While shopping for a loan for a new RV in Jul2020,...

While shopping for a loan for a new RV in Jul2020, I received a quote from Southeast Financial (via LendingTree). Initially, the process went well and I thought I was ready to close on my loan through Southeast Financial and take delivery of my new RV. However, when it came time to sign the paperwork, I was informed my rate would be 2x what had been quoted to me on every prior occasion. The loan officer apologized for her miscommunication but something seemed really fishy, clearly unethical and borderline illegal. I naively believed that Truth in Lending, etc. would offer me some protections against this type of predatory lending. Boy was I wrong. Very bait and switch. It could have been an honest mistake or a lapse in competence but it really felt intentional. As if a last minute bait and switch would leave me with no option but to accept their awful rate and terms. After all, by the time I was ready to close on this loan, I had declined all other offers I had received (which all beat Southeast Financials rates). Fortunately, the RV dealership was honest and motivated and pulled off a miracle loan and rate for me at the 11th hour. Their honesty and customer service made up for the shady lending practices from Southeast Financial and Lending Tree.