Cedars Business Services, LLC

2016-07-23

Atlanta, GA

Problems when you are unable to pay

Consumer Loan: Installment loan

Complaint: During my time in XXXX XXXX, the company I worked for forced its employees to take out loans for housing. Unfortunately, the workplace was abusive and I quit to move back to the States. The loan company there sent the loan to a collection agency in the states. After speaking with the collection agency here, I told them I was n't working. They continued to call me. Recently, they called my daughter. I have no idea how they got her numbers, but I called the collection agency and told them to stop calling me and my daughter. When I spoke to the collection agency, they said they had no record of me or my daughter. Recently, my daughter told me they called my mother. I told them more than once I was forced to take out the loan and they need to speak the with company that forced me to do so because I 'm not responsible for the loan, the company that forced me is responsible. They continue to harass me. When they call now the number comes up on my caller ID as unknown. They call sometime two or three times a week or more. They have called my daughter twice and my mother once. When they called my daughter and mother the number on the caller ID came up as unknown too. If they do n't have a record of me, why are they continually calling and harassing me? Their employees tried to bully me : one employee suggested I take out loans to pay this loan, borrow money from family, and go back to an old job from about ten years ago while asking me what I planned to do about this loan. I reiterated the loan was the problem of the company who forced me to take out the loan and that 's who they need to speak with.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2016-07-21

Cordova, TN

Disclosure verification of debt

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Not given enough info to verify debt
Complaint: I have requesting validation of debt owed regarding the {$5100.00} XXXX balance and Agency Fee {$1600.00} totaling {$6700.00}. {$1600.00} Agency fee can be considered as a unfair practice. The extra fees are not permitted I requested Cedar Financial send the original credit agreement where it states that {$5100.00} can be increased to {$6700.00} due to agency fee. I asked for payment options of 12 months or more. The agency would not allow more than 12 months or but promoted a XXXX lump sum payment. Cedar financial Ph : ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX Direct : ( XXXX ) XXXX Fax : ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX www.cedarfinancial.com XXXX
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2016-05-18

Medina, NY

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt is not mine
Complaint: Title 15 US Code Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. XXXX XXXX knowingly sent a debt that is not owed to them to collections resulting in the matter being placed on my credit report. When I found the item on my credit report. I started investigating, I called the college first then Cedar Collections. I was met with a rude and harassing debt collector who failed to use mini Miranda, failed to properly verify identity of consumer. Instead of having me confirm id, the collector asked closed ended questions, to which I answered yes or no. My information was released then I was offered the ability to affirm. ( Privacy - possible Violation Oxley Act definitely a violation of the FDCPA Fair Debt Collections Practices Act when the Collections Agent from Cedar called me back within 1 hour of the call I made to them. The collector immediately started a conversation with me without confirming identity. I asked what his purpose of calling was except to harass me and I pointed out that we just spoke and to call an alledged debtor back within 24 hours is a violation of FDCPA. I told the agent it was not a valid debt for many reasons, the class was dropped and I was locked out within the first week of classes due to financial aid not lining up as expected. So the college is trying to get paid for a product they did not provide and the collection agency is using a citation on the credit report to threaten a consumer. Extortion, Possible multiple violations of US Codified Law US Code 15 FDCPA and FCRA Harassment. Even after I started speaking with the recovery agent I gave great detail the issues surrounding the matter The agent implied I was lying making statements such as " Well, that 's not typically what happens, sir. '' was the response more then once. So there was an implication that I was lying. A debt collector can not legally use phrases like this, I felt very harassed. If this company has recordings like it should, then this is recorded. I mentioned the matter should be sent back to the client and I never received a XXXX or docket letter from this company. I had to 90 day period of time to dispute. I am discussing this matter with an attorney. I received an email from the college informing me to dispute this matter with the collection agency. I did verbally I should not have to do anything else. I just had a XXXX and I can document that I believe my XXXX was brought on in part due to this..
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2016-02-15

GA

Improper contact or sharing of info

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Talked to a third party about my debt
Complaint: I attended XXXX University XXXX XXXX until XXXX XXXX, Not sure if that is this correct date because I have n't received any paperwork from the and I was locked out of my account so I could n't get any information back then. The reason I stopped going there is because I took a class and pass that class. I saw the passing grade at the end of the course but when the grades was posted it displayed a failing grade. I talked with my Advisor who instructed me to talk with the teacher but she never responded to me. So after months of trying to get my grade changed I decided to stop going there. My complaint is I received a refund from my Direct subsidized and Unsubsidized student loan but when I stop attending the school I was notified that I owe them because the school claimed they sent the money back to XXXX but I received a statement from XXXX with the amount of my loans and to pay XXXX. I called XXXX several times trying to inform them that XXXX stated no money was return back to them. I then called the XXXX and they stated that money do n't return to them. I called XXXX U back to inform them of this information and I only got attitude from them so I did n't called back. My complaint is how is it that the schools are saying they are giving the money but I received statements from XXXX stating the total amount of my student loan which matched what I received.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2016-01-19

VA

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Non-federal student loan

Threatened to take legal action
Complaint: I was contacted by Ceder Financial stating that I owed the XXXX University money. First I requested proof of that debt because I didnt believe it was as much as they claimed it took several calls before that information was provided. I offered to pay {$50.00} a month towards the debt but they have refused that amount. They requested that I completed a XXXX page asset background form and pay {$250.00} upfront payment to keep the collection off my credit report. I have told them several times that I cant afford it but they still are asking me to pay {$250.00} upfront and XXXX a month for 6 months and then the amount will be increased to XXXX They have also threatened to take my federal tax return. I explained to them that I work for a non-profit company and i am also paying back student loans. I dont know that they can refuse the payment I have offered due to my tight budget. I was going to borrow the money but it would put me in a bad situation.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2016-01-18

Glendale, CO

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not mine
Complaint: Have a letter from CEDAR Financial saying I owe {$56.00} to creditor " XXXX XXXX '' FILE # XXXX. I 'VE NEVER SET FOOT IN THE COUNTRY OF XXXX. THEIR CONTACT, WITH NO EVIDENCE, PAPER TRAIL, OR RESEARCH IS LACKING, AND WILL NOT BE THREATENED BY THEIR ATTEMPT TO COLLECT THIS DEBT! CEDAR FINANCIAL : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, CA XXXX
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2016-01-17

Cocoa, FL

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt was discharged in bankruptcy
Complaint: Cedar Financial has placed a collection on my XXXX and XXXX credit reports. The original creditor was included in my bankrupcy which was discharged XX/XX/2014. XXXX shows the collection open and closed in a period that is not possible with my BK file and discharge date.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2016-01-15

MA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I was contacted in XXXX of XXXX by a Cedar Financial that I had a {$330.00} ticket stemming from a trip to XXXX in XXXX of XXXX. He threatened to report it to my credit when I said that I never was pulled over or was issued a ticket. He said that I was photographed in a high congestion area and that I was given a ticket that now had several late fees associated with it and I had better pay it now. They have called me incessantly since, even after I told them that I needed to see evidence and I certainly was n't responsible for late fees when in good faith, I had no knowledge of this ticket and dispute that I was in that area.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-10

Kawaihae, HI

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Medical

Debt is not mine
Complaint: Around 2005 I received a call from Cedar Financial XXXX I 'm not sure if they were called that in 2005 XXXX, who identified themselves as a debt collector who somehow thinks I owe them money. I believe at the time they said it was for an unpaid hospital bill. They have not provided any documentation nor explained how they think I am the person who owes them. Years ago this company tried to put the debt on my credit report, but I requested the XXXX bureaus to inquiry into the debt and all three removed it. They have continued to periodically call, for a decade, even though I have asked them to stop calling. This morning they called my elderly parents, did not identify the company they worked for, behaved inappropriately, and asked them invasive questions. I know it was them because they left a message on my voicemail around the same time.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-12-02

Oakland, CA

Disclosure verification of debt

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Not given enough info to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-11-25

Bethesda, MD

Disclosure verification of debt

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Not given enough info to verify debt
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-11-03

Oxford, GA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Non-federal student loan

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Complaint: I received a statement from Cedar Financial for an outstanding balance owed to XXXX University. The original amount was {$1700.00}. I set up payments and have paid on-time. As of XXXX XXXX, 2015 the balance was {$1500.00}. Then I received a letter dated XXXX/XXXX/2015 stating the balance was {$670.00}. I contacted the account manager, who stated the letter was incorrect and the balance was {$1000.00}. As of today XXXX XXXX/XXXX/2015 XXXX, I have paid {$870.00} towards the balance ; however Cedar Financial states I owe {$1000.00}. They are claiming I owe a {$25.00} return check fee. Today, I received an email from the account manager stating my total payments as of XXXX/XXXX/2015 are {$820.00} and not {$870.00} XXXX which I have a record of ). They also stated I can settle the loan with XXXX University for {$660.00}. When I contacted XXXX, they stated the unpaid debt was bought by Cedar Financial and they control the settlement offers. The XXXX representative stated they have no more interaction with account due to Cedar Financial purchasing the bad debt. I am concerned that the collection company is not only trying to collect the wrong amount but also presenting misleading information. I was also able to print my statement from the university which shows the original amount was {$1500.00}, therefore, I am not sure where the other {$200.00} derives from. In addition, I have attempted to negotiate a settlement on this account twice no avail. I am attaching all emails and letters to support my issue.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Untimely Response

2015-09-14

Long Beach, CA

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt was paid
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-09-12

San Francisco, CA

Improper contact or sharing of info

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Talked to a third party about my debt
Complaint: We resolved a dispute in XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX 2013. This is a fraudulent attempt to reinstate a debt.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Untimely Response

2015-08-28

Bohemia, NY

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt was paid
Complaint: On XX/XX/XXXX my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon in XXXX ( XXXX and XXXX ) for Two days into our arrival in XXXX. We were robbed. Money as well as an electronic device ( iPad ) which consisted of personal information, were stolen. Along with many other articles. We traveled to XXXX from XXXX. By rental car.The agency I rented from, took my credit card information and passport information to keep on record. When we returned home XX/XX/XXXX with in a few weeks XXXX receipts for XXXX paid traffic violations were paid by automatic payment charged to my XXXX XXXX card from the rental car agency. I did not dispute the charges. Totaling in about {$700.00} American dollars. Today XX/XX/XXXX, I receive XXXX bills from a collection agency. Which is servicing for " XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. The addressed envlope was sent via regular mail. Delivered to my home it was in the correct name but not the correct address. XXXX separate bills with the same amount totaling to {$320.00}. The company Cedar Financial that sent these bills to me was promptly called by myself.I have never received anything in the past 2 years stated I owed XXXX separate amounts of {$320.00}. I spoke with XXXX separate people. XXXX in which was speaking as if they were a robot. Asking more then 3 times for payment information. Stating they accepted all major credit cards or check. I asked to speak to a supervisor.I was transferred to a gentleman. Who stated if I do not make payment today, my credit would be in jeopardy. As and wages I make will be garnished.In all of my years of being a credit holder I have always had impeccable credit.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-08-17

Euclid, OH

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt is not mine
Complaint: Cedar Financial claims that I, XXXX XXXX, owe them {$430.00} ( recently reduced from {$970.00} ) in alleged traffic violations that supposedly occurred in XX/XX/XXXX in XXXX, XXXX. I did not receive any notification of these infractions unlit Cedar Financial reached out to me in XX/XX/XXXX. More than XXXX years after the alleged infractions. My concern is that I had no opportunity for due processes in any XXXX legal system before being found guilty. I do not believe that Cedar Financial has any legal grounds to collect these alleged fines. Allowing private XXXX debt collection firms to collect debt on behalf of notably less than perfect foreign governments, without due possess that is guaranteed me under the 14th Amendment and that is also guaranteed all those traveling to the XXXX under the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Article XXXX, is setting a dangerous precedent. I was advised make you aware of this occurrence and will also be seeking advice from the XXXX office. Cedar Financial did provide some documentation and the name of a Compliance Manager, XXXX XXXX. Her telephone number is XXXX. I support this claim with the attached documents. Files # 's XXXX, XXXX, XXXX.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-08-10

Monrovia, CA

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt was paid
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-08-10

Corcoran, MN

Taking/threatening an illegal action

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Threatened to sue on too old debt
Complaint: Cedar Financial has been contacting me during my work hours ( lady by the name of XXXX XXXX ), harassing me that I owe the XXXX money for a driving ticket for driving through a restricted access area in the city of XXXX, some time during XX/XX/XXXX. They stated they mailed the documentation to me to XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, in XX/XX/XXXX, but I have not lived there since the end of XX/XX/XXXX. I will provide documentation that I purchased and moved to a new home in XX/XX/XXXX. I have moved XXXX times since that address in XXXX, to XXXX different states in the USA. Per the XXXX, since they were not able to contact me within 1 year of the violation, this violation should be deemed invalid, and I owe no debt. Now, Cedar Financial, is asking me to pay XXXX the fines that were supposedly incurred in XXXX. Although I did travel to XXXX, I do not believe that I was in violation of any traffic law, nor was it indicated to me by the rental car company that driving to the hotel would be in violation of a traffic law.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-08-07

Las Vegas, NV

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Debt is not mine
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-07-28

Laguna Beach, CA

False statements or representation

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-06-22

Port Orange, FL

Communication tactics

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Frequent or repeated calls
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response

2015-06-06

Santa Monica, CA

Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed

Debt collection: I do not know

Debt is not mine
Company Response: Closed

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-05-22

Credit card protection / Debt protection

Credit card:

Complaint: Please be informed that I, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, was residing in XXXX as an expatriate resident during the period XXXX, during which I was holding a Bank Account under my name with XXXX including a Credit Card. In XXXX, I EXITED the country in XXXX and since then have been residing in XXXX and then in XXXX till date. I have received an information on XXXX XXXX XXXX from a company CEDAR FINANCIALS- from one XXXX XXXX XXXX ( email copy enclosed ) who is claiming that I owe the XXXX {$600.00} pertaining to Outstanding Debt relating to a CREDIT CARD that i held with XXXX way back in XXXX? I would like to mention that on XXXX XXXX XXXX itself I have asked the claimant to provide me an OFFICIAL STATEMENT of ACCOUNT and am willing to settle this amount provided this is a rightful due.?? Further I have also requested them to provide me an Authority Letter in addition to the above by the Bank Authorizing CEDAR to collect the subject outstanding. They have provided me a xerox copy dated XXXX, however and IMPORTANTLY have NOT provided me a copy of my account statement / other evidences to support this claim.??? Finally on XXXX XXXX, I have received another email from CEDAR with a final date of XXXX XXXX XXXX for settlement failing which they are threatening of further legal consequences as below ; 1 ) Legal proceedings in your present country 2 ) Travel ban for anything up to 10 years 3 ) Interest/fee charges elevation due to the time period My complaint & grievance as a EX- CUSTOMER of XXXX is that how come such a reputed bank such as XXXX could resort to appointment of such agencies who do not work purely on business ethics and logic rather than report to other 'COERCIVE ' means that literally amount to ' XXXX HARASSMENT ' of customers without giving any supporting evidence or other document to support such claims.? OR Alternately if this is a scam then it ought to be dealt with by relevant authorities in order to stop this company /representative from harassing me. Kindly review this with utmost urgency and clarify ;
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-04-09

Wallington, NJ

Disclosure verification of debt

Debt collection: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)

Right to dispute notice not received
Complaint: I received a call on XXXX for collection from Cedar Financial of a debt from a XXXX, XXXX traffic violation. The debt was put into collection on XXXX and accrued 10 days of interest in the amount of {$24.00} ( an effective interest rate in excess of 100 % ). I was told that I " must pay now so that additional interest did not pile up ''. This was the first day I was made aware of this debt. The original fine, I was told, was XXXX. The XXXX is trading at {$1.00}, which would be a total fee of {$290.00}. I was told the amount to be paid was {$340.00}. The company did wave the interest, but still used an exchange rate of {$1.00} instead of {$1.00} resulting in my OVERPAYMENT of the fine ( that I was unable to dispute ) by {$25.00}. I have yet to receive any documentation supporting the traffic violation or fine.
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: Yes Timely Response

2015-04-06

Bath, SC

Improper contact or sharing of info

Debt collection: Federal student loan

Talked to a third party about my debt
Complaint: I was given funds by XXXX university to attend on line classes, After XXXX month of attending I became ill and the passing of a love one and I immediately notify XXXX university of my circumstances. the university instructed me to mail in proper documentation for a leave of absence .I complied and to my surprise XXXX placed my loan with Ceader Financial collection agency and demanded full payment instead of adding it on to my exsiting federal loans
Company Response: Closed with explanation

Disputed: No Timely Response