ComplaintsforFirst Tech Federal Credit Union

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I recently opened a checking/savings account with ******************** Tech. Everything went smoothly until I was invited to apply for an perdonal line of credit. After applying they requested more documentation, no problem. After about 5 days they send me and email stating they have suspended my account for suspicious activity and included a packet about being a money mule.....OK? I did literally zero transfers from this account other only a workers comp check deposit than the opening deposit. But nothing else or any transfers out of this account They said I must wait for the results of the investigation. They gave no timeline for how long that will take and said any questions must be mailed in. This isn't how I like to be treated as a customer. Please either give a timeline for how long this investigation is going to take and communicate with me or just close the accounts.

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  Dear *******,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding the hold on your account because of potential fraud. We are very sorry to hear about your current situation.

  We take your complaint very seriously, please know that a full investigation is under way by our fraud leadership team and you will receive a response from them soon. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our lending and servicing practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you! 

• Initial Complaint

  05/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  see affidavit of truth attached

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  Dear **********,
  Thank you for your message, this is a duplicate request which was received via a regulator. We will not be responding through the BBB in this situation. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  04/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I lost my job and couldn't make payments. The car was repossessed. I saved up money to cover passed due and extra. I wanted to pay 10k and show proof of new employment. I'm on salary and can now afford the payments again. I'm have tried everything I could. I planned on paying 10k which would catch me up and extra and then continue to pay off the loan to repair my credit and keep the car. They refuse to work with me and stated since they now have the car, they will only sell it. They told me to pay in full if I want it back. I can't afford 55k I don't think anymore has 55k lying around. I am trying my hardest it has been the worst 6 months of my life. I have gotten money from friends and family and saved money, and they aren't even willing to work with me. I can't refinance because the credit was destroyed by this situation. I can't afford 55k. I can't borrow that amount because of my credit. Now im stuck here. I have tried to work with them, but they continue to refuse. I now have a lawyer and will be getting a resolution soon. All I wanted to do was keep the car fix my credit by making on time payments and pay what was owed.

  Business response

  05/07/2024

  Dear ********,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding the reposession of your vehicle. We are very sorry to hear about your current situation.

  We take your complaint very seriously provided the details to our ************************ leadership team to investigate. Unfortunately, we are unable to make any arrangement or exceptions outside of our policy or the regulations that govern this situation. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our lending and servicing practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The only to retrieve this vehicle in occordance with these limitations is by paying the full amount for the vehicle. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you! 

• Initial Complaint

  04/25/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company has ruined my credit with one apparent late payment but yet our records show that there was no late payment but yet they decided to ruin my credit score, keeping me from buying a home and lowered my score about 82 points, No other company has done that to us. We have never missed a payment anywhere. We also have a lot to lose if our credit moves even a slight point. When we called by phone, they made the mistake by telling us we owed the entire month of December and tried to strongarm us by saying if we paid that our credit score would go back to normal and We strongly informed them that it was paid already and they even apologized about it when we sent factual bank statements showing proof of the "missed" payment. We advise anyone to reconsider when given this bank for a finance option & really read these formal complaints and save yourself the hassle of losing your perfect credit score that affects you in real life by losing thousands of dollars of time and opportunity that this company "First Tech" has caused us.They conceded defeat and told us they would dispute the issue for us but there's yet to be results as of 4-25-24.

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  Dear ********,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns in regards to the credit reporting on your loan. We are very sorry to hear about your current situation.

  We reached out to our *********************************** to review your account. They found two late payments on 12/2021 and 03/2024. These were reported according to regulatory requirments and our internal policy. We are unable to request removal of these marks at this time. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our lending and servicing practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you! 

   

  Customer response

  05/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 21625411
  I am rejecting this response because my credit score went down 80 points. No other company with any late payment has lowered my credit score this severely. At first, when I called, they said I missed a payment in December, Then they changed it to February and now March. They didn't lower my score back in 2021 and supposedly we were late in March, but yet I sent the payment and it's the problem of First Tech that they didn't bother to process it on time to keep our account on time, because no other account that we have is late, and we pay all other payments on time & they are even higher amounts & same payment method of mailing checks. Please justify the 80 point loss and justify the demand to make a payment for the month of December 2023, There has to be an error because on the phone I was told to make the payment for December and I sent proof of payment and they immediately apologized because they found that it was actually made on time when looking into it more thoroughly and said they would file a dispute there for me to remove the late **** on my credit report immediately but there's yet to be a change and my personal dispute was denied. It's very unprofessional and, unfortunately, we will most likely seek legal action as I have recordings of the phone conversation with the agent making an actual error when they said I was late, and they even accepted that they were wrong about my late payments. I have all the proof through bank statements that all payments were made on time, and we also believe the agent lied to us about the dispute just to get us off the phone. We were unable to purchase a new property due to this "error" first tech caused, and we believe we deserve our credit to be repaired by them immediately.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  Dear ********,

  This will be our last communication regarding this issue. Our ************************ team performed a thorough review of your account and found two missed payments on 12/2021 and 03/2024. Their was no reporting error in this situation and all regulatory and internal policies were followed. We are unable to request removal of these marks at this time. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this directly with our ************************ team please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  04/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, I have had an account with ********************** over the last 3 years. I have never missed any payments with them, never missed any payments with none of my accounts for that matter. However, they claim to say that theyre there for you when your dealing with hard times but theyre really not. Theyre proclaiming something that is false. I needed some assistance with my loans for just two months since I will not be getting income for two months due to a career change and *********************** denied me. Its not the first time he denies me as if he has something against me. He was not helpful to me at all like most of the credit unions are always there to serve their people and find solutions to their problems. But First Tech failed me.

  Business response

  04/23/2024

  Dear ******,
  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding your loan harship application being denied.

  We take your complaint very seriously, please know that it has been reviewed by the manager in our ************************ team. Unfortunately, they confirmed that you are ineligible for a loan modification because it exceeds the policy guidelines for modifications. Many factors are looked at when making these determinations and we are required to follow our policies for everyone to ensure fairness and compliance with our regulators. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our lending and servicing practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you!
    

  Customer response

  04/23/2024

   
  Complaint: 21599952
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  it does not fulfill what I need. I understand the policies that First Tech has but why do you guys claim to help your customers when you really dont? I had to ****** money from my family just this month but next month Im not sure how I will be able to pay those two loans because like I said I will NOT have income coming in due to a career change. What *********************** told me was that I was denied based on my income. I had to provide my latest 30 days paystub and like I told him I had to miss a few days at work because I had to get my things situated to go into the ********************** and because I had to take my mother to her doctors appointment. Did he understand that Im human also? Of course not. I make more then what I put down because of the plenty of overtime my job has offered everyday and I can prove that with my W2 and my pay stubs from January and February. March was the month I took unexpected time off. This is just ridiculous and he also told me because I have a negative deficit how is that possible? When again ALL of my accounts are in perfect standing and I pay back what I owe and on time. So this is ridiculous.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  Dear *******,

  We appreciate your need for an exception in this situation. Unfortunatelly, we cannot make an exception due to your request being outside our acceptable standard. First Tech must follow all state and federal regulation and ensure all applications are treated equally and within an acceptable standard. We are sorry this is not the case in your situation.  This is the last reply we will submit to the BBB regarding this situation. If you have any additional questions please reach out to us directly at ************. Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  04/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to file a formal complaint against First Tech Federal Credit Union regarding a significant discrepancy in the *** rates promised and the actual rates applied to my rewards checking and savings accounts.In Oct 2023 and Jan 2024, I opened First Tech Reward Checking and Reward Saving accounts, influenced by assurances from a First Tech Member Relationship Manager. The Manager assured me that both my rewards checking and savings accounts would receive a 5% ***, with no conditions attached. Additionally, it was stated that for balances exceeding $15,000, a 4.8% *** could be achieved under certain conditions. These assurances were influential in my decision to apply for a First Tech credit card. Based on explicit assurances from First Tech representatives at the Ridgepointe Branch and the ****************************** as well as through the First Tech app's interface, I maintained a balance exceeding $40,000 since late January 2024. According to the information provided by First Tech employees and the app, I anticipated receiving a total interest of $632.35 between October 3, 2023, and April 1, 2024. This was to be distributed as $378.93 for my rewards checking account and $253.42 for my rewards savings account.However, during my recent visit to the First Tech branch on the ********* Campus on April 1, 2024, I was informed that my accounts were accruing a mere 0.01% ***. This discrepancy has resulted in a considerable financial loss for me. Enclosed with my previous communication to First Tech were documents corroborating my discussions with the Manager, confirming the promised *** rates for each transaction. Screenshots from my account indicating a 5% *** were provided. Additionally, during conversations with ***************************** representatives about Zelle or ACH issues, it was reiterated that my reward checking account would only yield 5% *** for up to $15,000. The recording could be found under my phone numbers and my SSN and account.

  Business response

  04/11/2024

  Dear ***,
  Thank you for your message, it seems that this complaint is a duplicate of one that First Tech has received through a regulator. We will respond directly as required by the regulator and our internal policy. Please know that any complaint entered into the BBB system is transferred to the First Tech Complaint Program for tracking but we will not reply in detail via the BBB platform. Thank you.
    

• Initial Complaint

  03/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I got reached out about a loan in January to refinance some of my credit cards and a high interest loan in February. I spoke with ****** who helped me start an application on February 1st. I explained to him that the system auto rejected me and he explained that it was a glitch and said he would look into this and have this run manually so I could include my recent offer letter from a new job. I checked back in multiple times and he never got back to me I eventually got a rejection letter in the mail. I called again on 2/14 and spoke with ******. He was kind enough to again help me with this process and ask that by application be run manually. I never heard back from the company about any updates - no rejection, no acceptance, no counter offer. I checked back in with ****** on 3/14 and was told I was rejected and should have gotten a letter. I never received any letter acknowledging anything. This drop off in service from my first rep and then hearing back absolutely nothing the second time around is absolutely unprofessional and disrespectful. Do better! I give props to ****** for handling my issue. I'm again asking that my ask for $2500 to help refinance a high interest loan be reconsidered. I did state multiple times that the company is welcome to pay thia directly.

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  Dear *****,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding your loan servicing and membership with First Tech. We are very sorry to hear about your current situation.

  We take your complaint very seriously, please know that it has been reviewed by the appropriate leadership teams and they will contact you directly. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our lending and servicing practices are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  First Tech Federal Credit Union bank had inaccurately reported June 2023 and January 2024 as late and it has damaged my credit history and stopped me from getting approved for housing.. I asked them to send me proof that the information pursuant section 15 USC 1666b and 1637 (b) of this title was mailed out or delivered 21 days before the payment due date. They have not given me ****** of the mailing or delivery of the information required by section 1666b, therefore violating section 15 USC 168s-2. This account is in violation of 1681eb because it is not accurately reporting and demand this late payment be updated to paid as agreed.

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  Dear ***********,
  Thank you for your message, it seems that this complaint is a duplicate of one that First Tech has received through a regulator. We will respond directly to you and the regulator as required by regulators. This will be the only message you receive from us via the BBB. Please know that any complaint entered into the BBB system is transferred to the First Tech Complaint Program for tracking.

   

• Initial Complaint

  03/11/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I recently opened a checking/savings account and ********************** card with First Tech. Everything went smoothly until I was invited to apply for an perdonal line of credit. After applying they requested more documentation, no problem. After about 5 days they send me and email stating they have suspended my account for suspicious activity and included a packet about being a money mule.....OK? I did literally zero transfers from this account other than the opening deposit. They said I must wait for the results of the investigation. They gave no timeline for how long that will take and said any questions must be mailed in. This isn't how I like to be treated as a customer. Please either give a timeline for how long this investigation is going to take and communicate with me or just close the accounts.

  Business response

  03/14/2024

  Dear ******,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding the restrictions on your account. We reached out to our fraud department and were informed that these restrictions are due to concerns with the ** documents provided at account opening. This triggered a limitation of services and information was sent by email on 03.07.24. Since that time an investigation was completed and the restrictions lifted. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Security and fraud prevention are extremely important to First Tech and we take these reviews seriously. We have provided your feedback to our leadership to review in order to continuously improve. 
   
  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will help direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you! 

  Customer response

  03/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 21411771
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I just attempted to login and still says my account is disabled. Also, I received a letter in the mail stating my credit card had been closed. Seems there is some miscommunication on your end. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  Dear ******,

  I am sorry for the miscommunication. Our fraud department has not lifted the restriction due to continued concerns with the ** documents provided at account opening. You will receive a letter if/when these restrictions have been approved. If you do not receive this letter or need additional information please call our contact center at ************. Thank you.

  Customer response

  03/23/2024

   
  Complaint: 21411771
  
  I am rejecting this response because: This is getting a bit absurd. I provided everything asked, what on earth is taking so long. If you have already closed the credit card then close everything else too. You guys seem to have major communication issues. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  02/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I deposit a check I've been waiting on for 2 1/2 years for rent relief into a new account I specifically opened for depositing the check because could not cash it at ***** Fargo where it's issued from I talked to a person at bank before I deposited and said as long as it clears the. It will be fine the bank has now locked me out of account for fraud investigation. This is $18,0000 I call and they tell me they will contact me after their investigation. I have documents proving that check is legitimate and they are now holding my money. It's not right this is a government check

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  Dear ******,

  We appreciate you providing us the opportunity to hear and respond to your concerns regarding your account being placed on a fraud hold. We are very sorry for any inconvenience you have experienced.
   
  Your feedback was provided to our Fraud team for review and they were able to resolve the issue. ******** from our fraud team gave you a call earlier this morning to notify you. Please return her call at your earliest convenience using the number below. We take your feedback seriously, please know that it has been reviewed by the appropriate leadership teams. First Tech does everything possible to ensure that our products and services are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, we are constantly looking at ways to improve our processes and your feedback will help with that.

  If you have any questions please call our ************************* at ************. At that time a representative will help direct you to the appropriate department. Thank you! 

  Customer response

  02/22/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Thank you to the fraud department for allowing me to regain access to my account and for your quick responses.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

*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. ↩