5/3 Bank - Fifth Third Bank RV Repo - Abusive calls, RAB abused us and threatened criminal action against us Cincinnati, Ohio

We fell on some hard times and went late (less than 30 days) on our payment to this bank for an RV loan. The bank began calling us 7-10 times a day when we hit 5 days late (still within the 10 day grace period). I answered the phone on several occasions hoping to talk to someone, but only got a recorded message stathing this is 5/3 bank, please hold for the next representative. Well, the 1st couple of calls, I waited, put the phone on speaker and continued to wait...well over 15 minutes before I hung up. After the 1st 3 times of that, I would only wait a minute or two before hanging up. Funny thing is that as soon as I hung up, they would call again and put me right back on hold!!!! Needless to say, after 2 weeks of this constant phone harrassment, I filed a complait with the FTC.

They then sent us to collections with Regional Adjustment Bureau, who on their first call to me, stated that they wanted 2 months payments in full immediately. When I stated that I was not even one month late and the next payment is not due, they said it was now. I questioned how RAB could change my contract and the representative stated they can change any contract at any time. After a few more minutes of going back and forth, I asked for them to verify the debt in writing. They then began calling my wife at work...we sent them a CMRRS letter asking for debt verification and asking them what clause in our contract allowed them to change contract terms, as well as notifying them to not contact either of us at work. The never replied to that letter and continued to call my wife at work, even threatening to repo the RV...despite the late payment (plus fees) and next one (on time) being paid to 5/3 directly.

So a couple months later, our financial situation still did not improve and we still could not find a buyer for the RV. The bank's phone calls started again (with never getting a live person) at 5 days late. RAB again started calling us, but never sent us any written explanation of the charges and fees, despite my asking them several times to explain how then came up with an amount that does not make sense (lots higher than I thought it should be).

About a month ago, we started getting calls from an Investigator Norton. When I talked to him, he stated that he is investigating a bank fraud case. I had to ask him 3 times who he was working for (SB Investigations) and what bank filed the claim. After I got that, he accused me of hiding the RV and stated that this is a criminal investigation and he would have me arrested if I did not co-operate. Well, this "investigator" must not be really good at seeing things in front of him since the RV has been sitting unused in our driveway for well over a year and it's hard to hide a 37 foot long trailer when we have no tow vehicle.

So, to make things even more interesting, we get a call from a rep from 5/3, live call, not an autodialer this time, who is willing to make a deal so we can keep the RV. the amount is a lot more reasonable, but it is still out of our budget. I then asked this rep about the illegal actions and claims made by RAB and SB Investigations. The rep stated that he knows of many complaints against those companies but the bank can't be held responsible for actions by a third party. I further asked if the bank is aware of the complaints against these 2 companies, why are they still using them...the response was because they are effective.

Needless to say, the RV has been reposessed on Nov 15th and we have not yet (Nov 25) received any written notice as required by NYS law (which requires notice in person or by priority mail within 24 hours of the repo). Nor have received notice that the plates have been turned in to the DMV, also as required by NYS law. But, I did get a call from a different representative trying to get us to pay a higher amount to return the RV or they will sell it at auction "at a great loss" and will take action to garnish my wages. Additionally, this call was at work and when I had a customer come in, I told the agent that I had to go to take care of a customer and he told me "that is not acceptable". After he said that to me 3 times, I had to hang up....after all, it is work.

I do not dispute the debt and hope to deal with the unsecured amount once we are back on our feet. In fact, we were trying to sell the RV to pay off the debt (had it listed since March), but none of the people interested could get financed (big surprise in this economy). I am simply really pissed off at the underhanded tactics and harrassment that the bank and their agents have done. Based on my experience and the huge number of other complaints, I recommend everybody to stay far away from Fifth Third bank.