45 or more days to complete the investigation. I completed 2 disputes with Regions bank In hopes of being refunded my money and was denied each time. According to the bank, the reason for denial is that the transaction verified with my card credentials. No report of card loss, theft or compromise. Transaction passed fraud analysis. My debit card was never loss or stolen. My checking account/debit card information is linked to my XXXX XXXX. According to Regions Bank I sent the money to myself. Yet, I didnt receive {$1000.00} credit to my account. They also reported that the money was sent to my XXXX XXXX card. I dont have a XXXX XXXX card. I have requested copies of the documents used to make the determination and have yet to receive it. I received a text message from XXXX XXXX informing me that my phone number had been delinked from my XXXX XXXX account. I did not authorize this. This was around the same time the unauthorized transactions were done. Also, I was using a Chase ATM around this time and I received a text message from Regions seeking to verify if I was actually the person requesting cash at the ATM. I did request cash for the ATM. I would make no sense for me to send {$1000.00} through XXXX XXXX to myself and withdraw cash from an ATM. I contacted XXXX XXXX and they were not able to verify the delinked account and I was instructed to create a new account. My cell phone or debit card was never out of my possession. I never requested my phone number to be delinked from my original XXXX XXXX account and I did not send {$1000.00} through XXXX XXXX.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: TX
Zip: 77396
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-29
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Deposits and withdrawals
Consumer Complaint: My checking account XXXX is frozen. I need it unfrozen. It was frozen fro fraud that is not fraud. I deposited a check from an insurance company. The check was more than 90 days old and therefore not honored. I have plenty of money in my account, {$2300.00} today, after the check for {$1700.00} was taken back out since it was not honored. I could not access my account last week on line. I tried to reset my password and could not. I reached out to the bank 800 number as instructed on their site and was told that the account was frozen for suspected fraud. I was told I had to contact the local branch to get it unfrozen that the local branch was the only way to unfreeze it. I was given the contact phone number. I called and spoke to a woman who took my info and explained that the manager was not, but that she would try to get someone else to help. I heard nothing. I called on Tuesday and spoke to XXXX XXXX who told me to call the 800 number. He said that the local branch can not freeze accounts and he didnt know why I was told that. I explained that I did not want to talk to the 800 number because I had done that yesterday and they told me to contact the local branch. He then asked for my account number and told me that is was frozen for fraud. He said he needed the Insurance Agent to contact him to tell him that the check was for a claim, the amount, and the payee. I explained that he already had the check and questioned why, since the funds were already taken out. He would not waiver form the request to hear from the insurance agent. I thought the check was a homeowners claim since it was in a homeowners insurance file. I later found that is was a windshield claim from XX/XX/2019 for my sons car that we no longer have and dont even have that insurance anymore. I found the agent and she contacted XXXX XXXX. He refused to unfreeze my account still. He told the agent, XXXX XXXX, that he needed her to tell him the check number. She explained that she represents several companies as an insurance agent and that while she could confirm the claim date, payee, amount that she didnt issue the check. XXXX asked her to contact the company she represents and confirm the check number. This is excessive. I am not trying to get access to the {$1700.00} funds. They already went in and back out. I need access to my frozen account. I called the 800 number again today, XXXX. I explained the situation, I was transferred to a supervisor. Both told me that only the branch can unfreeze the account. I waited while they called the branch and was told that the manager is out today. I asked for the manager 's manager name. The 800 number refused to provide it. She claimed that she didnt have access to that. I doubted that. I asked her to ask the branch personnel. she put me on hold, supposedly called the branch, then came back on and said that the Assistant Manager would be calling me today. She said they wouldnt tell her the manager 's manager name. I asked how to file a complaint with the president 's office at Regions. The 800 number person told me to go on line. I explained that I can not do that since my account is frozen. I asked for the presidential complaint email and was told that there isnt one. I protested, explaining that I work at a bank and that there is one. She said no. She said I could email XXXX I told her that wanst the presidents 's office. She said it was. I told her I would file a complaint with CFPB instead. No response. She told me that there was nothing further she could do for me and that I needed to wait today for the Assistant Manager to call me. I want my account unfrozen immediately. I want the {$2300.00} check I deposited elsewhere to be honored.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: NC
Zip: 28403
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-28
Issue: Trouble during payment process
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: In XXXX I had a leak in my home that the insurance company tied to hail damage to my roof. I was sent part of the check direct deposit and the other half was sent to me by mail and was made out to me and Regions since the claim was over $ XXXX. Regions needed to sign off on this claim and make sure sufficient repairs were done to release the funds. I started by going to my local branch around the beginning of XX/XX/XXXX with my insurance check to see what I needed to do to get it cashed and the funds released to repair my home. I was told I need the contractors w-9, license, proof of insurance, and a notarized lien release stating that the contractor would not put a lien on my home once payment was received. I provided all of these items at my local branch who then contacted mortgage and the claims department to see how to get everything submitted. All the documents were submitted to the claims department and nothing else was said for at least 2 weeks. I then had to follow up with them mid-XXXX to find out why I had not heard any update about releasing the funds of my check. At this point in time, I had already paid my contractor in full, from my own savings account. The claims department told us on XX/XX/XXXX, well after this process started and also never told the assistant manager from the branch I was working with, that the check was not going to be endorsed at the branch but needed to be mailed to the claims department. The lack of communication from the claims department to me and the branch was highly unprofessional. I finally receive a check in the mail in XXXX and it is made out to me and the roofer who has now been paid in full for 2 months. The branch employee I was working with then reached back out to claims to see what was needed to get the check made out directly to me. We were told that they only need a signed letter saying my contractor was paid in full with my name, address, loan number, contractor name and the amount. As I am in the 21st century, I do everything electronically and do not have access to a printer, so I sent them a letter that I typed up on the computer and signed on my touch screen using XXXX XXXX. The branch associate and myself both sent this from 2 different email addresses to the claims department and Regions mortgage. After 2 weeks, I still had not received a new check made out to me. We called Regions back and they magically didnt get either email sent from myself or the branch employee sent on XX/XX/XXXX. I can understand maybe not receiving one email, but not receiving an email from both of us sent from different email addresses is a bit baffling. The branch associate and I resend 2 more emails to Regions mortgage and the claims department with the same signed letter as before. This time several more weeks go by and on XX/XX/XXXX, my local branch receives an email from the claims department and they have informed me that they can not accept the letters I have sent because I signed them on a computer and they require a wet ink signature. The difference between my signature with a pen or on a touch screen, with a company that does all account opening with e-signatures, is beyond me. We then XXXX a typed and physically signed letter with the same information as the last FOUR letters we have now sent. The check I have is cancelled and around the first week of XXXX, they issue me a new check which I received a few days later, made out again to me and my roofer, who has still been paid in full and now done with the job for 2.5 months. I call Regions back again to tell them that the check is incorrect, and I also schedule my final inspection to get the last bit of the funds they were holding. They tell me they will cancel that check and get it adjusted. From there I should hear from the company doing the inspection within a week to schedule my final walk-through. The company they used did not reach out to me within a week and I then had to follow-up and keep track of, not only this check, but also scheduling my final inspection. It took 2 weeks for me to get my inspection scheduled. Around the middle of XXXX, I still do not have a new check issued to me in my name only, but now Regions has the information from my final walk through that my repairs are 100 % complete and the funds can be released in full. Believe it or not, someone actually reaches out to me from Regions claims department ( XXXX ) to tell me that AGAIN my FIFTH letter is not sufficient to get the funds released to me because in my letter I had said I would appreciate them expediting the process due to the delays and because I was getting other work completed on my home ( not related to the claim in any way, this was a patio/pool project ) and needed the funds to do so. I was told this letter was not sufficient because it sounded like I had not paid all of my contractors related to the claim in full. I then send a SIXTH letter to regions that everyone is paid in full. Regions sends 10 % of the claim to me in a check made out to only me, however, I am still missing 90 % of the funds at this point in time. I had spoken to both XXXX and another associate 2 weeks prior to speaking with XXXX, who had both informed me that they were issuing a new check to me in my name only. This never occurred. The first associate never actually followed up with anything after taking my call, and the second associate, XXXX, thought I was referring to the last bit of funds, which was the check for 10 %, so she of course did not realize that I was still missing the bulk of my funds. On XX/XX/XXXX I still do not have a check made out to me in my name only and call Regions Mortgage again and I am now irate at this situation, how long it has taken to resolve, and the lack of follow-up from anyone in the claims or mortgage department. It seems like everyone is really quick to pass the buck off to someone else or just ignore you and hope someone else in the company is taking care of the issue. On this phone call on XX/XX/XXXX, I am told that a check was never reissued to me in my name only and I asked to speak to a manager or supervisor. I am then transferred to XXXX XXXX. XXXX does assist and gets in touch with the claims supervisor to expedite the process. She then tells me we need ANOTHER LETTER ( the SEVENTH LETTER ) from my contractor saying he is paid in full, the property address, and amount. I am not sure how, after months of back and forth, no one else that I spoke to could tell me that we also needed something from the contractor. It seems that their own department doesnt even know how to get checks released and can not be bothered to ask a manager for assistance if they dont know the answer. I reach out to my contractor that evening and ask him for a signed letter. He emails me back and sends me a paid in full invoice. I also have some of my accounts with Regions, so the transaction in question to pay my contractor is on my Regions credit card and can be seen on my XXXX statement. I email XXXX XXXX back on XX/XX/XXXX and provide the paid in full invoice from my contractor, the receipts from the 2 payments I made to my contractor, and my Regions credit card statement all showing this contractor was paid in full for the exact amount listed on the invoice. On XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX calls me and leaves me a voicemail telling me that she thinks we have enough to issue the funds directly to me, but she is still waiting to hear back from claims to make sure everything is good to go. In her voicemail she says it will be 3-5 business days to cancel the check and get a new one reissued. She says she will XXXX this to me with 2-day shipping and will email the tracking number to me. On XX/XX/XXXX, I still have not heard back from Regions or XXXX and I follow-up with her via email to ask for the status and if everything is good to go. My email goes unanswered. I call back on XX/XX/XXXX, and while I do not speak to XXXX directly, the employee I spoke to instant messaged XXXX and XXXX told her to tell me that they had sufficient information to release the check directly to me. I call back on XX/XX/XXXX or XXXX, as I still have not received these funds and I was told it would be 3-5 business days from XX/XX/XXXX. The associate I spoke to let me know the check was mailed on XX/XX/XXXX. I never received a XXXX tracking number as promised but nonetheless, assume the check was sent via regular mail. Today, XX/XX/XXXX, I call Regions again, as I have no check and a week has gone by since it was supposedly mailed to me. XXXX does not speak to me directly but assists the associate that is handling my question and lets me know the check is still not issued but will be in the next day or two. I cant help but wonder why I was told last week that the funds were mailed to me, but I am now being told today that the funds still have not been released. I was told the funds would be released 3-5 business days after XXXX voicemail on XX/XX/XXXX. It has been 19 days since that call, well over 3-5 business days, and I still do not have my insurance claims funds for repairs that have been completed for almost 2 months now, in full and the roof repairs that were completed and paid for in XXXX, 4.5 months ago. I was told today the funds would be released today or tomorrow, but I have been told this many times in the past and do not believe it is true. But they were sorry it was taking so long to correct months of their own mistakes and lack of follow-up.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: TN
Zip: 37920
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-28
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-28
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Problem using a debit or ATM card
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX I contacted Regions Bank ( XXXX XXXX ) to report unauthorized activity on my debit card. When I called them I spoke with a woman who tried to tell me I didn't have a valid claim because I had done business with XXXX in the past. I explained to her that I had done business with XXXX once before, in very early XXXX. That transaction was finalized and I have a receipt to prove that no other charges transpired from that. I told the banker that I had contacted XXXX and they couldn't verify who's charges those were. She still insisted on filing a merchant claim rather than an unauthorized claim. On XX/XX/XXXX I contacted the bank and spoke with an agent who informed me that my claim was closed because I failed to provide proof of receipt. However, this isn't true because I forwarded a copy of the XXXX receipt on XX/XX/XXXX. She then informed that there was nothing she could do despite me telling her I had over XXXX dollars in unauthorized charges. I asked to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor informed me that they'd have to re-open the claim with the " XXXX XXXX. '' After another week of waiting I've been told that they're unable to pay my claim without calling XXXX while on the phone with the agent. I'm also being told they can't change the claim type to a Visa unauthorized charge, even though the first banker made the mistake. Regions Bank is clearly violating Reg E and is doing whatever they can to avoid paying claims. This is not a positive experience for the bank, and I will be taking legal remedies if this isn't fixed soon.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: FL
Zip: 32792
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-28
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-27
Issue: Managing an account
Subissue: Problem accessing account
Consumer Complaint: I was scammed..towards the end of the activity, when I realized what was happening..I shut down my computer, put a block on my account then called the bank and explained what had just happened and told them not to release the funds..They REFUSED! ... Said I would have to wait until after it posted ... then I ask Regions to put a block on my accounts to safeguard me and the bank from any more funds leaving the bank.. The next day informed the bank to unlock my accounts Now..Had scanned my pc for any lingering Malware. After numerous calls, emails, being on hold for hours..disconnected multiple times, They said they would in fact do that, but they have not done so and have been giving me the run around daily..this does not begin to show the terrible frustration from being bounced around from dept. to dept., person to person..Informed them I had many automatic .. payments that would be coming out of my account..Throughout this entire process they were given all needed id verification from me.They assured me there would not be a problem ... but..the auto payments were not paid and I began to get notices. They are going to ruin my credit by not solving my simple request ..their inefficient actions are unconscionable for a XXXX dollar company and to treat their customers so poorly.. This issue could have been resolved in one ten minute phone conversation..but I have yet to get access to my accounts..The pandemic is no excuse for not being able to solve a simple request timely.. There are many more details ... too many contacts for me to list..too many emails..too many disrupted phone calls. One hardship to overcome was the bank 's policy not to give out direct phone numbers to the correct departments. It has been 11 days and I am still unable to access my accounts. Their phone answering system extremely user unfriendly, inefficient, very slow, disconnected often.. Sincerely Mr.XXXX XXXX
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: OH
Zip: 44483
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-27
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2020-07-25
Issue: Trouble during payment process
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: XXXX XXXX : A brief history I was born and raised in Colorado. After a few tries at college I decided to try a career as an XXXX XXXX. Growing up I had a flair for decorating. I had some initial success working for an XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX XXXX and before the age of 21, 2 of my projects were published in the Sunday home section of my local newspaper. I decided to attend a 2-year program to become a XXXX XXXX XXXX. To pay for my schooling I went to work for a XXXX in XXXX XXXX. I feel in love with the profession. I worked for several florists in XXXX XXXX before moving to XXXX, Colorado. I was fortunate to work for Special event florists that recognized my talents and I began refining my personal style. In XXXX I won the XXXX XXXX of the XXXX XXXX at the State florists convention. I met my partner XXXX after moving to XXXX Colorado in XXXX. He worked for XXXX XXXX, a grocery wholesaler. He was on the fast track to move to home office which meant we would be moving for several years. We moved to XXXX, New Mexico in XXXX, then back to XXXX for a few months then we moved again to XXXX, Alabama in XXXX. For a few years I worked at a flower shop in XXXX, but I yearned to be part of the XXXX flower scene. XXXX has a storied flower culture. The wealthy ladies of XXXX went to XXXX to learn flower design and brought back the techniques that when coupled with the local greenery created an extraordinary culture of flowers and an iconic look called the XXXX XXXX. A handful of the original ladies who learned from their English teachers were even featured in a book entitled XXXX XXXX XXXX published by the XXXX XXXX XXXX. It would be XXXX in XXXX where I would I opened a tiny 400 sq. ft shop in XXXX XXXX. I drove an hour each way from XXXX to be part of that scene. The shop in XXXX was only meant to be a way to express myself and keep myself busy as XXXX and I would be moving again. In XXXX XXXX found out he was XXXX positive. After an agonizing year of treatment that left him severely debilitated, he passed away in XXXX. At 30 years I lost the person who believed in me and my talent. Before he died, he borrowed money from his mother against what would have been his inheritance, together with savings and credit cards I was able to open my XXXX XXXX. He also knew the darker side of my personality. Back then I had what some might call a short fuse. I often quit many of the florists I worked for out of frustration and anger. There was something at work inside of my brain that I couldnt control or comprehend. When I went to work for myself everything suddenly changed. I had a handle on my mental health for the first time in many years. The owner of the 400 sq. ft building I rented added on an additional 300 sq. Ft to accommodate my growing business. By XXXX I had moved from the 700 sq. ft location to a 1500 sq. ft storefront in XXXX XXXX on XXXX XXXX, eventually moving to a 3000 sq. ft space. Again in XXXX XXXX. By this time, I was an in-demand XXXX providing flowers for social events. I had many firsts for a XXXX XXXX man in XXXX, providing the dcor/designs for : XXXX XXXX, providing floral content for XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX magazine and others. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, traveling with them to their yearly conventions throughout the United States XXXX XXXX, publisher of XXXX XXXX among other magazines. XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX most prestigious fundraiser in XXXX. The XXXX XXXX XXXX An Alabama XXXX inauguration Alabama XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX And many weddings and social events. The people and many corporations in XXXX had embraced me and my work. When I told my parents, I was moving to XXXX they were very concerned. They had a secret they never told me. I was not XXXX at all. I was half XXXX XXXX XXXX. My parents had adopted me after I was placed in their foster home. My birth mother, XXXX was born to a family in XXXX, Utah. When she was XXXX years old her mother passed away. Her father was overwhelmed with his 7 children and the decision was made to put the children up for adoption. She and her brothers and sisters were sent to live with various families. My mother and her sister XXXX were sent to XXXX and XXXX XXXX. They did not want/like my mother. In fact, she was sent back to her father 2 times. At XXXX years old my mother gave birth to a still-born baby girl. The father was XXXX XXXX, her adoptive father. He had been XXXX XXXX her for years. When she was XXXX years old, they decided to get rid of her and she was sent to the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. There was nothing wrong with her but during that period in Colorado there were no social services for children. People would simply leave unwanted children with them. When she was XXXX, she was XXXX by an XXXX American orderly, my father. I was taken from her at birth and placed in a foster home run by XXXX and XXXX XXXX. I was later adopted by XXXX and XXXX. At XXXX years old I found out I was adopted. The origin of my beginnings gave me great anxiety. I wondered why my mother did not want me. Why did she give me up? At the age of XXXX I finally understand my emotions and anxiety all those years. I was always looking for love and acceptance. When I opened my shop and through the subsequent years, I found the love and acceptance I had always been searching for. The everyday operations kept my mind busy and alert and the planning and execution of large events gave me a sense of accomplishment. I have a box that I have keep with me with notes from my clients. The overall theme of each note focuss not only on the professional work I performed but also the pleasure of getting to know me, with many expressing what a kind man I was. I felt blessed to be recognized as a good steward of the resources entrusted to me. My Dream In XXXX I had saved enough money to buy a piece of property in XXXX, Alabama. The property was offered by XXXX and XXXX XXXX, a local couple who owned XXXX, a small eatery in XXXX. The property was a perfect fit for me. I could run the business in the back and have a showroom for my event decor. Eventually when I retired, I planned to rent the property so that I could retire and be able to travel and pass the property to my family. This was my American Dream. I understood that financial freedom would allow me to pursue many opportunities that had alluded my own parents like traveling. In XXXX I signed the mortgage for the project with a construction budget of XXXX from XXXX bank with an interest rate of 6.5 %. At the time I owned a home in XXXX that I purchased in XXXX for XXXX. I improved the property adding a new kitchen and an extensive garden that included a koi pond. The Garden was chosen as a stop on the exclusive XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and was also featured on the cover of XXXX XXXX. I sold the property for XXXX and realized a profit of XXXX. Selling my home was a requirement of the loan. XXXX XXXX, my loan consultant was adamant I use that money to purchase merchandise to sell in my new store. When the building was finished in XXXX the builder, XXXX builders revealed they went over the construction budget by XXXX. I had been required by XXXX to hire a construction supervisor and was also required to give them a XXXX contingency fee should the builder go over budget. I thought I done everything right. By this time XXXX had merged with Regions. XXXX, my contact at XXXX XXXX left before the merger and I was given a new contact at Regions, XXXX. It was shortly after that when I heard from XXXX. She advised me that Regions would fund the extra XXXX, but my interest rate would change from 6.5 % to 8.5 %. My mortgage payment would go from XXXX a month to over XXXX a month. A difference of XXXX! WOW! I had proven I could afford the XXXX a month but XXXX for 20 years would be a real stretch. I tried reasoning with XXXX. I proposed adding the XXXX to the mortgage, adding the XXXX to the back of the loan, anything but changing the interest. She wouldnt budge. I tried obtaining a new loan from other sources but with no luck. Even though I did everything right I was punished because the builder went over budget. For so many years I had given XXXX everything I had. Whenever I was asked to donate, I donated. Whenever anyone needed help, I helped. I thought all the good will I had shown my customers and XXXX at-large would come back to me. I took this action personally. This did not seem like the XXXX I knew. A place where despite the history of oppression, those who valued my work opened their arms to me. The anxiety that I had been able to keep in check for years became unbearable. I remember the day shortly after I had moved into the new building when XXXX showed up unannounced. She told me that unless I signed the new mortgage, I would lose my building. Backed into a corner I unwittingly signed the mortgage. I always understood that when one is in business everything is at-risk. Anything can happen, but I never dreamed that an institution whose very business is to aid borrowers would treat me with such ill regard. One problem after another came my way. That same year XXXX XXXX XXXX forgot to put my listing in the phone book. People still used the phonebook in XXXX. No new customers for a year. Many of my customers thought I went out of business. Little annoyances became big issues. I had to cut the hours of my assistant XXXX who took orders and did some of the book work. She got upset and went to work for XXXX. She called my customers and told them I fired her. More than 50 % of my customers left. Then the XXXX recession hit. Barring what happened with XXXX which was a result of this issue highlights what can happen in business, why everything is always at risk. I had weathered many storms over the years but coupled with my crippling mortgage these problems created a nightmare situation. Up until this nightmare I felt so blessed and thankful. This black-brown kid from a poor family with a humble beginning raised by parents with a XXXX grade education had finally made it. The sense of satisfaction I had from owning my own business was such a grounding force for me. But before I knew it, I was clinically depressed. I started using anti-depressants and stimulants to keep me going. By XXXX my whole demeanor had changed. I was angry, battling side effects from the prescribed drugs and constantly contemplating suicide. I had always been a social drinker, but I even tried drinking during the day. I tried anything to escape. I knew that drugs and alcohol were the refuge of the disaffected, but I was powerless. My partner XXXX was a recovered alcoholic. He had been sober for 10 years when we met. The reason he had become an alcoholic was from an early business failure he went through. We had talked about the conditions that had contributed to the demise of his business. We had discussed at length the issues I might encounter when I opened the business. I thought I had covered all my bases, but like many minority businesss I had always been underfunded. I didnt have multiple streams of income ; I did not have family to borrow from like XXXX had been able to do. Through the lens of time I can see things differently. By XXXX I was so angry I went to the Regions corporate building in downtown XXXX a few days before XXXX and demanded to talk to the president of the bank. I was eventually escorted upstairs and talked with several people from Regions. I was reassured I would receive help after the first of the year. I did but it was too little, too late. The bank would eventually sell the loan to a debt collector who would call me and say things to put me on the defensive. Telling me what a shame it would be to lose such a nice building. I listed the building in XXXX and it eventually sold in XXXX. I remember the scene at the lawyers office so clearly. The lawyer handling the closing made a point of sharing that the owner would be receiving a special interest rate thanks to a special program. My heart was so heavy. I had been begging for years for help and it seemed like the only people who received help where the ones who didnt need it. We can look back at the interest rates being charged in XXXX and see that they were in the 6 % range. If you are white and well connected or rich maybe they were even lower. What I do know is that 8.5 % was too high. It was punitive. The events leading up to this time in history helped me to find my voice. One of the worst things that happen to people who are marginalized is that they lose their voice. The cries of XXXX XXXX that he could not breath went unheeded by those in charge. XXXX XXXX killed XXXX XXXX by putting his knee on XXXX XXXX neck for XXXX minutes and Regions had their Knee on mine for 6 years. Its difficult to put into words the despair brought on by the wounds of unfairness. Whats worse than losing your life? I would argue losing your dream! Death is difficult for those who are left behind. But once you are dead you feel no pain. I had to relive my pain every day. XXXX XXXX from XXXX, Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Dreams sometimes take a lifetime to achieve. Mine took 40 years. And yet almost overnight it was destroyed. To have ones life work dematerialize before your very eyes is demoralizing in every sense of the word. Regions and XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX I challenge you to listen and take up my cause. Your bank has announced that it wants to use its resources to address XXXX XXXX, inclusivity and advancement. From an XXXX article. Regions XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX said it is the companys responsibility to use our resources and expertise in ways that address disparities and create positive change. I submit to you that the actions your bank took by raising my interest rate was neither fair nor reasonable. Raising the interest rate on my loan put an undue burden on my business that in turn put an undue stress on both my physical and mental health. Borrowers like me have systematically been forced to accept unfair treatment by financial institutions who back their customers into a corner. Neither public interest nor the interest of the borrower is served by such treatment. The people you serve both black/brown or white deserve better. Their dreams matter as should the dreams of all who live and strive to provide a build a better XXXX and a better world for themselves.
Company Response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
State: CA
Zip: 92021
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2020-07-25
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A