thingstoknow
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Credit Solutions and Doug Vanarsdale

Here's a few things about Credit Solutions and it's founder Doug Vanarsdale.

1. In a company meeting Doug said "I only hang out with rich people". Soon after that meeting he lowered his sales staffs pay to $7.25 an hour. Now the sales staff is also paid a commission on the sales they get for the month however with cancelations added in the majority of the force makes minimum wage.

2. The sales staff is also discouraged from leaving for the day unless they have at least two sales. So if you need to stay until midnight, so be it. This happens on a regular basis. Most people work 12 hour days although their time sheets only report 8 hour days.

3. Doug Vanarsdale is currently attempting to sue several past employees for acepting positions with other credit relief companies. He believes they are disclosing propritory information. THERE IS NO PROPRITORY INFORMATION!!!

4. If Credit Solutions is so big and powerful, why is Doug so afraid of a little competition. By the way, Credit Solutions is the only debt relief company being sued by several states. Perhaps Doug should concentrate on those law suites.

Bottom line, Credit Solutions is not the only nor the best option.

View full review
20 comments
Guest

lmao..know doug! he works for uber now, he picked me up from work one night.

didn't know he was involved in illegal dealings, read him and his company were sued for around $200 million dollars for false advertising, not contacting creditors etc. He said he worked in banking and real estate, and that he was in roofing now. lmfao, we hung out a few times, he was real cool. he stays in east dallas now, all of a sudden, he just went ghost on me it's been like 5 or 6 months since I saw or spoke to him.

smh...sign of the times. have to be watchful of who you connect with,

Guest

SINCE 2010 CREDIT SOLUTION HAS BEEN TAKING MY MONEY AND SHOWING NO RESULTS .EVERY TIME I TRY CALLING I HOLD FOR NO LESS THEN 30-40MINS THEN I GIVE UP.I WISH SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME!! BECAUSE IM THROUGH!!!IM BEING HARASSED,THREATEN BY ALL THE ACCOUNT I PLACED IN CREDIT SOLUTIONS HANDS . SINCERELY,PISSED OFF!!!!!E MAIL ADDRESS MILLER8974@***.NET

Guest

Sounds like all his sorry *** employees did not do their jobs and took the company down.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-407477

they weren't at fault, it was all n him. Him and his company were sued for around $200 million dollars for false advertising, not contacting creditors etc.

If you search his name, you'll find a lot of stories about how the business was shut down. I know the ceo/owner doug, met him through his job at uber.

( he picked me up one night from work,) He said he worked in banking and real estate before, and that he was in roofing now. lmfao, have to be watchful of who you connect with,

Guest

I used to work for CSA. Doug Van Arsdale was clueless for the most part. In his need to have his ego fed, he picked a poor excuse for a President of Sales. The devil herself, Lauren Harris. Lauren Harris ruined Lending.com & ultimately led to the demise of CSA. She fed Doug with what he WANTED to hear, not with what he NEEDED to hear. Several times in meetings, he was surprised at the employees' feedback. HE HAD NO CLUE of reality, just of Lauren Harris' fantasy world she had painted for Doug. She lied, stole, and cheated CSA employees w/ her over arched eyebrows, fake ear to ear smile, and nervous deceiving laugh. She is the reason that company went down, amongst other things:

1.) Beast ppl into the program, regardless if debt settlement is for them.

2.) Harass ppl by calling them 10x every hour

3.) Make up bank account #s & cc #s

4.) Team leaders would recommend to say whatever the customer wanted to hear for them to sign up

5.) Lie about balances on debt to make them qualify & list unqualified debt (such as student loans, secured debt) under different info to put up deals on the board.

6.) Deals "mysteriously" disappearing from our commissions, 1/2 a deal from bonusing

7.) Checks bouncing

Guest

I worked there, Doug and Joey use be boyfriends. His marriage is so fraud like him.

Joey was his boy toy. His wife had boyfriends. Doug I hope you believe in God.

If so I hope u repenting. If not your going to *** any way....

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-219187

ok! met him a few months ago, he works for uber now.

he picked me up from work one night, knew he was g^y or in the closet right away tried to hide it but one look and you knew his deal. real shocked when he said his ex-wife and daughter was like smh..but sounds like she caught on they are divorced.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-219187

good review! :)

Guest

The IRS just confiscated Doug's Dallas Cowboys season tickets, and auctioned them off. The proceeds were kept to pay for back taxes in the amount of $4MIL.

He stated they tickets weren't his, he was simply "using them".

A ticket broker bought them for just over $300k... what a waste of tickets, time, money, and morals.

Guest

CSA is a scam. You have too few settlement agents to handle the # of clients enrolled.

No wonder there are callers who hold in excess of 1 hour, on a daily basis. In order to survive the employees must work overtime... for free. If you express disdain about working for free, you are frowned upon.

And although they are well aware of those creditors that will not settle with CSA or that dont negotiate for a reasonable offer, they continue to enroll those accounts without any type of disclaimer. I sure hope clients and prospective clients wise up, settle your own accounts.

IF this company goes down, do you wonder what will happen to your service fees? There is a reason the IRS seized Dougs Dallas Cowboy tix...he doesnt pay his bills, then he claims that the tix weren't his...what a joke.

View more comments (19)
jonett
map-marker Freeport, Texas

Credit solutions

I have trusted this company to assist me to get out of debt, now I hear the news that they are a ripe off how do I get on the band wagon to get involved with the Law suits? Please infom me as to what I can do or if anyone knows who to contact would appreaciate it. I have been paying this company for about 8 months and three of my accounts hve gone to collections, so can anyone help me with information? credit solutions out of Dallas, tx www.creditsolutions.com 1-80*-353-**** pls contact me
View full review
Loss:
$19
6 comments
Guest

6 months into this program and already been served papers sd thing is the attys that are suing me are the same ones I'm already in settlement with. Called CS all they told me was to go to court now. Sad state of affairs

Guest

We Handle all civil and federal cases Nationwide.

Defend yourself against Credit Card fraud.

We specialize in:

Foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Garnishments

Repossessions

Credit Card lawsuits

Judgements and other related debts

CONTACT:(212)709 ****

Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm

Guest

We Handle all civil and federal cases Nationwide.

Defend yourself against Credit Card fraud.

We specialize in:

Foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Garnishments

Repossessions

Credit Card lawsuits

Judgements and other related debts

CONTACT:(212)709 ****

Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm

Guest

We too have been with Credit solutions and now in court with Capital 1 account. I have been negogiating with the collector to try and settle this acct.

CREDIT SOLUTION is a rip off and we are checking into filings for lawsuit.

FYI CAP 1 DOES NOT work with debt cnsolidation programs BEWARE!!! :cry

Guest

Please let me know how to go about starting and/or joining a class action lawsuit against this horrible/money sucking company!!! :(

Guest

Please, please, please do not use this company!!! I hope this will be of help. I am completing my third year with this program. Three years of harassing calls from creditors and I even had one come to my home several times.

I finally had the money saved per the program and was ready to settle my debts. This company has done NOTHING to help me settle my debt. The first settlement - the collectors contacted Credit Solutions (CS). The creditor was initiating a court proceeding against me. The second one - I received a settlement letter, forwarded it to CS and they did nothing to try to help me get a better deal. The account was settled per the letter I received. After waiting a month and a half for CS to contact my third and final creditor, I finally had to contact the creditor myself and forward the contact information to CS to get them to help me.

In the end, I saved $2,816.94, but paid CS $3,321.75 in fees. They will say they saved me money and all of my debts were settled at a discount of 25% - 40%, but that savings is based on what I owed after three years of no payments, penalties, etc., not on the balance when I signed up with CS.

Creditors are not required to work with CS, as I found out. If you don't have the money to settle your debts the day you sign up with CS, please DO NOT use this company. They do nothing to stop the collection process, you can still be sued by your creditors, and your debt continues to grow! I signed up with them for relief from the worry and stress of not being able to pay my debts due to being unemployed and that decision did nothing but cause me further anxiety and stress. Please learn from my mistake!

View more comments (5)
Anonymous
map-marker Aspen, Colorado

Credit solutions --- bad!

Just awful. I did my part, including of course paying money, and they did not do theirs. My credit's ruined, I'm out $400, and now I'm going to look online for a better debt relief company if there is one. I hope I can save one person from making the same mistake I did. Good luck! Just awful. I did my part, including of course paying money, and they did not do theirs. My credit's ruined, I'm out $400, and now I'm going to look online for a better debt relief company if there is one. I hope I can save one person from making the same mistake I did. Good luck!
View full review
7 comments
Guest

I dont want to say it however I've dealt with these debt relief companies on a daily basis as a debt collector; anyway; the issue with the is you pay them each month an agreed amount; first off they get their money right off the top EVERY MONTH therefore, some individuals NEVER have enough money to settle their acts in escrow or however the company handles the deposits because they try to low ball companies the debt is owed to so they make more money; we submit settlements that are required by the original creditor or submit a below blanket settlement however the settlement company states the debtor cannot afford those payments or doesn't have enuff money to settle and to call bak in 30 days; this goes on for months which is why individuals such as yourself are still in debt; they fail to get a release of debt letter after the settlement is paid which usually the remaining balance on your account is still listed as outstanding debt and possibly sold to a debt buyer who will then hound you all over again for the balance on acct. or if allowed, they will sue you; file a judgement; whatever they desire; and of course threaten you; I had to tell a guy off at a sif company because he said the account is charged off so why do u care; i care because i know people are not fond of a debt collector because some are very rude however i do take the time to negotiate the best settlement i can with approval from the client; anyway you can settle your own debt for FREE; if you are getting sued while paying a debt settlement company then that should tell you they are a joke; trust me i wouldn't pay not one of them because it's a scam for sure they just want your money and access to your bank account!!! DONT' DO IT work out an agreement with creditors yourself; pay the ones who will work with you and not be rude and nasty; hope this works out for you; i could go on forever;

Guest

We Handle all civil and federal cases Nationwide.

Defend yourself against Credit Card fraud.

We specialize in:

Foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Garnishments

Repossessions

Credit Card lawsuits

Judgements and other related debts

CONTACT:(212)709 ****

Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm

Guest

WOW!!!!! I CAN MOST CERTAINLY RELATE TO THIS!!!

I have been victimized by this very actions myself. I have been badgered and falsely accused of not caring about my credit score, not being able to find a job due to no interest of which is NOT true, and overall being treated like a am trash. These so could Credit Solution Agents DON'T CARE AT ALL, the only wish to steal and abuse both their clients and prospects.

How professional are those actions. There needs to be tougher laws to protect individuals like us to whom have been victimized by those at Credit Solutions.

Guest

I am a former employee and I KNOW what goes on. Badgering a prospect until they hang-up or sign-up, work the Debt Consultants (sales people) like slaves with the constant threat of losing their job. Incompetent sales people and customer service people. This is not the employees fault. They are hired to do a job that they are not qualified for. All these employees need to do is sell, sell, sell, and lie. the turn-over is so high that the company hires over 100 people every week.

The company makes promises to their customers about settling their debt that

they can not deliver. This gets the customer in more trouble than they were in.

final advice - stay away.

Guest

As far my knowledge goes, it has the worst reputation in the debt settlement industry and have many complaints. Now they are getting sued. Really horrible company to deal with.

Christine B Lhk

there should be something legally we can do to this company?

Guest

credit solutions is a rip off. i paid almost 3000.00 in dues for them, then had to save my own money for debts, & they did not help!

they lie, don't follow thru, and i turned them into better business bureau who has had many complaints about cc.

over 3000! so go to a local company, and not these rip off people, & it is true, your credit score goes down!

View more comments (6)
Sheri H Fnj
map-marker Bryant, Arkansas

Credit (Delusion) NO Solution!

Credit Soultions WILL work IF you have PLENTY of money and PLENTY of time to wait for your debt to be settled. However if you are financially hurting keep looking. This organization has a great plan to hold your hand and protect you from your mean creditors..... but the week after I finished paying the "fee" for all the "hard work they did on my behalf",my wages were being garnished over four hundred dollars a pay period.I was following the plan and there instructions, still the garnishment was cripling to me and I was forced in to bankruptcy. My original debt had MORE than doubled! Save your self and run from Credit Soulutions it is a DELUSION
View full review
Loss:
$20
2 comments
Guest

We Handle all civil and federal cases Nationwide.

Defend yourself against Credit Card fraud.

We specialize in:

Foreclosure

Bankruptcy

Garnishments

Repossessions

Credit Card lawsuits

Judgements and other related debts

CONTACT:(212)709 ****

Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm

Guest

I enrolled with CSA 5 months ago in order to help a friend, who worked there, get his bonus. At the time, I had excellent credit, but was drowning in debt and the thought of only having to pay half of that debt was what pushed me to enroll.

After spending all day on BBB.org, I'm starting to freak out a little bit and plan on cancelling my accounts with CSA tomorrow. Wish me luck!

View more comments (1)
Latrease Aof
map-marker Saint Louis, Missouri

Credit Solutions is A FRAUD

The State of Missouri is now suing them for fraud. I hope they shut those people down. They swore that Bank of America was one of their biggest creditors to work with. Bank of America contacted me and said they do not deal with Credit Solutions and will not offer settlements through them. I was able to negotiate my own settlement at 17% of my debt on my own! But Credit Solutions still got a about $1,000 of my money for doing nothing! They pray on desperate people in desparate times. They called me about 20 times after I already enrolled to ask me if I wanted to enroll. They don't have their act together. Stay away from these folks. Try to negotiate on your own first before paying anyone.
View full review
2 comments
Guest

I contacted them and spoke with someone who I later emailed back to let them know I was not interested.

Attached to that email I had an article about them being sued.

This is what I got back:

Fine!!!!!!!! Stay broke……hahahahahahahahaha….. I’m losing any sleep trust me.

Thanks Anyway

Jason McKenzie - Credit Solutions

Account Manager

12700 Park Central Dr.|21st

Guest

:( :x :eek :roll :) :grin ;) 8)

View more comments (1)
ruckergl R
map-marker West Hollywood, California

They did absolutely nothing positive for me, made it worse

What they don't tell you is that while they are working with the credit companies and you are not paying the credit cards for at least 2-3 months, you are racjing up late fees and penalties and your credit is shot. This is not a fair solution to your problems especially if your credit is not that bad. It would be best if you continue to pay the least amount needed to keep your account current while you wait for responses that credit solution is working on, otherwise it just puts you more in the hole. I cancelled after 2 months and I don't get any money back but I will report it to the BBB.
View full review
Loss:
$670
9 comments
Guest

to NO Name=========yu people that say, " read ". you just don't get it.

if you don't like the posts, then don't read them. maybe fine print does say that, but ususally u believe the person your talking with !!!!

maybe listen, & record, Not read, with credit solutions, in texas. Listen, NOt read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!i guess your just one of the few, few lucky ones!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest

credit solutions is a rip off. turn them into better business bureau, and ripoff.com.

they told me no interest fees would accure. well they did, over 2000.!! just found that out, after 3 years in the company who does nothing but watch sports on tv. do yourself a favor, and turn them in.

they do not serve peole.

and they are only trying to make good now, b/c they have been reported too many times, and don't want shut down... think about it....

Guest

Keith is a *** *** for filing bk

Guest

After being in the program 9 months late fees and intrest have raised the balances over $25,000!!! Every settlement offer is greater than the original balance. When you sign up they say "don't wory getting sued is very rare." When you are served with papers they say "Sorry, that's not true"

Guest

I enrolled with CSA 5 months ago in order to help a friend, who worked there, get his bonus. (Friend spent one month working there, then quit and didn't tell me.) At the time, I had excellent credit, but was drowning in debt and the thought of only having to pay half of that debt was what pushed me to enroll.

After spending all day on BBB.org, I'm starting to freak out a little bit and plan on cancelling my accounts with CSA tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Guest

to all you naysayers:

Credit Solutions is a great company, and they do exactly what they say they will do so long as you do your part. No one got themselves in debt over night nor are you going to get out over night. I would be willing to bet had any of you that stayed in the program longer than a few months before getting angry and cancelling would have gotten the exact service promised as i did.

Guest

I feel everyones pain in dealing with this company. I was enrolled with them and within a couple of months i was being sued by three of my creditors.

I eventually called CSA and told them to cancel my account and that i would be contacting the BBB and my states attorney general regarding their business practices. Well apparently that threat worked as i was sent a refund of all my money.

I then went to work with my creditors on my own and in the end i ended up filing bankruptcy because of everything falling so far behind i could not catch up on the payments. My advice...stay away from this company..

Guest

people think its a magic cure all and its it's not. READ the fine print in your paperwork....it states that your credit rating can go down and there are chances that the creditors won't work with them and you can still get sued.

READ PEOPLE READ!!!! honestly i signed up for their program and had nothing but great customer service. prompt responses and hard work. anyone who is having bad luck with credit solutions its your own fault.

do your homework and read the paperwork. also its a team effort. call them, send them any and all papers you get from the creditors. in my opinion this program is good for people who already have bad credit and the debt is already onto a 3rd party collector.

if the debt is still with the original credit card company its easier to work out a plan with them.

once it goes to 3rd party collectors (AKA: bottomfeeding *** who refuse to work with you) then use CS. i will be giving CS an OUTSTANDING report to the BBB.

Guest

I was in the same boat as you. My creditors were getting paid but, I knew I needed help so I enrolled with them last summer. After seeing all the bad reviews I cancelled with them. I brought it up to them a few points about what they hide from the consumer but, didn't respond to my comment. They fail to tell you about the interest that has to be reported to IRS. They told me not to pay any of the creditors to save at least 43.00 a month and when a offer comes then they would deal with the creditor. Stop and think how long it would take to save up 43.00 a month compared to the amount you owe on the credit cards it probably would be a year or so before you could even pay the first creditor. By that time the creditor will be taking you to court. But, you pay them the 200.00 and some.

Take that 200.00 and pay your creditors what you can.

Just to give you a few pointers I found a credit counseling company from here in my City and state. They charge me 25.00 a month they dealt with my creditors and have already paid 3 creditors off since November. I am very pleased with them. I recieve statements on all the payments from them and my creditors every month. So, just to give you an idea on what to do now find a reputable credit counseling company near you ask questions and I think you will not go wrong. I even called 3 of my creditors and handled them my self and they worked with me. Just don't give up.

Good luck to you

View more comments (8)
ivanjafa I
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Currently Enrolled with Credit Solutions of America

I am currently enrolled with Credit Solutions. They have been nothing but helpful. We just settled my 2nd account and I payed 37 cents on the dollar. 10,000 credit card I paid 3,700. Even with their fee it is helping me out a bunch. Instead of being 70+ years old and out of debt. I am going to be debt free at this rate in 22 more months. I read all the BS on the BBB. And I only gave them one card to enroll to see how they would handle everything. They were great, so I enrolled the rest of my 76k in debt. I signed up on a 48 month plan. And I will be out of debt in a total of 38 months. And I didn't go with a consolidation or consumer credit counseling company cause they show up on your credit report. It tells your future creditors that you needed help paying your bills, well NO TY to that...! Over all they have saved me 17,000 dollars so far. And we still have 3 more big cards to get settled. Yes it will be a rebuilding process to get my credit back where it was. But I will be done 100% in a short time period, and have good paid accounts on my credit when we are done. Overall this was a huge blessing to my family.
View full review
Loss:
$76
9 comments
Guest

To Cheri Martin:

Not sure if you have an answer yet but Credit Solutions went out of business. The Better Business Bureau says that they shut down.

Guest

I wait and wait for 45 plus minutes and can not get anyone to answer the phone!!!!! Are they still in buisiness???

Cant get the website to work either to look at my account!!!! Whats up????

Guest

I wish to see more comments about Credit Solutions and about the person where creditors showed up at his door after he had paid according to the plan agreed to by Credit Solutions of America

Guest

javascript:ac_smilie(':cry')

Guest

When the process server show up at you house and you find out you are being sued see how helpful they will be.

Sheri H Fnj

I read reviews and I figured the people who didnt like Credit Solutions must not have followed the plan.I was wrong. I followed the plan, I was saving what they told me, but seriously a week after I finished paying there fee my paycheck was garnished.

And the creditors were lined up one after the next because legally you can not be garnished by more than one at a time. I hope you have a better experience than I did.

Guest

I bet they all work for credit solutions. Go to TASC they can point anyone in the right direction.

Guest

I was enrolled in June 2009. I really must say that i am really satisfied.

I read all these post and im shocked with it all. I have nothing but great communication with Credit solutions. Everytime I call, I am able to speak with someone. And I usually am able to speak with one person.

This is because i have her extension, but whenever i have to speak with someone else they are always aware of a situation cause they have everything in there system and everytime they speak with you they need to record that conversation in their system. I had one bad experience with one of there customer service agents and i ended up speaking with a team leader and she took care of the situation. The problem was that i wasnt able to remember the number i gave them and the girl never put it in the system so they went back and listened to the conversation and get the info that i needed for them to have. I also asked for a email of having what they sent to my creditors.

They have been really helpful up to this point. I will not know till I have saved enought money to make my first settlement.

Guest

I agree with you....nothing but good so far.

View more comments (8)
cydall
map-marker Dallas, Texas

Out $500 and the bills are still there

I paid out $744 plus change and they refunded as a courtesy $222 plus change. They did not settle one account for me while I was on the program and when my hours dropped and I could not make payments they offered deferments but not a refund. According to them they fulfilled their part of the contract which is to get offers. They called me 3 times with offers while I'm still paying them nearly $2000 in fees and of course I had not had any thing saved up yet for offers so I had to decline. But apparently that is enough for them to keep my $500 plus change. Never never again. I have heard you can settle these accounts on your own. Don't do it with them you are paying for nothing. Do it yourself and save the thousands Credit Solutions will charge you.
View full review
happy c Evc
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

GREAT COMPANY

Wow, I don't know who you people are talking about but I couldn't be happier. I followed the program just like my rep told me to do and my offers starting coming in. I did get creditors calls at first but I just changed my contact info to the number they gave me and that stopped the calls. As for getting sued, anyone can sue you even if you are in a settlement program. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. As for the guy that use to work there, sounds like sour grapes to me.
View full review
3 comments
Guest

To Fraud Alert it is clear that you have no idea what you’re talking about... The law sue is based on an industry wide investigation, it just so happen that CreditSolutions is the largest in the industry and they are been targeted in the sue.

I am not an employee nor am I enrolled in the program however I did a report for my business law class about the company… Please search the company on youtube and you will see the real story to the Nightline report,it is evident that you have no clue how the media can edit reports... The program is not for all, you have to want to get out of debt and change your life style, most people know to sacrifices some confers.

Guest

Sounds like these 2 work for the company, in case anyone did not know they are getting sued right now by the states of Texas, New York, Missouri and have already been by Idaho. You might as well burn your money. There was also a great report on the CBS Nightline news about them, enjoy.

Guest

i agree GREAT company....NO problems here.

View more comments (2)
Anonymous
map-marker Wichita Falls, Texas

Credit Solutions of America

Credit Solutions is a SCAM and I got suckered in. The stated that they were approved by the BBB; yet, their rating is an F and now I have to figure out what I'm going to do next. They don't care about you as individuals. It is all about control and money. Lesson learned. I'm going to the BBB and OAG. If enough people complain, it will inevitably result in their demise at some point. I can't believe they scam people like this and it is all to take advantage of them. Waht a shame, shame, shame.
View full review
3 comments
Guest

On January 14, 2008, the Idaho Department of Finance agreed to settle a court case against Credit Solutions of America, Inc. In 2007, after reviewing the company's activities, the Director of the Idaho Department of Finance alleged that Credit Solutions violated the Idaho Collection Agency Act by providing credit counseling services without a state issued license BBB Definition:

license - A permit or accreditation required by the State, Province, County or Municipality where a company is located indicating competence or professional certification that allows the company to provide products or services related to their particular field or industry.

.

Credit Solutions of America entered into 484 agreements to contact and negotiate with creditors to reduce debts for its clients. The company requested a limited power of attorney. The company then contacted creditors on behalf of the debtors and "instructed the creditors to cease and desist all communication with the debtors." According to the Department of Finance the respondent "was paid $591,561.95" for the abovementioned services.

The Consent Order states that, "The Idaho Code section 26-2223 requires that any person or entity acting as a collection agency or credit counselor, or engaging or offering to engage in the business of credit repair, in Idaho, must first obtain a permit to do so from the Department of Finance."Idaho defines "credit counselor" as any person" engaged or offering to engage in the business of proving counseling or other services to debtors in the management of their debts, and contracting with the debtor to effect the adjustment, compromise, or discharge of any account, note or other indebtedness of the debtor."

Credit Solutions of America has agreed to refund all of its Idaho customers. The total refunded amount was $588,000.

Guest

A class action lawsuit has been filed against them.

I also used them and cancled thier services.

I planning to sue them.

Guest

Your are not alone. There has to be some way to bring these people down?

View more comments (2)
ganga s Xhv
map-marker Seattle, Washington

Mixed feelings re: credit solutions

Hello, I am planning to use credit solutions to help me out with my debt but when i read the reviews i have total mixed feeling about this company. can some one out there tell me if this company really help people get out of debt or are they just a scam. if they were to really help me out do my debt collectors come after me or do credit solutions handled the problem all the way through. i know they are taking ther % first and the only work hoping to really hear from one of you out there. gg
View full review
6 comments
cydall

you can do the same thing on your own and not pay a cent in fees to a company who really just wants your money. The quote they gave me today was "It's just business for us - Even though we did not settle your accounts we have to keep your money for the attempts we made to help you." Really that is a quote.

Anyway they got me for $500. I could have used that money to settle an account today but I don't have it because they are "just business" over there at Credit Solutions.

Jere J Xfc

From a past experience with this "type" of company...it really just costs you more up front, and they really don't save you any money. They are just taking advantage of people that are looking for a fix to their credit problems.

These companies only add to them. If you have the money to pay these guys, you should have the money to pay your creditors. If you're paying minimum payments, please save some money to pay off at least one creditor at a time, smaller amount balances first.

Then, when you've eliminated some of those creditors, you can start doubling up on the higher balance creditors. It ain't gonna happen over night, but you have to commit to saving to take care of these creditors, and not get caught up in accumulating more debt.

Guest

I used them. They took my money and left me with ruined credit. I planning to sue them.

Guest

I worked there!!! Don't do it!

Either continue making your minimum monthly payments or settle yourself. There are lots of resources out there that can help you learn the settlement process. They won't stop the collectors from comming after you.

I spoke to so many people that were mislead into the program who ended up with lawsuits from their creditors that it unreal... don't do it!!!

Guest

What did you end up choosing to do? What other feedback did you get? Was any of it positive?

Thanks

Guest

Sorry to disappoint you, but I just cancelled their services. I am in the process of a lawsuit with one of my creditors and they did not do anything to help me.

I just wasted a whole year paying their fees for nothing. Also, cancelling them was a pain in the rear end.

I was on the phone for over an hour and they were trying to convince me to stay in the program. Dont fall for empty promises from this company.

View more comments (5)
Anonymous
map-marker Meriden, Connecticut

They ripped me off - I am suing them.

I am a professional who, out of desperation, decided to sign a contract with Credit Solutions of America, Inc. to help negotiate my debt settlement needs. They collected almost $2500 from me before I realized that I was being scammed. I am currently suing credit solutions of america for "stealing" my money under the auspices of the unfair trade agreement act and am wondering if anyone knows if they are in any sort of current bankruptcy status or if they have any class action lawsuits against them. If there is anyone from CT, I would love to hear your story, and I will in turn, tell you mine... Thanks, Jessica
View full review
10 comments
Guest

The same thing happened to me 4 years ago I signed with them we were paying our bills through them (supposedly) they said we could pay all bills off within 36 months, within 6 months we were going to court.

Now we have liens against us

Also the bills they did supposedly pay off I am now receiving bills 4 years later. What did they do with my money?

Guest

Si eu am fost pacalita am platit 476 lei pentru diferite servicii si creditul nu mi sa dat

Guest

Credit Solutions did not tell me that the portion that is "supposedly written off" that you don't have to pay, is considered "income" and I was 1099's on about 20,000 that I ended up having to pay income tax on for 2010 taxes.

Guest

1. Written by credit counselor, on 15-04-2011 23:16

Im reading these stories, and I have to tell you all...settling your debt is just as bad as filing Bankruptcy. You dont pay your debt. period. Paying a percentage of the debt is still NOT PAYING YOUR DEBT. Your credit reports/scores will reflect that. Honestly, using an accredited debt credit counseling agency is the best way to go. You still pay your debt. In full. With stopped late fees, much lower interest rates. Accounts brought out of collections in many cases. Counselors who are a phone call away-anytime. Working over budgets to make sure you can pay the debt. Bankruptcy counseling if needed in several states. Call American Financial Solutions. I am a certified credit counselor, certiflied bankruptcy counselor. I am also a client. I've paid over $50k of credit card debt off in 5 years. Interest rates that were 29% were dropped to 3 and 6%...a few even dropped to 0%. My credit score was below 500 when started...w/i 6 months it was up over 150 points. I am almost done. My debt is almost completely pd off. Just bought my first house w/an interest rate of 2%...bought a car-brand new...interest on the loan...1%. My credit score is now almost 800. Call them. Someone will be able to help you. 888-282-****.

www.myfinancialgoals.org

Guest

I WAS RIPPED OFF BY CREDIT SOLUTION I GAVE THEM $750 DOLLARS THEY NEVER HELPED ME IN ANY WAY .LAWERS GOT INVOLED GARNISHED MY WAGES. I ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK THEY HUNG UP THE PHONE.I WOULD LOVE TO SUE THESE CROOKS.

Guest

I paid in almost $4,000 before I found out I was being ripped off. They never contacted any of my debtors and the only thing that they did do was drop me for non-payment.

I was sued and my wages were garnished. I have only begun my fight for what is right.

Christine B Lhk

I would like to know where to start with the suing process, they ripped me off too. Even after I cancelled they are still taking money out of my account.

This company need to be shut down. They did nothing for me except for making my credit score even lower and taking my money.

Let me know if you know where I could get started. Thank You

Guest

I worked there for about a year. I had so much trouble sleeping at night knowing how little the company did for the consumer I finally quit. Rumor has it that they are being sued by the Texas AG.

Guest

I too had the privilage of dealing with them. I was under the assumption that for a monthly fee, they would help settle my debt.

Turns out all they do is for that monthly fee, is contact your creditors and attempt to settle.

Most creditors wouldn't even deal with them. Do not get caught up in their scams, simply contact your creditors and work out a payment plan.

Guest

Have you sued them?

View more comments (9)
tburdiak
map-marker Elmhurst, Illinois

I,m Pissed OFF With Credit Solutions of America

Since we joined Credit Solutions of America in July of 2008 its been one huge nightmare for me and my family. They promised to send a proposal to all the creditors and not one creditor has received anything. On a daily basis, we receive anywhere from 10 to 15 calls from creditors who want to get their money. We have told them many, many times that we are working with Credit Solutions, and the creditors care less. Credit Solutions is NOT all it's cracked up to be. We are better off working out solutions with the creditors on our own. They promise to save you money, but all they are interested in is collecting that huge fee, then they don't do anything for you and they won't return calls!! We have called them a number of times and told them that we keep getting harassing calls from the creditors and that the creditors haven't received the proposals that CS has sent them. When we try to call them, we always get the brush off, and get NOWHERE with this place. We don't know what's worse - buying a used car at a dealer or dealing with Credit Solutions of America! So, if you're reading this, think long and hard before you decide to go with them - you may be better off working it out on your own.
View full review
3 comments
Guest

Because you have these people does not mean the collection calls stop from creditors or collection agencies. The letters they send out to your creditor can either be excepted or rejected and most creditors reject the letters so you are paying folks to help you when you are really just making them money.

The best person to eliminate your debt is yourself.

Take charge of your finances on your own. You will see you save a lot of money and less the bull ***.

Guest

I cancelled with them today. I have worked with 4 of my creditors and cost me nothing.

I have only been enrolled with CS for 1 month they say all letters went out but, I only received one that I know did get it. I am going to go through a debt consolidation program to deal with the ones that wont work with me "much cheaper".

Credit solutions tried to tell me that working with Credit Consilation it would not save me money because of interest and late fees that would acrrue and the charges they charge little do they know compared to their 255.00 , 25.00 is a lot cheaper (like it wouldn't be worse with them)??? They were nice about it all though.

try and work with your creditors and see if they won't help you.

Guest

You know I'm in the same position as you, they took my money and I still get calls

View more comments (2)
Bob E Kju
map-marker Ann Arbor, Michigan

Credit solutions is a joke!

Going with Credit Solutions was a huge mistake. They to nothing for you and charge you a ton. I made 2 payment to them before I realized how they worked and then canceled. If you are looking to get out of debt, look somewhere else. They tell you they will settle for a lot less but by the time they do, your balance has gone way up because of fees and pentalies. All they do is ask you to save money and once you have some saved they say you can pay this creditor now. What a joke! Their service is great untill you sign up then you can't get any service at all. The one time I did get through I heard a manger tell the person I was talking to she was taking to much time and to hurry up. Once again What a joke!
View full review
4 comments
Guest

Credit Solutions is a great company You do not get in to debt over night and you certainly cant expect to either. The unhappy people here probably were seeking instant gratification.

Take the word from someone who actually went through the whole program......

more credibility lies there. Im just sayin'

Guest

Has anybody had any luck getting their money back from Credit Solutions?

Guest

Yep, This place is wuite the scam. They talk a great game but when it came down to it...it made things worse for me.

I was told That I would get immediate relief and some time and a chance to save some money to pay off these debts.

Well they spoke to creditors all right.Best they could do was negotiate a 50% reduction but it must be paid in two installments...immediately.

After speaking with the creditors directly, I was informed that majority of this the collection agencies will negotiate directly with the consumer...No Need for Credit Solutions.

In fact the one creditor I spoke to told me they will cease doing business with them.

Save your money..

They ripped me of for 3 big payments until I canceled out.

Guest

Most of them work this way. The one I used was Fidelity Debt Solutions.

You are right, they do nothing but hold your payments in a "special account" until you gradually build it up. And like you said this takes up to several years and during that time late fees and penalties are applied and worst yet, creditors sell these accounts to the ruthless collection firms and most of these are attorneys and they will not hesitate to take legal action against you. Do your homework and go with a debt solution company that is capable of immediately making payments to your creditors.

Customer service is indeed a joke with these places. I don't think I ever talked to the same person twice in the 9 months we were with Fidelity and each person we talked to gave contradictory information.

View more comments (3)
PissedinVA
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

This company did nothing but take my money!!

Credit Solutions of America did nothing but take my money and do nothing to resolve my debt. Not all of us have overextended ourselves by choice, so many like myself are stuck with debt that an ex-spouse has left them with. I trusted Credit Solutions of America but they are all LIARS!!!!!! I have been trying for weeks to get out of their contract, so I am going to take this up with News 7 and their On-Your Side to help me get a refund. If you have been in my situation , please go the BBB of Texas and file a complaint so we can stop this company!!!
View full review
Loss:
$2000
4 comments
Guest

CREDIT SOLUTIONS OF AMERICA SUCKS! just like some one else said they pushed me into signing an agreement.

they told me id be able to read it later but just to do it so they could "draft" me.

anyway im also being sued. if anyone knows how to get out of that agreement let me know ASAP

Guest

I was in same boat with CS. I actually got sued and paid the Credit Card copmanies more than I owed them orginally. So basically with the fee I paid to CS and court cost, I paid about 30% more than the orginal debt I owed.

PissedinVA

I made a complaint with the BBB of Texas and I got some of my money back. File a complaint with them and they will help you out. Also found out that my credit cards have gained nothing but interest for the last 6 months and when you "settle" with them, you will get a 1099 for the difference, so be prepared for that as well.

Guest

I thought I was the only one in this situation. They lied to me with there fast talk and made me go infront of the computer. He said it was to get a printable copy but I signed up and they drafted my account and I can't even get my money back on top of that I'm getting sued right now!

View more comments (3)