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:07/09/2024

  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.

  I got a loan from them in need of emergency. I then saw the insane interest rate and tried to call and email. No one answered the phone and when I emailed they said it was being processed to be canceled. They put the money in my account. Took it out. Put it back in and took it out. And then took my money. But it still says I have missing payments although Im not getting emails. And they said it was being canceled. It is now effecting my credit.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/17/2024

  *********************************** BBB 21961064
  
  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.  On May 7, 2024, *********************************** timely requested a loan cancelation, and we attempted to draft the deposited funds on May 9, 2024.  However, the draft was unsuccessful due to insufficient funds, leaving the customer with a remaining balance in their account.  To date, *********************************** has made no repayment towards the total outstanding loan balance.  
  
  We would also like to address the complainants concerns related to any issues they may have experienced connected to our customer service representatives.  We unfortunately have no record of the complainants purported contact attempts and apologize for any inconvenience they may have experienced.  Regardless, the cancelation request was received on May 7, 2024 and processed in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. 
  
  As for the complainants credit concerns, Bright Lendings process should not affect a customers FICO score.  We do not perform hard pulls with the three major credit reporting bureaus, but we may use alternative providers to verify identity data points and active military status. 
  
  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

  Date:06/29/2024

  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.

  I was offered a loan at the beginning of June 2024 with high interest rate of like 45% at first. Then, when I completed the loan process application the interest percentage skyrocketed to 99percent interest rate and the amount of payments would be 18 months at ****** for just a 600 dollar loan???? It didn't sit well when the percentage didn't actually come up until after I clicked to agree on the loan which was not as high when I first began filling out the application for the loan. Today I researched the business and discovered not a legitimate company. Also, no reports are made to the credit bureaus on the payments

  Business Response

  Date: 07/02/2024

  ********************* BBB 21919439.
  
  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.  The APR is disclosed on the Bright Lending website and is prominently displayed in loan documents that are reviewed and signed by the customer.
  
  The APR disclosed on our website and displayed in our loan documents does not change before or after being reviewed and signed by our customers.
  
  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 Answer

  Date: 07/27/2024

  Ok I finally looked in the back of the letter you sent with Bright Lending's response. It's not accurate and misleading.They must cancel my account and my ************ has been informed to cancel all ACH attempts to withdraw funds from my account regarding this company going out of business soon. It's not an option to cancel my account, delete my personal information and bank account information. Furthermore, why is there no phone number listed to call ******************* Community by way of Bright Lending false APR disclosures. Who willfully and deliberately change the interest rate upon agreement; in contrast to when I agreed on a 45%interest rate as the consumer and accepted the loan and hit complete on their website. Then, it turns to *****% APR once I completed my agreement for the $600 dollar loan which as far as the months is ridiculous itself to pay off a 600 dollar loan. They have received two payments of ****** from my account and will not get a ***** more. Why is it that the loan is 18 months for two payments of ****** per month for a 600 dollar loan? Really???? Furthermore, anybody in their right mind would not click complete if the APR or interest rate  agreement was at *****% interest. This is why they are getting sued from an Attorney General in October 2023 in ********* for their predatory Lending practices. What company are they really? Island *************************** ***************************** or Bright Lending? Fraud business practices red flags and whose money are they using? I had not received this mailing attached until July 24th, 2024. Not sure why it took so long but nothing was sent July 11th, 2024 as proof is attached. Please give me a call first thing Monday ******************** ************ or tribe is not a valid business to be doing business on unfair types of business practices which include false advertising of their interest rate. The case in ********* against this so called Lending company I pray justice is served on *** ???? US Veterans soil not Reservation land where they think they can't be sued civilly or charged criminally? 

  Business Response

  Date: 08/06/2024

  ********************* BBB 21919439
  
  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 California law does not apply to Bright Lending.  Bright Lending is a wholly owned and operated entity of the Fort ******* **************** (Tribe) on the ******************* Reservation 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 also like to address the complainants concerns related to a phone number for the Fort ******* Tribal Community.  We remind the BBB and the complainant that the agreement that is the subject of this complaint is between ********************* and Bright Lending, not the ******************* Tribal Community.  Contact information for Bright Lending, including our phone number, is clearly listed on the first page of the complainants loan agreement.  Moreover, Bright Lending maintains a consumer complaint portal for borrowers where customers can file a complaint directly with Bright Lending, and the email address is noted on the complainants loan agreement.  
  
  Alternatively, the loan agreement offers borrowers additional recourse:
  
  You can file a complaint directly with the *************************** at *************************** or by email at ************************ The *************************** is a neutral and accessible tribal government designated entity charged with resolution of bona fide borrower claims and disputes. 
  
  The *************************** will review each complaint filed with it together with other information it deems appropriate relating to the complaint. It will then issue its decision on the claims covered by the complaint. 
  
  A borrower can appeal a decision of the *************************** to the *********************** An appeal to the ************** must be submitted in writing by mail or overnight courier (such as ***** or **** within 30 days of the ***************************'s decision to: 
  
  Ft. ******* **************** ************** 
  Re: Tribal Financial Services Appeals 
  ***************************;
  ****************
  
  As for the complainants concerns related to their interest rate, we are unable to comprehend the substance of their complaint.  ********************* took out a $650 loan, not $600 as indicated in their complaint, and their agreed-upon and fully disclosed interest rate was neither 45% nor 99.99%.  As stated in our prior response, the APR disclosed on our website and displayed in our loan documents does not change before or after being reviewed and signed by our customers.
  
  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 communicated with ********************* directly in an effort to resolve their previously expressed concerns on July 2, 2024.  As indicated in our prior response, ********************* is invited to call our customer service line at ************** to set up a payment arrangement.  We look forward to hearing from ********************* as soon as possible to make the arrangements to settle this account for the remaining principal balance owed.  We have no intention of collecting any interest on this loan and are simply attempting to settle for the original principal amount of the loan.
  
  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

  Date:06/26/2024

  Type:Customer Service 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 came across this loan application that was dated from 09/22. I did not receive any type of loan, and the address is incorrect. I did not move. I have been at the same address for 5 years. I did not take this loan out, and can not get in touch with any one. It is only an automated phone number and useless Chat. I did send out an email. No response. I would like to File a Dispute for FRAUD.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2024

  ************************* BBB BBB CASE NUMBER 21906963.
  
  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 our customers.
  
  ********************** received a loan application in ************************* name and subsequently completed underwriting. A fully signed loan agreement in the amount of $350.00, purportedly executed by *************************, was received on September 2, 2022.
  
  If fraud is suspected, we ask 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 and so that we may take internal action on the 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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/24/2024

  Type:Customer Service 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.

  On Friday 6/21, I emailed this business asking for them to process my final payment on my loan in the amount of $2,553.22. Of course they did not respond until Saturday 6/22 and then said I already had a final payment scheduled for Monday 6/24. This is only because they didn't draft my payment on Friday 6/21 as requested. I've attached copies of the emails. This resulted in me being overcharged $95.25 for that final payment. I am requesting refund of that amount.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/01/2024

  *********************** BBB 21893040
  
  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.
  
  The complainant requested to cancel their loan obligations on June 18, 2024, and then retracted that request on June 19, 2024.  On June 20, 2024, using our online services, the customer went on to schedule a partial payment for June 21, 2024, allowing us one business day for the payment to process.  
  
  Subsequently, the customer emailed on June 21, 2024 asking to pay the remaining balance that same day. Unfortunately, that email was not processed until June 22, 2024, a Saturday, and the pay in full was scheduled for the following business day.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused ,and in an effort to resolve their concerns, we will refund the $95.25 in interest that was accrued due to the delay.  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 Answer

  Date: 07/02/2024

   
  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

  Date:06/14/2024

  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.

  I took out a loan with Bright Lending I have paid back more than I borrowed. Yesterday I paid the entire loan back in full. Today they took more money than my pay off was even though the loan was paid and I got a confirmation email stating it was paid. When they took out another payoff more than the original out of my bank I called them, they confirmed it was their mistake, they called my bank confirmed that it was taken out yesterday and today and confirmed the bank charges associated with the over draft, and now are telling me it will be 5 business days before they can even try to process to get my money back. But offered me a loan to get my bank out of the negative when them STEALING 500 dollars from me is the reason my bank is in the negative!!!!

  Business Response

  Date: 06/21/2024

  ************************* BBB 21849788
  
  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 would like to address the complainants assertion that Bright Lending stole $500.00 from the bank account on file,which is unfounded. The complainant set up a one-time payment for the total balance due on June 14, 2024, via Bright Lendings online customer service portal, then proceeded to contact a customer service representative where she successfully paid off the loan via debit card. Once made aware of the double payment, Bright Lending issued a refund on June 20, 2024.  Bright Lending will not process any payments without prior authorization, nor do we follow deceptive practices.
  
  We certainly understand that everyone faces financial difficulties from time-to-time, but the loan agreement signed by ************************* is legally binding.  Thus, we had every right to expect payment as scheduled in the agreement.  To date, ************************* has successfully paid off their loan and we will consider this matter closed. This resolution will be notated in ******************* account, and we will block their identifying information in our system unless indicated otherwise by them in writing.
  
  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

  Date:06/12/2024

  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.

  I have looked up this company done my research and even looked up the address from this company to where its located and its fault statement they are spamming people for there money please do something about it im glad i did my reasearch before applying for this ***** loan i got approved for thanks and hope you actually do some legal work against fraud fakes

  Business Response

  Date: 06/20/2024

  ************************* BBB Complaint ID: ********
  
  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. 
  
  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.
  
  After a review of our system, we can confirm that ************************* does not have any financial obligation to Bright Lending and thus no resolution is required.  We would also like to address the complainants assertion that Bright Lending perpetrates fraud and makes false statements.  These baseless accusations are unfounded and untrue.
  
  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

  Date:06/10/2024

  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.

  This company keeps running my credit to try to get loans. Please tell them to stop. How did they get my information?

  Business Response

  Date: 06/12/2024

  ******************************* BBB BBB CASE NUMBER 21826299
  
  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 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

  Date:06/03/2024

  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 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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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

  Date:05/20/2024

  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.

  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 Answer

  Date: 05/21/2024

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

  Business Response

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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

  Date: 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

  Date:05/09/2024

  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.

  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

  Date: 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