Mortgage Payment Cashed but Not Credited, Now Facing Collection Threat

I’ve been with a new mortgage company that recently bought my mortgage. I’ve made three payments by mail since their online system doesn’t recognize my loan number. They cashed my November check on 11/06, after the grace period ended on 11/16, and now they’re claiming my account is delinquent. I’ve provided screenshots of the bank deduction and the cashed check, but they’re still asking for more proof. I’m worried about making my next payment. Does anyone have suggestions on how to prove they cashed the check?

You should file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Vanya said:
You should file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Act quickly, you never know how regulations might change!

Have you called them to ask what additional proof they need beyond the copy of the cleared check?

Eli said:
Have you called them to ask what additional proof they need beyond the copy of the cleared check?

I called this morning, and they’re requesting the actual check and who signed for it. I sent it via regular mail, so I don’t have a recipient signature. I plan to visit my bank tomorrow to get a copy of the check’s front and back.

All you need is the check number. If the person you’re talking to doesn’t help, ask for a supervisor or someone from the accounts department to reverse the transaction or direct you on how to pay so it gets credited correctly.

@Uma
Thanks, I’ll try that. They’re making it seem like it’s my responsibility to prove the payment, which I thought I had done with the screenshot of the cleared check.

They aren’t sending you to collections yet. Payments are considered late after the 15th but only reported to credit after 30 days. Foreclosure, not collections, is the next step, and that’s expensive and usually doesn’t start until 90 days late.

@Vic
Still, it’s crucial to correct this quickly to avoid late marks on your credit report, which are tough to remove.

Payne said:
@Vic
Still, it’s crucial to correct this quickly to avoid late marks on your credit report, which are tough to remove.

It can usually be resolved with a phone call, though it’s annoying.

Payne said:
@Vic
Still, it’s crucial to correct this quickly to avoid late marks on your credit report, which are tough to remove.

It’s a risk I wouldn’t want to take.

@Vic
Technically, the late fee doesn’t apply until the 17th.

@Vic
Make sure you’re not responding to a phishing attempt.

I faced a similar issue. I sent a certified copy of the check to both the bank and the collection agency, and I threatened legal action.

Consider setting up an escrow account at the courthouse to make your payments until the mortgage company sorts this out.

This might be a scam. I’d recommend opting for automatic payments directly through your bank to avoid such issues.

There’s a discrepancy here. An accounting error isn’t the same as being sent to collections, especially not so soon in the process.

Finley said:
There’s a discrepancy here. An accounting error isn’t the same as being sent to collections, especially not so soon in the process.

There’s definitely something odd here. Not opting for automatic payments when setting up your loan might be part of the issue.

@Morgan
The loan was transferred to a new servicer; it wasn’t a new loan setup. I had a similar issue and resolved it by contacting the servicer directly for a new account number.

It’s crucial to confirm that the mortgage company actually cashed the check. Check fraud is a common issue, and it’s possible that a third party intercepted the payment.