Freedom debt management

[lbmarie]

undefinedWhat is the name of your state?PA
A few years ago I began a debt consolidation program with a company located in Florida. More than a year ago another company took them over. I am down to my last few months and only one card to pay off. I have contacted the new company called Freedon Debt Management (also in Florida). They keep giving me the run around. I told them I needed to know exactly how many more months until my last card is paid off and when my last auto deduction from my checking account will be. They told me they would have to have a review done of my account and it would would take over 30 days. They also said they will continue to auto deduct from my checking account until they receive written notice from me to stop. I asked them how would I know when to send the notice when you won't tell me when the last payment should be?

At the very beginning of this program I had to send them an extra month's payment ($1200) which would be refunded after the completion of the program. This new company said that I will not be getting that money back because they never received it when they took over. They said they paid $1 for each account they took over.

What I want to do is go to my bank and tell them not to allow any more auto deductions to this company. I also want to contact the last credit card (American Express) and handle the last few payments on my own. Is this someting I can really do on my own to eliminate any future problems with this Freedom Debt Management? I have a very bad feeling that I will never see my $1200 again. Is there anything I can do about that? I really need help with this. I cannot afford to lose any money. I have a feeling if I don't get out now I may lose even more than the $1200. Please help, thank you.

 

[Debt Guy]

I think you have been had by the consolidation company. The chance you will get back what you have paid is highly remote.

You need to look at your agreement. See what it says about cancelling the contract. If you cancel, I recommend you send written notice to the consolidation company (via certified mail) and also tell your bank that you have rescinded all authorization to this company to draft against your account.

There is no reason you can't call Amex yourself and deal with them directly.

 

[lbmarie]

Thank you for your response. I called the Attorney General of Florida. There have already been complaints against this same company. I also called American Express. They said I can send the final payments to them directly. The banks were closed today so I will take care of the cancelling the auto deductions by this company tomorrow.

Anyone considering using a debt consolidation program should think twice. You can do exactly what they promise to do on your own. You just have to be disciplined to make the monthly payments each month (not just the minimum).

The company I started with was called Applied Integrated Solutions now known as Applied Global Solutions. They passed my acccount off to American Consolidated Credit, Inc. which then became Credit Care Credit Counseling, Inc., which then became Freedom debt Management, Inc..