Brandy
Fort Walton Beach,#2Author of original report
Fri, January 07, 2005
I found this information on the BBB web site.... Customer Experience Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaints. Most customer complaints processed by the Bureau were resolved, however some answered complaints remain unresolved in our files. A few complaints are unanswered. In its responses, the company provided an explanation of the matter stating their position, explaining their policies and procedures regarding the application of the first payment as a donation to the firm, and sometimes made refunds or billing adjustments. Additional File Information According to information from the BBB of Greater Maryland, the Odenton address of the firm is a mail processing center only, and the main location of the firm is in Germantown, Maryland. The company describes itself as a non profit credit counseling firm. The State of Maryland requires credit counseling firms to obtain that IRS tax status or to post a bond with the state. Government Actions The Ohio State Attorney General filed suit in Common Pleas Court in September, 2002 alleging that the company violated Ohio statutes by failing to provide services as contracted, failing to obtain licensing as a debt pooling company, and failing to register as a foreign corporation. The company disputes the allegations and has filed a counter claim. In July, 2003, a Consent Settlement was reached to resolve these matters. The company was permanently enjoined from contracting for a fee for providing its debt management and counseling services. The company agreed that no mandatory fees, voluntary fees, contributions or donations will be part of its contracts with consumers residing in Ohio. The company was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 and to refund fees collected from some consumers that were not applied to existing debt. If anyone knows how to bagin a law suit in my state please let me know.