ComplaintsforBright Lending

• Initial Complaint

  06/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I took out a loan with bright lending in august. I was able to make a payment but unfortunately I had fallen through hard times. On December 21st I entered a payment plan. I was able to make two payments. The last payment I made was Thursday 1/4. I reached out via BBB and CFPB on 1/6/2024 to file a complaint. I received a response on 1/18/2024 to settle for the principle balance of $609.00. I agreed to the resolution but I have been struggling to get back on track since January and I would like to know how much I have paid during January and I would like to settle for what has been paid. I am on a fixed income and Im barely getting by and my expenses keep increasing I look forward to a resolution to resolve this matter.

  Business response

  06/11/2024

  *************************** BBB 21796877
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  We note that Bright Lending has already responded to this same complaint filed with the **** in January, 2024 by the complainant.  
  
  We communicated with *************************** directly in an effort to resolve their previously expressed concerns.  As indicated in our prior response, *************************** is invited to call our customer service line at ************** to set up a payment arrangement.  
  
  *************************** borrowed $800.00 and, to date, and only repaid $190.94.  Our final settlement offer represents the remaining principal the complainant owes on the loan, $609.06.  We will not settle the loan for what has been paid to date because Bright Lending is still owed $609.06 in principal funds.  We look forward to hearing from *************************** as soon as possible to make the arrangements to settle this account.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  

  Customer response

  06/11/2024

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  05/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took out a 500 dollar loan in January, and have been making regular weekly payments since the 26th of that month which total $1,327.00. When I called to enquire about paying off my loan, I was informed that despite having already paid more than double the original amount, I supposedly owe more than I originally borrowed!

  Customer response

  05/21/2024

  After some research,  I  discovered that the loan terms are illegal for my state of residence,  which is ****.

  Business response

  05/28/2024

  *********************** BBB Complaint ID: ********
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously. The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community. Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  Second,we certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time,but the loan agreement signed by *********************** is legally binding.  Thus, we have every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  To date, *********************** has only made a partial repayment towards the total outstanding loan balance. 
  
  We will communicate with *********************** directly in an effort to resolve their concerns.  Correspondingly, ***********************,at their convenience, may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending

  Customer response

  06/19/2024

  I do not agree with the statement from the business,  as they did not disclose everything they claim,  and in fact have already gotten more than the legal amount of money allowed for a payday loan in the state of Ohio. The state courts have also disallowed the practice of using a  tribe to try and get around the rules. In ****, the maximum amount of interest that can be charged is equal to 60 percent of the amount of the loan, which in my case would be 300 dollars.  300 plus 500 is 800, which they have already gotten, and quite a lot more. I tried to gat answers from them both over the phone and online, but they can't find my account consistently,  and the website is inaccessible after getting the loan.  I called multiple times to try and get this fixed and was put off, being told to call another time.

  Business response

  07/12/2024

  *********************** BBB Complaint ID: ********
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted.  
  
  We respectfully note that Ohio law does not apply to Bright Lending.  Bright Lending is a wholly owned and operated entity of the ******************* **************** (Tribe) on the ******************************* of ********  Bright Lending was established for the Tribes economic benefit and is organized and licensed under and operates pursuant to Tribal law.  Both our website and our consumer loan agreement explicitly describe the sovereign status of Bright Lending and clearly require the application of Tribal law to any business dealings with Bright Lending.
  
  As indicated in our prior response, Bright Lending is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Tribe.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  We would like to address the complainants assertion that they have called multiple times, were put off, and advised to call back.  *********************** contacted our customer service department on April 25, 2024, requesting a payoff amount.  ************************* request to pay off the loan coincided with an already-scheduled payment draft in accordance with the customers loan agreement.  This payment was still being processed by the customers bank at the time of the customers request.  Our agent advised *********************** of the pending payment, and that once the payment cleared, she could call back to schedule a payoff.  This is to ensure all pending payments are processed successfully so that we can accurately quote a payoff amount.
  
  We have records of additional calls received from the complainant, and it appears the source of the customers frustration may be an incorrect *** saved in our system from the application initially received, which is used as a personal identifier.  The *** used by the complainant to validate their account is off by one digit which has impeded our ability to verify the customer.  When attempting to remediate this is***, the customer has threatened to *** and disconnected the calls.
  
  After carefully examining our interactions with the customer, we find absolutely no indication that Bright Lending intentionally avoided or delayed the complainants requests.    We sincerely apologize if the customer service experience fell short of expectations. Our primary goal is to provide exceptional customer service and ensure our customers receive the best possible experience.  If a customer is having technical difficulties with the self-service portal, we recommend contacting our customer support department directly at ************** or ************************************** and we will assist with connecting the customer to a representative.  ********************** agents have previously opened IT tickets on behalf of the customer to address their self-service portal concerns.
  
  We would also like to address the complainants assertion that Bright Lending offers Payday Loans, which is unfounded.  Bright Lending offers consumers closed-end installment loans, not Payday Loans.
  
  *********************** has no remaining financial obligation to Bright Lending as we have settled their account for what has been paid in response to the initial complaint.  ***********************, at their convenience, may call our customer service line and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  

• Initial Complaint

  05/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, I applied for a loan of only $ 600 from this business, then when I read it in detail, I saw that they would get more than 3 thousand dollars in return for 600 dollars. I sent an e-mail directly to cancel, the money had not been transferred to my account yet, but no one responded. Now I want to send the money back to my account and cancel the loan, I cannot get a response.

  Business response

  05/16/2024

  Imar Bicim BBB Complaint ID: ********
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously. The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer. ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the ******************* Indian Community.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing. 
  
  Bright Lending has in fact already processed Imar Bicims request to cancel their loan.  As such, the complainants loan agreement has been canceled and they have no financial obligation to Bright Lending.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Received loan , trying to pay off loan. No one will help me with the payoff. I have emailed over 20 times, I have tried to call there is no one to talk to. There is no option for me other than to keep paying $90 every two weeks until Ive spent over $1000 on a $300 loan when it says clearly that you can pay it off early. However, how do you pay it off early if no one takes your calls and theres no way to pay it online. It keeps telling me my password is wrong so I try to reset my password and it never sends me a reset email. I want them to take my payment so that I can be done with this company

  Business response

  05/10/2024

  ***************************** BBB 21660681
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community. Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  A review of our records indicates that the complainant expressed difficulty navigating our automated telephone system, prompts, and questions,but was successfully connected to a representative on May 7, 2024.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused although we are not aware of any material defect with our automated system.  Beyond telephone communication,we can confirm that Bright Lending representatives were in mutual communication with the complainant via email beginning on April 12, 2024.
  
  We certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ***************************** is legally binding.  Thus, we have every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  To date, ***************************** has only made a partial repayment towards the total outstanding loan balance. 
  
  We will communicate with ***************************** directly in an effort to resolve their concerns.  Correspondingly,*****************************, at their convenience, may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending

• Initial Complaint

  04/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Called 3 times on Monday April 22 2024 about a loan application I didn't submit and told than each time I will not give personal information to a company I don't know. Was told that they can remove me from call logs because a computer is used to make they calls. Which to me sounds like robocalls. Was told by the person that robocalls are voice messages.

  Business response

  05/01/2024

  ********************* BBB BBB CASE NUMBER 21610961
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  BrightLending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the ******************* Indian Community. Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by our customers.
  
  Second, Bright Lending received a loan application in *********************** name.  This application has since been withdrawn from our system.  We will block the complainants identifying information in our system unless indicated otherwise by them in writing. 
  
   If fraud is suspected, we recommend that ********************* file an Identity Theft Report with the ************************ at ****************************** and with their local authorities, and then fax a copy of these reports to us at ************** for our records. 
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending

• Initial Complaint

  04/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In July of 2023 I took a loan for 500 dollars from this company and agreed to make bi weekly payments. I knew there would be interest on the loan and would end up paying more than I borrowed as that's how loans go but I was not aware of the extreme interest rate and how little of the payments i made would actually go towards the 500 i borrowed. I've made 19 payments now of ****** which is little over 281 a month and never been late or anything and I STILL owe nearly 200 to the company. This is outrageous and I cannot even believe it's legal for them to overcharge so greatly on a loan like that. Having made that many payments I've paid a total of ******** on a 500 dollar loan and its still not even paid off. I've tried calling customer service to have something done about it and continuously been hung up on or when they do talk to me I've been talked down to and treated like I'm stupid and instead of offering any kind of resolution to this they have the gall to ask me if I want to make another payment! None of the customer service representatives I've spoken to have had any kind of compassion or understanding of my point nor have offered any kind of solution to my issue. I will NEVER borrow from them again and I will make sure any and everyone know about what a scam and fraud like company this is. They don't explain to you anything about how much you will grossly overpay or that it's so expensive at the time of borrowing and I'm sure that's done on purpose to get you to agree. I am disgusted by the way this has gone and the way it's been handled by multiple different levels of employees. I don't know how they can live with themselves knowing what they're doing to and charging people that don't have the money to overpay like this cause of they did they never would've needed to borrow the money in the first place and this includes myself. I've lost more money to this company then I ever should've and will never borrow from them again.

  Business response

  04/19/2024

  ************************* BBB 21568674
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted.  
  
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the ******************* Indian Community.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  Second, we certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ************************* is legally binding.  Thus, we have every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  
  
  We will communicate with ************************* directly in an effort to resolve their concerns.  Correspondingly, *************************, at their convenience, may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  
  

  Customer response

  04/24/2024

   
  Complaint: 21568674
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  There was nothing except legal mumbojumbo given to excuse themselves from their wrongdoing. There was no willingness to meet me part way with some kind of a solution instead I was just given the party line as to why they feel they can do what they've done. I wasn't given any options to resolve this matter in any way and don't feel that was fair. Was told to call customer service but as stated in my original complaint I've done this many times with very disrespectful and inconsiderate results as I've mostly been hung up on and so for them to suggest i call to speak with someone was kind of a slap in the face and makes me feel like my original complaint wasn't thoroughly read through. All I was asking was for some kind of agreement about the remaining balance as when I signed the agreement I didn't know the terms to be what they are or I never would've taken this loan in the first place. I cannot be the only one who misses this kind of thing when agreeing to take out a loan online and I know there has to be a solution that will end in both of us being happy.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  05/06/2024

  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  BrightLending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  As indicated in our prior response, Bright Lending is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  Moreover, ********************** informs our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing, and we even encourage our customers to prepay (with no penalty) to reduce the overall cost of borrowing.  We go further and inform our customers that our product is not meant as a long-term financial solution.  We also allow our customers to cancel their payment obligations under their Loan Agreement (at no cost), no later than 3:00 p.m. Mountain time of the next business day immediately following the Disbursement Date.
  
  To date, ************************* has no outstanding financial obligations to Bright Lending. We communicated this to ************************* on April 19, 2024, and this was notated in their file.  We certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ************************* was legally binding.  Thus, we had every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending

• Initial Complaint

  03/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took out a 300$ loan, the rates werent visible when signing. It says now 799% rate and Ive already paid $992.16 for a $300 loan from October and Ive been making weekly payments of $41.34. This is crazy the loan wont end until all payments that add up to almost $1,800 for a $300 loan, and dont answer my calls or emails. Help

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  ************************* BBB 21506192
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted.  
  
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  After review of the account, we were unable to locate any communication via email or Phone between ************************* and Bright Lending. Bright lending does offer our customers the option to communicate either by email or phone.
  
  We certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ************************* is legally binding.  Thus, we have every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  To date, ************************* has only made a partial repayment towards the total outstanding loan balance.  
  
  We will communicate with ************************* directly in an effort to resolve their concerns.  Correspondingly, *************************, at their convenience, may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  February 29, 2024, I entered into a loan agreement with Bright Lending for $1K. On March 14, 2024, decided to pay off loan due to fleecing of interest, went online to pay in full of the total of ******** listed on account, received error messages. So, I immediately called customer service to pay loan in full, was told that payment of $****** was pending whole day before the first payment. I called back on Mar 15, 2024, during business hours back and no answer so I sent email to Bright Lending immediately on Friday, March 15, 2024, explaining the following I wanted to pay off loan today, March 15, 2024 and for the online amount for final payment. I tried to pay, and I got three errors messages. They responded March 16, 2024, with Thank you for contacting Bright Lending. If you schedule a full payoff on March 18, 2024, the amount to payoff would be ********, Not once mentioned in email a payment of ******** was pending. Tried to make the full payment of ******** on March 18, 2024 and got same error messages. Immediately called and she informed me there is a ******** pending. I ask for an explanation on how its pending when I tried to make a ******** payment and I was getting error message due to a pending payment of ****** and never receive confirmation for that pending ******** payment. I was getting error messages since I already paid the required payment. After speaking with her, went back to account it showed on account You have a pending payment to make changes or schedule an additional payment, so I called back to schedule an additional payment of *****. He told me that doesnt mean you can schedule an payment, it means you can call, but cant make changes, its pending, like I said to the previous person, how come the ******** payment now pending when the payment of ****** was pending. This lending company is PREDITORY and needs to be stopped.

  Business response

  03/26/2024

  ************************* BBB Complaint ID: ********

  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:

  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB. We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously. The following is our response to the items noted.
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer. ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* ***************** Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing. The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.

  
  Second, we would also like to address the complainants assertion that this transaction was predatory, which is unfounded. As stated above, Bright Lending informs our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing, and we even encourage our customers to prepay (with no penalty) to reduce the overall cost of borrowing. We go further and inform our customers that our product is not meant as a long-term financial solution. We also allow our customers to cancel their payment obligations under their Loan Agreement (at no cost), no later than 3:00 p.m. Mountain time of the next business day immediately following the Disbursement Date.

  
  To date, ************** has paid off her account with **********************. As such, there is no remaining financial obligation to Bright Lending. **************, at her convenience, may call our customer service line and she will be directed to a representative who can assist her with any additional questions.

  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements. We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

  
  Respectfully,

  
  Bright Lending

  Customer response

  04/03/2024

  As stated, to date, this account has been paid off and no remaining financial obligation to Bright Lending. Thanks.

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am a borrower who, after diligently making ten on-time bi-weekly payments totaling $2,688.30, was shocked to discover that the majority of my payments had been allocated towards interest. Consequently, I find myself with an outstanding balance of $2,019.24 remaining on the original $2,100 loan. To my dismay, only $80 has been applied to the principal amount. This situation not only represents an exorbitant 325% interest rate but also highlights a predatory amortization structure, wherein nearly nothing is contributing to the reduction of the principal balance.Yesterday, when I sought a reasonable resolution by requesting a reduced payoff settlement which I would be able to pay immediately, I was met with a refusal. This leaves me with no alternative but to express my concerns publicly, particularly since threats of collections and potential marks on "alternative credit reporting agencies, owned by the big three" loom over my financial future.Bright Lending is operating what appears to be a "rent-a-tribe" scheme, where the economic gains from lending operations are funneled to external parties rather than benefiting the tribe itself. These LLCs are no more tribal than their non-Native, out-of-state beneficiaries. Tribal lenders are not exempt from state laws relative to lending including rate caps and any exemption for tribal sovereignty only governs loans issued on tribal land, rather than loans issued over the Internet. The online lender is engaged in usury the practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates in violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. (See 2022 ********** Class Action Lawsuit)

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  ******************************* BBB 21432855
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau: 
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB.  We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted.  
  
  First, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer.  ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community.  Bright Lending discloses the total cost to a borrower if only the minimum payment schedule is followed, and we inform our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.  While the complainants claims concerning Bright Lendings legality are categorically false, we regret their experience was not reflective of our commitment.
  
  Second, we would also like to address the complainants assertion that this transaction was usurious and predatory, which is unfounded.  Bright Lending informs our customers that this is an expensive form of borrowing, and we even encourage our customers to prepay (with no penalty) to reduce the overall cost of borrowing.  We go further and inform our customers that our product is not meant as a long-term financial solution.  We also allow our customers to cancel their payment obligations under their Loan Agreement (at no cost), no later than 3:00 p.m. Mountain time of the next business day immediately following the Disbursement Date. 
  
  Third, we certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ******************************* is legally binding.  Thus, we have every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  To date, ******************************* has only made a partial repayment towards the total outstanding loan balance.  
  
  We will communicate with ******************************* directly in an effort to resolve their concerns.  Correspondingly, *******************************, at their convenience, may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product.  Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  **** was fraudulently taken out under my name. Company began taking bi weekly payments from my checking account. I notified the company and my bank. Filed fraud paperwork via instructions, verified fraud with bank investigation and with the company Bright Lending.Went through 4 bank verifications over 3 months for then to refund the funds deducted from my personal account. Was told by 5 different supervisors the money would be refunded in 3-4 business days. I was told this in January twice and February 2 times and March 1 time. Money has still not veen refunded. I am constantly told someone will "look into" my account and call me with an update which has never occured. This business has horrible business practices. The loan fraudulently taken out was for $1,000 with a repayment of $5,000. That is absolutely absurd for any lending company and questions if this was the company or an individual who stole my money.

  Business response

  03/12/2024

  *************************** BBB Complaint ID: ********
  
  Dear Better Business Bureau:
  
  Bright Lending is in receipt of the above-referenced complaint filed with the BBB. We take all comments, good or bad, very seriously.  The following is our response to the items noted. 
  
  We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some background information on our company, its business practices, and our actions in response to our customer. ********************** is committed to complying with the principles of federal consumer protection laws and regulations, as well as the laws of the Fort ******* Indian Community.
  
  As of March 5,2024, a full refund has been issued to *************************** to resolve this matter.  Bright Lending understands the urgency of all situations involving fraud and extends its appreciation to the complainant for bringing their concerns to our attention.  
  
  If *************************** has any further inquiries, at their convenience,they may call our customer service line, and they will be directed to a representative who can assist them with any additional questions.
  
  As noted above, Bright Lending is subject to robust consumer protection requirements.  We want to treat our customers well and ensure that they are pleased with our product. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  Bright Lending
  

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