Robert
Buffalo,#2Consumer Suggestion
Wed, November 04, 2009
What they did was absolutely ILLEGAL anywhere in the U.S. and its territories.
The violated the federal statute known as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. This law FORBIDS any "credit repair" outfit from accepting ANY UPFRONT FEES before the work is actually performed. I'm confident that they violated a few other stipulations as the MANDATORY DISCLOSURES that MUST ACCOMPANY their contract with you.
IF I were you, I'd send them a certified, return receipt requested letter that demands a full refund within 10 business days. If that doesn't get you a refund, file a formal complaint with the FTC and your State Attorney General. You should also consult with an attorney to possibly SUE THEM for the refund, PLUS the CROA violations.
You should visit the FTC website www.ftc.gov and download the CROA and obtain information to file a formal WRITTEN complaint. You can file the complaint online, but I suggest a WRITTEN complaint. In your written complaint, enclude any and all documentation (letters, contract, emails, etc.) that you have from/to them.
Good luck.