Business ProfileforTempoe, LLC

The following describes a government action that has been resolved by either a settlement or a decision by a court or administrative agency. If the matter is being appealed, it will be noted below.

On September 11, 2023, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued an order against Tempoe, LLC. According to the order, Tempoe customers continued to be auto-debited full month-to-month terms of the contract after making five months of payments towards the initial term unless the customer made an active selection to purchase or return property. According to the CFPB, some consumers discovered only at the conclusion of their initial term that they did not own their items and were required to pay more. 

A multistate investigation into the company’s advertising and leasing to consumers through retailers across the nation. The multistate investigation—which included 41 states and the District of Columbia—revealed that Tempoe’s marketing and sales practices often misled consumers to believe they were signing up for an installment plan or credit sale when, in reality, they were entering into a lease agreement. The complicated structure and the lack of required disclosures of the lease agreements caused more confusion, often resulting in consumers paying two to three times the purchase price of the product or service.

The order permanently bans Tempoe from offering or providing consumer leases and requires Tempoe to release all consumers with existing lease agreements from their leases and to allow them to maintain the leased products with no further financial obligation. The order also requires Tempoe to pay a $2 million civil money penalty. 

TEMPOE has provided the following information in regards to their pattern of complaints:

WNLI/TEMPOE provides an alternative financing program in the form of a lease program. It is not a Rent to Own or a Same as Cash option. When a customer enters into a lease agreement with WNLI/TEMPOE, they are required to make lease payments for a minimum of 5 months. At the end of the fifth month, the customer has three options:

1. Continue leasing
2. Return the leased item(s), or
3. In applicable states, purchase the leased item(s). 

As the consumer approaches the end of their fifth month, WNLI/TEMPOE makes outbound calls and sends emails reminding consumers of their options. The consumer is responsible for notifying WNLI/TEMPOE of which option they want to exercise. If WNLI/TEMPOE does not hear from the customer, the lease will continue under the terms of the lease agreement.  
 
WNLI/TEMPOE also conducts outbound call and email campaigns advising customers of their 30, 60, and 90-day early purchase options, if available. 

WNLI/TEMPOE states if an account has been debited in error, it will be corrected, and they will strive to refund any fees incurred by the customer.

The top of the WNLI/TEMPOE Consumer Lease Agreement states in large, bold letters the following: “THIS IS A LEASE TRANSACTION. YOU ARE NOT BUYING THE PROPERTY.” It also states: "We own the property. You have no ownership rights until you comply fully with the Ownership provisions in the agreement."

TEMPOE recommends that consumers always read the terms and conditions before rendering the company's product or service.

Should you have any outstanding complaints or concerns, it is suggested that you first contact the company by phone: 844-483-6763 or by email: [email protected].


TEMPOE implemented a "Welcome Call" where within the first five days of lease origination, representatives call customers to make sure they understand that it is a lease agreement and explain their options. 

In addition to the “Welcome Call”, the business has also implemented a "Welcome Email" program, where an email is sent to the consumer within minutes of lease origination reminding consumers that it is a lease and of the terms and conditions of the leasing program. The email also encourages the customer to create/log-in to their online account where they can view their lease agreement, upcoming payment dates and amounts, and more important lease details.  Additionally, the customer can also engage in a live chat session with a customer service representative. 

WNLI/TEMPOE send important payment reminder emails throughout the lifecycle of the lease that notify customers of the amount and date of their upcoming lease payment. 
 
 TEMPOE has implemented the ability to Refund via ACH directly to decrease complaints around refunds. Consumers must call TEMPOE the same day they do the return otherwise they will begin the process of issuing them a check. The business states this will eliminate refund check delays, lost in mail, wrong address, and customers having to wait 7-10 business days for the refund.