United Financial Systems Deceptive practices, poor customer service Margate Florida
This is an account of our experiences with United Financial Systems, a company that we turned to to help us manage our credit card debt. There are many companies out there today who offer this, and by their website, UFS looked like a good choice.
While using them we found out that: 1) they don't send you a statement showing how much they paid your creditors or when-- EVER-- unless you ask for it 2) they take your money out of your bank account every month on the same day, yet their payments to creditors vary widely, and sometimes take an ENTIRE MONTH-- which is ridiculous. 3) Because of this, we had late payments almost every month on most accounts, despite changing due dates and making extra payments on our own. 4) It's extremely difficult to contact anyone at the company, and they NEVER reach out to communicate with you--- their expertly trained credit counselors? forget it.
We're trying to cancel our agreement with them and find some other organization who will actually be helpful. I can only imagine what a hassle canceling them will be.
Based on this company's poor performance, I would never recommend them to anyone.
Gil
Osh Kosh, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Erica
Davie,Florida,
U.S.A.
Would love to assist you with your concerns
#3UPDATE Employee
Tue, May 19, 2009
Please contact United Financial Systems General Counsel for assistance in this matter. I have no insight as to your account as this complaint is "anonymous". Thank you
Laurie
Haslet,Texas,
U.S.A.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION WEBSITE HAS INFORMATION ON HOW TO SPOT AND AVOID FRAUD DEBT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
#3Consumer Comment
Thu, April 09, 2009
Look under Consumer Protection>consumer information >credit cards and Consumer Loans> Knee Deep in Debt. READ IT AND PROTECT YOURSELF!
Most people fail to EVEN LOOK FOR THIS INFORMATION - yet a quick internet search is all it takes to avoid rip-offs.
What most people fail to realize is that YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF FOR FREE!
What most people fail to do is find out what is legal and what is illegal when choosing a Debt Management Plan before choosing a Debt Management Plan.
Excerpt from the Federal Trade Commission Website:
Debt Management Plans: If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.
In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for or use any additional credit while you're participating in the plan.
Protect Yourself
Be wary of credit counseling organizations that:
charge high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling in credit counseling or a DMP.
pressure you to make voluntary contributions, another name for fees.
won't send you free information about the services they provide without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers, and balances.
try to enroll you in a DMP without spending time reviewing your financial situation.
offer to enroll you in a DMP without teaching you budgeting and money management skills.
demand that you make payments into a DMP before your creditors have accepted you into the program.