Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/04/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  **** **** ***** Saw offer on facebook, get new tires for your truck. After Getting Kidney disease stage 4 -5 I was really sick and let them know this. Turns out if you look at the *** website their financer RIFCO FINANCIAL is ******** all sorts of people. Look for yourself.. The sent a sheriff to seize vehicle and will not take any og my calls to pay the loan right off. They don't want $3000 when they can steal your truck and get $60000. Rifco says manager will call you back and they don't. I just want to pay the loan off. If they take truck the refuse all calls and emails and that is it. This is not right. Just want to clear up a loan and they won't let you.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/04/2024

  Customer has been in contact with Rifco and this complaint has been resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:29/02/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Got a vehicle from them, missed 2 payments due to a bank issue. Sent new banking information payments started to come out of new account. I shouldn’t have assumed the 2 missed payments were added to the end of the loan. Get an email stating a Baliff was going to take my vehicle, next day it was gone after responding I would pay the following week. Tried many times to reach out to get vehicle back and no response over and over. I just wanted my vehicle back and to continue my payments as it should have been but they did not want to work with me at all and ignored my email requests stating whole loan amount had to be paid.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 26/03/2024

  
  Complaint: 21366628
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I didn’t get a response 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  

  Business Response

  Date: 26/03/2024

  Thank you for your recent communication regarding the status of your loan with Rifco. We understand your concerns regarding the thorough review process and the difficult decisions that may have risen as a result. It's important to emphasize that our decisions regarding redemption amounts or other resolutions are based on a holistic evaluation of the situation, taking into account factors such as the risk of the vehicle going missing again and the level of delinquency. 
  
  There are multiple contact attempts made about the redemption requirements and amounts needed to retrieve a vehicle once it has been seized.  Rifco is transparent in its communication with customers throughout this process. It's essential to emphasize that our intention is always to ensure clear and concise communication with our clients regarding redemption obligations. We take great care to provide all necessary information to facilitate a smooth and transparent process.
  
  However, it appears that despite our efforts to communicate the redemption requirements to our customers, there may be challenges in customers meeting these obligations within the specified timeframe. If a customer is unable to comply with these requirements within the specified timeframe, the vehicle may/will be sold.
  
  ***** *
  *******, Collections and Customer Service
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 26/03/2024

  
  Complaint: 21366628
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I had an arrangement made to pay 2000$ but literally the next day the vehicle was taken and upon reaching out many times I was told the full amount of the total loan was required. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

  

  Business Response

  Date: 26/03/2024

  We acknowledge the confusion and inconvenience caused by the recent repossession of your vehicle. It appears there may have been a misunderstanding regarding the payment arrangements. While some agreements are designed to temporarily suspend repossession actions, others are intended for the full redemption of the vehicle. Unfortunately, previous unfulfilled commitments can limit the options available for new arrangements. We are committed to clarifying these processes and ensuring transparent communication to prevent such issues in the future.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 26/03/2024

  
  Complaint: 21366628
  
  I am rejecting this response because: it doesn’t change my vehicle being taken and no option to get it back. I was willing to work it out. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/01/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I entered into a contract with the company in August. When making the contract, I was told by one person that they would need both accounts to verify income, but the payments would come out of the account I had requested. This did not happen. Was charged NSF fees, had spoken to one agent, they waived the NSF fee, it was paid. Second payment came out again, of wrong account. Paid that and NSF. After paying it the reversed the decision for the first NSF fee and required me to pay that again. I refused as I had spoken to people and had agreed not to charge NSF. I kept getting emails from different departments, telling me they repoeing my car of 58.65 off "fees". After calling them out on it, forwarding the previous email multiple times showing the conversation, nothing was heard back. Then out of no where had a balif come and reposses the car because "they fealt threatened". Demanding 2800 to not take the car saying no payments had been made. With abosutely no warning. Now that they have the car, they refuse to answer emails. As they know I do not have a phone, as it's been that way for a long time, they know it has been since before I signed the contract. I want my car back with abosutely no penalty because of their lack of competence. I have now lost my job because of them.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 17/01/2024

  
  We understand the concerns you've raised about payment discrepancies and the subsequent repossession of your car, and we want to assure you that resolving these issues is a top priority for us.
  
  To clarify our payment procedures, payments are typically withdrawn from accounts for which void cheques or pre-authorized payment forms were provided. As part of our standard procedures, customers are notified when payments are returned. Unfortunately, if there is no response to our attempts to contact you, escalated collection efforts, including repossession, may be initiated. Additionally, if there are concerns about the collateral used to secure a loan being at risk, repossession may be initiated.
  
  We are fully committed to addressing your concerns and finding a fair resolution. If you'd like to discuss this matter further or explore potential solutions, please contact ******************. He is available to assist you and work towards resolving your concerns promptly.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 17/01/2024

  There had been plenty of communication. And months had went by since the supposed "threat". 

  Only after I started complaining about the charge that was initially taken off, had threats of repossession , and had no response from RIFCO on the matter. I just continued to receive the same generic response stating a baliff has been assigned due to 58.65 in owed "fees". I contacted the better business bureau the first time. After that I had a baliff come to the door and say it was because of missed fees and threats. Now I have an email confirming that there were no arrears owed. That they felt uncomfortable with me having it.

  funny.. 3 months go by with no issues, only after I complained suddenly they fealt uncomfortable with me having my vehicle?! 

  Thats beyond rediculous.

   

  
  Complaint: 21128498
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 17/01/2024

  Thank you for providing additional details regarding your concerns. We hear the frustration you are feeling. 
  
  In order to address your specific issues and work towards a resolution, we recommend reaching out directly to ******************. ****** is available to assist you, discuss the details of your case, and explore potential solutions.
  
  Please feel free to share any additional information or concerns you may have with ******. 
  
  If you have any further questions or if there is anything else you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact ****** directly.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 23/01/2024

  
  Complaint: 21128498
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have contacted that email and have yet to get a response. Now I feel like things are being delayed so you can sell my car and me not be able to do anything about it. I think a class action lawsuit needs to happen. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 23/01/2024

  
  Complaint: 21128498
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  I have contacted that email and have yet to get a response. Now I feel like things are being delayed so you can sell my car and me not be able to do anything about it. I think a class action lawsuit needs to happen. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 23/01/2024

  Hello, i recently made a complaint and filed it with unsatisfied with the answer, since then i have been in contact with the company and now am satisfied with the outcome the case is 6199282348A57 

  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:27/12/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  All need is to differ a payment from January to February and they are threatening to take my truck. I just don’t have the money this month to pay simple as that. If I’ve known what I know now about this outfit I would have never taken a loan out. Just to be clear the loan was for tires and rims, not my truck loan.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/01/2024

  
  We understand that unforeseen financial challenges can arise, and we're here to assist you. Although there are limited options for new accounts, discussing your situation with our customer service representatives can help establish a repayment plan for your January payment.
  
  We recognize your worry about a lien on your vehicle; it's a precaution in case of payment issues. Repossession is only considered when we can't reach an agreement to avoid it. We acknowledge the seriousness of this decision and its impact on customers, and we'll do our best to work with you to avoid such actions.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/01/2024

  
  Complaint: 21061429
  
  I am rejecting this response because: it was a fight to have my payment pushed back to January 25th, I originally wanted to pay on the next payment date which is February 4th, but in turn they threatened to take my vehicle if I didn’t make a payment before that date. The also wanted me to make a double payment which I can’t afford as I’m a student now!!
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/01/2024

  We apologize for any frustration you experienced with the payment adjustment process. We understand the challenges of being a student and the financial strain it can bring.
  
  Our goal is to collaborate with you to find a solution that aligns with your financial situation. We encourage you to contact one of our Customer Service Representatives who can assist you in exploring alternative payment arrangements that better suit your needs as a student.
  
  Please note that with new accounts, financial assistance options are limited, and, unfortunately, payments cannot be skipped or deferred at this time.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/01/2024

  
  Complaint: 21061429
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I understand, but when someone is in a financial situation and requires time or to pay at a later date it should be honoured. I’m not trying to rip you guys off or get out of paying as I’m really good at paying my bills. I had defer all my payments this month because times are tough, and they had no problems doing so. All my deferred payments get pushed back to the end of the term which helps me.
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:16/11/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ***** *** ** ** * ***** After being told but never contacted about missed payments they sent my file to collections. I looked into it and Rifco was denying my payments sent via email transfer/not applying them to my account. I followed through with my bank, almost got someone fired thinking they were the issue when it was Rifco. ***** ****** *** ****** *** ** ***** ************ *** ****** **** **** ** ******** After trying to reason with these losers they all got familiar with my file and decided to force me to recoveries. I paid close to $900 only to be told that I had another $2000 to pay in order to call off a bailiff. Absolutely not. Come and get the car. It’s not worth it. These people are crooks and reading some of the reviews makes me happy that I don’t have to deal with them any more. I’m not paying a cent. I don’t care what Rifco does at this point because continuing to pay a company that has no desire to listen or understand their clients isn’t a hard NO for me. Come get this money guzzler and auction it off. I’m glad that I never had my real employer on my file because the 1 contact I have was always being harassed by these weirdos. If you’re dealing with these loan sharks LET THEM REPO THE CAR. They make you spend double for nothing by the end of the loan. They’re not worth it at all. Sorry to anyone dealing with these losers I hope you run fast as don’t ever look back.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 20/11/2023

  We are sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced with Rifco and sincerely apologize for the frustrations you've encountered. We take customer feedback seriously and understand the distress caused by missed payments and communication issues. It's disheartening to hear that your attempts to address the situation were met with challenges, and we empathize with any feelings of mistreatment by our team.
  
  While we make every effort to help customers understand the intricacies of transaction processing, there are situations beyond Rifco’s control. We acknowledge the complexity of the recovery process, which can be both frustrating and emotional. Our goal is to find a resolution that is fair and satisfactory for both parties, though we recognize that fairness may be subjective in certain situations.
  
  Once again, we apologize for the frustrations you've experienced, and we commend you for bringing these issues to our attention. We are dedicated to resolving this matter and restoring your confidence in our services.
  
  If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact Tammy at [email protected]. Your input is valuable, and we are committed to addressing your concerns in a timely and effective manner.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:14/08/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  in august 2022 my husband entered a financing contract with a company called Rifco they finance vehicle needs are payments are 129 the 8th of every month unfortunately there has been some moved payments but I have always paid this past thursday we spoke to a rifco representative and the representative .stated that he couldnt approve the proposed date someone would be returning the call no one did.Figuired they were busy and behind so assumed we would get a call friday .Friday came and went Saturday the car was repoed.Was told by baliff we owed 258 $ I had the money but told i had to wait till Monday.I called wouldnt tell me where my car is and said 258 owing plus 258 behind plus 500 towing fee plus nsf charges.Mind you I am all caught up Now they want to break contract and i have to pay over 5000 to get my car back rifco is a terrible company to deal with they are leading me to homelessness and no job

  

  Business Response

  Date: 25/08/2023

  It is important to make timely payments and honor the terms of our financing agreement. If there have been instances of delayed payments in the past and there has been a breakdown in communication, this may have resulted in escalated collection efforts which would include repossession.
  

  We are committed to resolving this matter as soon as possible. We request that we have a conversation or correspondence in order resolve the outstanding concerns. 
  
  Please feel free to contact me at ************ or ****************** to arrange a suitable time for us to discuss this matter further. I am confident that, through open communication, we can find a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:22/06/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have had a lot of issues with Rifco which led me to reach out to the consumer protection branch. After dealing with CP, we came up with a very concrete plan/agreement between me and Rifco. They do not keep their commitment, follow their own policy and feel they can operate however, they want to. They have a supervisor named ***** who is nothing short of unprofessional, unknowledgeable, and creates her own policies when she chooses. I was told by consumer protection branch that I could request that they stop automatic withdrawals on my account by simply asking them. I sent a written request on May 15 to rifco requesting that my automatic withdraws be stopped. My normal withdrawal date is the 21st of every month. Rifco had told me before that I just need to give three business days if I’m wanting to stop a payment. This was 5 business days before my scheduled payment that I requested all future payments be done through E transfer ***** then told me that she needs 30 days to be able to stop a payment. But I asked her if she needs 30 days then why have they done it with three days notice before. She did not answer my question. She then stated that she will stop all future withdrawals for Junes payment and that I could make them by E transfer so June 20 came around a day before my payment date, I sent a transfer, which was automatically deposited. Now on June 21, they took a payment from my account. I know message ***** asking her why. And she said it’s because I didn’t respond to an email. we were dealing with two separate matters, the stop payment for May, and then switching the payment date for all future payments. My last communication with her was she said she was going to stop the payments going forward and I could make all future payments through E transfer. She sent me a message in May asking me about the stopped payment for May which I did not respond to Because it was made already, and because of that she did not stop my future payments from coming out.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 27/06/2023

  Customer has been sent an email to resolve complaint. Waiting on response and acceptance of solution. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 28/06/2023

  
  ****** ******** *******
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 20220615, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. With that being said, Rifco was very much in the wrong. it should’ve not gotten to the point where I had to go to the consumer protection branch three times, file, a complaint with the ****** ******** ******, and seek out legal Help to deal with them. They lack of professionalism at Rifco. They like accountability, and they feel they are able to bully people and intimidate people and make up their own policy on a person to person basis. Please know your rights for the problems with your own, and please reach out to the consumer protection dance in your province (as you’re protected by the consumer protection branch in your province not the one we’re they are located). Even in their response, there was no apology, or accountability on their part. They have now, and did my loan with them, as I had only a few months left. and have acted as if they’ve done me a big favor. When they posted me more money then what’s left on the loan. Thanks to the ****** ******** ****** for acting promptly on this. And getting this issue resolved within a matter of days. I highly recommend for everybody to reach out to the ****** ******** ****** when needed!

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:20/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I filed a complaint regarding I’ve been paying for 28 months on my car when asked what my buy would be because I keep asking for the financing contract and it took up till 3 weeks ago for them to send it. So 28 months ago I paid 23 grand for a car and I still owe 22,890 on this after 29 payments of 600 dollar . Rifco told me they have to take all the interest first that in another year I’ll see my payments go down. I wrote this and you responded with the correct place to file my complaint. It was a financial place I accidentally must have deleted this info could you please resend it to me , thank you

  

  Business Response

  Date: 23/05/2023

  Similarly to simple interest loans, the more on-time payments you make, the more is applied to your principle. Defaults, chargebacks, or other expenses such as payment deferrals, account change fees, or in worst case scenarios, a bailiff assignment will lessen this.  
  
  This can be confusing, and we wish to help clarify and assist you in understanding the concerns you expressed. 
  
  The *******, *****, will be able to assist you with your concerns. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 24/05/2023

  
  Complaint: 20085162
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  This is a complete lie , I’ve not missed a payment.  Was on time for a year and $78 dollars went to my principle . No late payments , no deferrals explain why there was months that went by 4 months and not a dime went to principal 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 26/05/2023

  We have now spoken with the client and come to a resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:18/04/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Spoke with Rifco about changing my payment dates to align with my new EI pay schedule as I was off work. Over two weeks after I had missed a payment they said well your two payments missed now we just never emailed you about the last one. I spoke with someone who by email so I have proof said I could make an arrangement for the two payments and I emailed back saying I would love to set that up. They did not note the account or email me back to get the exact dates due to the agents shift ending. They turned off my van the next morning, I called and emailed explaining I agreed to make an arrangement to keep the van going based on the email. The agent I got said yes you can do it for April 20th. He then tried saying oh wait I can’t, which I said well I was promised just now and last night, my van shouldn’t have been turned off. They try saying what they promise doesn’t matter and don’t even let me talk when on the phone. They hang up due to me using curse words. When I spoke with a manager they refused to acknowledge that I was told twice I could make an arrangement and that my van shouldn’t have been turned off. I got paid in less than a week but they wanted to leave the van and me and my children on the side of the road. I told them don’t blame me for what happens to it as your leaving it on the street. They promised me a call from another manager. Instead a valid calls me saying they are repoing the van claiming I said I would ruin it. I tried to explain but he was as ignorant as the others. I have proof I was promised to make an arrangement for the missed payments and they should not have been able to turn the van off based on that. They also should not be able to repo the van as I was promised this arrangement. It’s sick they want to take it based on them lying to me and over two missed payments that I could have paid a couple days later.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 21/04/2023

  Rifco makes every attempt to work with its customers when they are facing financial difficulties due to changes in their circumstances. Due to various factors such as type of loan, length of time in loan, and open respectful communication there are times when the solution may not be what the customer is requesting. When there are concerns regarding the safety of a secured asset, there are actions that may be necessary to ensure protection of a secured interest. The customer has been in contact with the company, and we are attempting to work together to try and find alternative solutions. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/12/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  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.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Rifco had sent a sheriff’s bailiff to repos my truck oct 23rd, contacted them to make arrangements to send payment needed to get truck back, sent them the full payment of 3886.08 via wire transfer on nov 1st, they refused to release my truck to me after showing proof it was credited into their account. Days went by fighting with them and they refusing to release my truck back to me. I had to send another 3886.08 via etransfer Nov 4th with recorded agreement that they would refund the first payment. Well as of today Dec 9th they refuse to answer my calls and or tell me a manager will contact me but they never do. Would really like to know if there is anything you guys can do to help, that money hasn’t even been applied to principal of loan

  

  Business Response

  Date: 15/12/2022

  We understand that going through the repossession process can be a frustrating and confusing process at times. While we make every effort to assist our customers through this process, there can be some difficulties when understanding what is required and why. When payments are made on accounts they will first be applied to any outstanding payments, then to any outstanding fees on the account (bailiff fees, NSF etc) and then any overages will be applied to the principal balance. For me to resolve the complaint, I will need to speak with the customer to confirm some details for a quick refund of any overages. In order expedite the process going forward the customer can reach out to the Manager of Collections at ***************** or by calling ************ **** ****.