ComplaintsforGolden Financial Services

• Initial Complaint

  08/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They called me to give me a $10,000 loan they got all my information then they told me they wanted to pay $2000 in my account but then I had to go to ******* and put it on your credit card and then send it to ***** and then Ill put the gym thousand in my account which to me sounds 100% scam wise and they better not be able to get into my account thank you

  Business response

  09/15/2022

  Mr. *******,

  
  

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.  We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced.

  
  

  In your complaint you expressed concern over a recent interaction you had with a representative claiming to be associated with Golden Financial Services.

  
  

  Review of our database using the contact information provided has determined that Golden Financial Service (GFS) has no record of contact with you.  Additionally, GFS does not provide loans and has not made any outbound call efforts during the month of August.  Given this information, it is our belief the person you spoke with provided you with fraudulent information in regards to being associated with GFS.  Here is more information about companies claiming to be with GFS and loan scams: https://goldenfs.org/golden-financial-loans-is-it-a-scam/.
  

  
  

  Should you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

  
  

  Sincerely,

  Golden Financial Services

• Initial Complaint

  02/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2017, I contacted Golden Financial to help me get out of debt. They put me in connection with a 3rd party company called "***". After going through the program and finding out all it did was ruin my credit, I finally received a follow up message from Golden Financial about how my "journey to debt free" was. I called Golden financial on February 7th and informed them of the issues I had with the "***" program. The guy I spoke to told me he was going to forward my information forward to a higherup representative to get it taken care of. I tried to call them back on February 11th to receive an update on the matter and still have yet to get through to the "higher up" for a resolution on the disaster I am dealing with due to a company they said was, "was such a good company" when I called and complained during the program. My credit is screwed up, I had 2 lawsuits from credit card companies and after spending approximately $10k to the "***" program to settle my debt I am still having to pay half of the accounts off myself due to them garnishing my wages after they tried to *** me.

  Business response

  02/28/2022

  Hello,
  I do see that you contacted Golden Financial back in 2017 due to two Discover credit card debts that you could not afford to pay. Discover is a creditor that is quick to issue a summons over credit card debt after a consumer falls behind on payments. Whether a person uses a program or not, Discover will issue a summons after a person falls behind on payments (in most cases). Due to that situation and the state you live in, we referred you over to a program specializing in dealing with these types of debt situations, including Discover credit card debt.
  
  Unfortunately, GFS has no contract with you and has never charged you any fees. Furthermore, GFS is an entirely separate entity.  
  
  GFS does not have the legal authorization to view the details of your file, work performed, or fees charged.
  
  However, GFS will email the company you signed up with, cc'ing you on this email along with including the owner of that company and their contact info, and demanding they communicate and assist you with resolving the matter immediately. In addition, we will help you follow up with this company until you reach a resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/18/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I began paying $468 into the Golden Financial Services/************************** program in February 2020 (signed up through **********). Ultimately my credit cards were placed in the court system for me to settle. On November 5, 2021 ************************** emailed me stating a $904 refund would be issued in ***** business days. I've called on Dec. 14 2021, Jan. 11, 2022 (passed the 45 business day ****), and Jan. 14, 2022 because a refund has yet to be issued. With each phone call, the representative stated that "they will get their supervisor to look into the matter and get back to me." (These calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes) It's Feb. 18th and I still have not received a refund. Every time I called Citadel my calls seemed to be BLOCKED. The phone would ring and then disconnect. At that point, I started sending emails to every email address I had form Citadel. Still, no response to emails sent. On Jan. 24, 2022 I placed a call to Golden Financial Services (GFS) to seek help and they stated that ************************* (LPG) would now handle Citadel accounts. I called the company and they stated since I'm not paying into their program, they could not help me obtain my refund even though they are handling my account. I tried GFS to update them and they have me BLOCKED. How is this legal? I know $904 may not be much to some but it's what owed to me after paying into a program that didn't work. Even their documentation states that a refund would be given if the debt isn't invalidated. Every phone number I have tried, I can not get through. All I want is my refund. That's it. I'm in repayment to the credit companies so every little bit helps. It's a shame that the both companies no longer accept phone calls from you once they can't help you. If you can, please do something about these companies. They are scammers. ************************** states they have a B+ and GFS states they have A+ accreditation rating with BBB. How is this possible?

  Business response

  02/19/2022

  Hello, 

  Golden Financial Services has not received any phone calls or messages from you until today. Or else, we would have responded and assisted you in the matter. 

  We have forwarded the details of your complaint to the law firm that's in charge of your account and they will be in touch with you ASAP about a resolution. We can assure you that you will get a response. We will also make sure you have updated contact information for the law firm.

  Thank you 

  Customer response

  02/19/2022

  Good Afternoon, 

  I called Golden Financial Services on January 24, 2022 at 8:45am, spoke with **** who advised me that LPG took over my file from Citadel. After I called LPG at 11:28am on January 24, 2022, they stated since I was not paying into their program that they would not be able to assist with me obtaining my refund from Citadel. ******, the supervisor I spoke with, also stated that I should continue to contact Citadel to obtain my refund since LPG would not be issuing any funds to me. When I attempted to call GFS back and update them on what LPG state, my calls seem to be blocked. I only want my refund of $904. I was supposed to have by January 7, 2022. It's February and I still do not have it.

  Customer response

  03/02/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Email received on 2/111/2022. Claiming I owe for a cash advance loan that I've never taken. Claiming to take legal action if I do not comply with their settlement. Claims I owe ****** but they will settle for ******

  Business response

  02/19/2022

  Hello, 

  You definitely have the wrong company, but you did the right thing contacting the BBB. Golden Financial Services does not offer any type of cash advance and we are not debt collectors at Golden Financial Services.

  Golden Financial Services is a trademarked name, but there are other companies online that have similar names, such as Gold Financial or Golden Loans, and scams do exist. People will claim to be with reputable companies that have an A+ rating at the BBB, but they are scammers only acting to trick and mislead consumers into fraudulent products.  

  The real Golden Financial Services provides financial education online at goldenfs.org and nomorecreditcards.com, and also assists consumers with enrolling in various programs to get out of debt. 

  Be very careful of copycat companies that claim to be affiliated with Golden Financial Services. Visit the BBB and look for any company's profile, check their contact information and then call the company directly if you are ever unsure about if a caller is really with a particular company.  We actually published an article about this online that you can read here: https://goldenfs.org/golden-financial-loans-is-it-a-scam/

    We double checked our system for your name and contact information and you're definitely not in our system. I would recommend contact your phone provider and report the number that keeps calling you. 

  Thank you 

• Initial Complaint

  02/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Date Of Transaction: Around October 2019 Amount Taken: $17581.60 Business Commitment: Resolve, Negotiate or "Validate" my Credit Card Debt Nature Of Dispute: I spoke with this person ********************* for more information about what his business calls "Credit Card Validation" meaning they would Validate or negotiate my credit card debt between 3 separate companies. This person is with a company called Golden Financial Services who after my initial dealings spun me off to the other company I have already reported here called **************************.After the stress of dealing with this company over a few years and no resolve I have been trying to adamantly contact them for the last 5 months to issue me a refund, but absolutely no response. Every phone number I have found is no longer in service and every email I try is equally a dead end. They also have numerous fake addresses, emails, phone numbers, etc...This has devastated my credit score and my wife's as well, we have been sued, threatened and turned down on any loans applied for! This has company has been numerously documented on the BBB website already as of recent for this very same issue.Resolve: Absolutely NO resolve or even contact from this company Account: Client ID #*******

  Business response

  02/05/2022

  GFS received your complaint regarding your Citadel program. We're sorry to hear about your frustration. Your complaint stated that "you've been trying to contact Citadel for over five months now and have not been able to reach anyone." So today, GFS sent an email to all related parties, including you and ******************** team and owner, along with the new law firm that Citadel merged with, ensuring you get connected with the proper departments. 
  
  A while back, Citadel merged into a law firm, *************************, which was good news for its clients because clients get the added benefit of legal protection and an attorney included in their program. You should have received multiple lines of communication about this merger/acquisition. They will be in touch with you to answer any questions you have and assist with a resolution. 
  

  GFS has not seen any calls or messages from you calling us, or we would have responded immediately and got you in touch with the proper departments. We do not tolerate "lack of performance" or "unresolved complaints" from partner companies. Keep in mind our role is to help consumers enroll in the best program based on each individual's situation.  We don't charge consumers any fees or sign a contract with them. Consequently, we don't have access to the details of your file. GFS cannot verify what debts were and were not invalidated. But keep in mind, the policy these companies have is that if a debt is validated, they will negotiate a settlement on the debt. Since ************************* took over Citadel files they can provided everything, including debt validation, legal protection and debt negotiation. 

  
  On a positive note: We have not seen a single complaint against either of these companies that went unresolved in the last five years, so rest assured they will assist you in resolving your issue. 

  
  

  Customer response

  02/05/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me if and only if the businesses in this complaint consider a refund or at the very least settle my original validation within this month of January. I have been in this process for going on 3 years and have dealt with a drastic credit drop.
  The reason I have not called or "messages from call" is because in the past calls from Citadel have been confusing and I never spoke with the same representative, so I opted for email only so I could have a record. I have sent numerous numerous emails requesting an update but as I mentioned in the complaint absolutely NO response.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************
  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/24/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I got enrolled with Golden financial services in June 2019 I had many credit card debt I paid this company a lot of money so that they can help me get debt free when I got enrolled in their program they told me that I will get debt free and I dont need to do any further payments I have been checking the status of the account with them each month and every time they could tell me that everything is going ok so I was thinking that I will be debt free pretty soon recently I have been trying to get hold of them they told me that they will call me back I have no paperwork from them that says they have taken care of my debts I am currently in a huge problem I have to start dealing with my credit card debt on my own most of the accounts are not even settled yet I am about to lose every thing that I have I want golden financial to refund my money since I have to deal with the creditors on my own what this company says is not really honest it is totally a huge scam i seems their company videos saying they will help you get debt free but its not true I am in a such bad condition right now that I definitely need this company to refund my money as soon as possible

  Business response

  01/25/2022

  Hello, 
  
  
  The client was concerned that these invalidated debts will come back at her one day, after reading something online. It was explained to the client that if a debt is invalidated, that means the collection agency could not prove they were legally authorized to collect on the debt, and an invalidated debt is one that does not have to get paid and it cannot legally remain on credit reports.

  The law firm will continue to follow up with any new collection agency if they attempt to contact her over an invalidated debt, and this follow up will continue up until the statute of limitations on the debt expires.

  It was explained to the client, If a debt was to be validated (i.e., proven to be valid) or a summons was received, the law firm would work with the collection agency to settle the debt for less than the full balance owed and resolve it through a settlement, or a refund would be provided on an account with a summons.

  For the record, This client did not receive a summons on any of the accounts and it appears all debts were invalidated successfully. All of the work was completely per contract. The client finished the program over a year ago, making her last payment as of 11/23/2020.

  The law firm will be following up with the client about her options in the next 24 hours, confirming details about each debt and working to ensure the client's concerns are all resolved. 

  Customer response

  01/25/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/07/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  April 2017 reached out to Golden Financial Services to refinance my an my son's student loans. Golden Financial told us that they could eliminate our debt completely and that our credit scores would not be harmed. They made fraudulent claims that they guarantee to eliminate my and my son's student load and personal credit card debt by exploiting loopholes in the banking laws and regulations. Told us it would be complete in **** months and that thousands of customers had done the same thing successfully. Coached us to default on student loans and that they would cleanse our credit reports to show no issues. They failed, I complained. They admitted that they were wrong and offered $10K refund and to pay for a credit cleansing service, as long as we did not dispute anything going forward. We turned them down as my and my son's credit scores are horrendous and they offered no guarantee that they could clean it up. Paid $27,828 ~$160K of debt elimination and credit score cleansing

  Business response

  09/08/2021

  **************** has been in communication with this consumer between the months of 8/2020 and 11/2020 which at that time this consumer was supposed to contact them back regarding a resolution that **************** gave him.  This consumer never engaged back with **************** like he stated he would for resolution back in 11/2020.
  
  This consumer signed a agreement and went through a intensive Quality Control call and was communicated with on many occasions that this is not a program that is 100% guaranteed.   There is no time frame for this program as we do not want to give clients false information. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/04/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  When I signed up for their services I have been told that majority of my debts will be invalidated and I won't have to pay it.I had 12 credit cards and 2 small medical bills enrolled.Total debt was $127,615.With interest added it became $140,132.6 credit cards had large balances $5,000 and ******** of those large balanced credit cards accounts came in valid and was settled.I have 3 more large balanced credit card accounts left.$10,000, $30,000 and $15,000.Creditors calling again.I am waiting any day the court cases will be filed against **** actually been told by Golden Financials that it is rare that creditor file court case.Another lie!! All of my credit cards that been settled went through court.All this after I paid $12,386 total for them doing the job invalidate my accounts as they promised.Plus on a top of it their JJSLaw firm started charging me 25% of settled amount.I want my money back all $12,386.They obviosely didn't do the good job filing on my behalf if court cases filed

  Business response

  09/08/2021

  This consumer last engagement with ************************** was 3/5/2021 which at that time they were upset with the process and referral that was given to a third party provider to help settle an account that they received legal documents on.
  
  During enrollment this consumer was given several options on how to potentially (Never Guaranteed) resolve their credit card debt.  This consumer chose to do document preparation as settlement is always an option and they could settle the accounts if necessary (Which some have). 
  
  They have signed a agreement and went through an intensive Quality Control call and was never told this was guaranteed.  As it is successful but not guaranteed. 
  
  Would this consumer like a call with ************************** to resolve any concerns and confusion?

  Customer response

  09/09/2021

  I called Citadel few times.1st when my 3rd account got summoned to ask why I stoped receiving emails from them confirming my documents received.Often representative would say they don't see documents been received. So I had to resend it.Glitch in their system or incompetence?So I believe they didn't respond on time to my collectors that's why many accounts was summoned.I also was unhappy when I needed credit card statements and I knew I couldn't call the bank to ask for it since it would reset Statue of Limitation.So I called Citadel.Representative said she can call.I was surprised to hear that.I panicked called Citadel again confirm it was ok.Different Citadel representative said it wasn't ok and she should of known not to call.She located her name said she will be punished.I called again when my 4th account got sumoned.To my surprise I spoke with same representative that called my credit cards to request my statements.She did apologize said she was new didn't know.Statue of Limitation was reset added 2 more years due to Citadel incompetence what is plenty of time now for credit cards get summoned with my last payment to Citadel in Jan2022 when they will done with me and I will be on my own dealing with courts.Golden Financial said it is rare you get summoned!Another issue JJSlaw started charge 25% is same as if I would sign up for debt consolidation instead of debt validation program! With debt consolidation I would pay 25% to the company who work to settle.Here I paid Citadel + I paying 25% to settle my debts now.I didn't sign up for debt consolidation.I signed for debt validation program!I never was told by Golden Financials that JJSlaw will be charging me 25% to settle my debts on top of what I already paid to Citadel.I do assume Citadeld doesn't get enough money from me now what used to be close to $1000 a month and been adjusted down to $122 due to many accounts got summond so I have to pay 25% to settle debts.I want my money back!

  Business response

  09/10/2021

  Hello,

  Your case is important to us, and we want to make sure you get a resolution. 
  
  The Citadel program manager has been provided all of the details regarding your complaint and will contact you on Monday to discuss options and a resolution. 

  Customer response

  09/14/2021

  After I spoke with Citadel representative today I had a time to think about solution been offered. Since I have more then $75,000 debt left and Statue of Limitation been reset what leaves plenty of time for creditors to come after me. So after I paid more then $12,000 to citadel when I still have $75,000 debt and still a long way to go I would like to request 50% refund what is $6,000 plus refund of $1,450 that I paid JJSLaw to settle last debt and in the future Citadel must cover JJSLaw 25% fees that they are going to charge me to settle accounts that is going to get summoned in the future. 

  Business response

  10/05/2021

  I contacted Citadel today, providing them the consumer's latest response from 9/10. Citadel responded to me saying they are communicating with the client and hope to have a resolution within the next 48 hours. They will update me with the details within 48 hours.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩