ComplaintsforAlleviate Financial Solutions LLC

• Initial Complaint

  01/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  When I got started with this program, I was told after 6 paymentsI would be eligible for review for a loan that would pay off all of the debt I enrolled. I just found out they use **********. I got denied due to missed payments and derogatory accounts like I would anyways. If I knew they used a company like that I would not have enrolled. OF COURSE someone will get denied after 9 months of not making payments. I thought they used their own insider company for this. I would have never started this had I known they just use any random loan company. What loan company would approve somebody that has defaulted on multiple accounts?! So why even advertise this option. FALSE ADVERTISING. Also, 9 months of paying $449 a month.they have only paid $853 to my enrolled debt. So they need to disclose for 9+ months all of your deposits will go towards their fees for their service.and not to negotiations. I would advise to stay away from these con artists.

  

  Business response

  02/13/2023

  Hi *****,

  We hope we were able to answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have had. 

  If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call. 

  We thank you for your understanding!

• Initial Complaint

  01/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I started working with this debt settlement company in 2020. I was not fully aware how it worked and was not aware of the fees they charged. If the fees were in the contract, it is my fault for not reading it through but they never verbally disclosed how much of my money would be going to fees. I currently have over $3400 sitting in an account I do not have any access to that is supposed to be paying my outstanding debt. One of my debt accounts tried to garnish me and I asked Alleviate to make the account a priority. The $3400 in the account is enough to pay off that account. My "management team" will not return my phone call.

  

  Business response

  02/10/2023

  Hi *******, 

  We hope that you are satisfied with the resolution. 

  Thank you for being a valued client of Alleviate Financial Solutions.
  
  We wish you well on your future endeavors. 

  Customer response

  02/15/2023

  
  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

  01/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Alleviate Financial Solutions is using illegal marketing tactics to gain customers.On 1/9/2023, I was call** by an overseas call center, using an auto dialing system and a "spoof**" phone number and identifi** as "Financial *************** I was eventually transferr** to Alleviate Financial Solutions, where they attempt** to sell their debt relief services. I never opt-** into these calls and my phone number has been on the national Do Not Call registry since 2006. I have link** multiple calls to the same company and have screenshots, ************************ of each call.I had agre** to the transfer in order to find out who was responsible for the multiple calls, because if I ask** for any caller info from the call center, they would hang up on me.When I sent them a notification that they had violat** the **** and my privacy rights by calling me without my consent, they completely ignor** me, without addressing the issue.This company refuses to communicate and violates legal regulations that are set to protect consumers privacy rights.

  

  Business response

  01/26/2023

  Hi ******,

  We are sorry to hear that your do not call requests have been ignored. 
  
  I will personally ensure that your number is added to our do not call directory. I will also update our affiliates with this information. 

  If you have any further contact, please do not hesitate to email me at ******************************************** and I will look into it ASAP.

  We wish you well on your future endeavors!

  Customer response

  01/26/2023

  A representative from Alleviates ***************** has finally contacted me, however, the issue has not been resolved yet.

  The opt-in that was provided was not valid in accordance to the *** and TCPA regulations. 

  - It was from over 8 months ago - inquiries are only valid for 3 months

  - It was taken from a random website sell*** gift cards, not belong*** to Alleviate Financial or hav*** anyth*** to do with their business - opt-ins are not transferrable unless specifically mentioned in the opt-in.

  - It did not show any proof of opt-*** in to receive automated messages - opt-ins must be clear and conspiculuous

  - The only info provided was a date, time, random website & IP address - easily fabricated information to avoid legal action.

  I will not close this complaint until the issue is resolved accord*** to the *** regulations.

   

• Initial Complaint

  01/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  First of all, they do NOT tell you that you will be making payments each month TO A SAVINGS ACCOUNT. None of your bills will be paid for at least six months. For me, that was five credit cards, times six MISSED payments, that would have been financial suicide. They do not tell you also that those missed payments stay on your credit report for SEVEN YEARS and they do not tell you that all accounts will show up as "settled". They do nothing for you when the credit card companies start calling you- they even state that. I almost signed up and had in fact even given them my first payment when my account manager mentioned how stressful it was going to be and I was like "whadda ya mean!? I thought this was debt consolidation?" Nope. It is not, They literally told me up front that they would get me zero interest and I would just not pay any interest, they NEVER mentioned that I would not be paying my cards at all. When he fessed Up I was livid and asked to disenroll. It's three weeks later and I still have not seen my 800 plus dollar payment back making me strongly suspect that this is a scam. They tried scare tactics, tried telling me it would take over 40 years to pay my debt off if i paid double the monthly payments which I can easily afford ( I did the math, it would not, it would take a little over three!) Please please don't let these people ruin your good credit. I expressly told them I planned to buy a house i. the next two years and they were STILL going to let me unknowingly ruin my credit for the next seven. *** handled my account and all I can say was that it was lies and scare tactics from the start. Where is my money? Evasive tactics, "well let's just put a pin on this and see how you feel about it tomorrow". Click. Run.

  

  Business response

  01/26/2023

  Hi *********************************,

  We are sorry that you felt mislead by our program. We will be investigating the recorded calls to ensure agent compliance. 

  We have also assigned an agent to your complaint. They will be reaching out this week to assist you in reaching a resolution.

  Thank you for your understanding. 

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Before Christmas I had been trying to consolodate as I had credit maxed as I used it to expand my business after having trouble getting a loan. They said that they could consolidate ***** but thru debt management they explained everything but still did not understand until I read the contract that it sunk in they could only technically do about 7k which did not help me and my stuff could be reposessed this was not good as im about to make an extra 5 k a month, they said not to worry my money would be fully refunded multiple times and I had a 3 day contract as stated. After realising I decided to decline. So I sent back the paperwork in time. No answer on phone so sent to support email given. Called Monday do to not hearing back from my agent, so finally got thru and after the last person ****** claiming to be a manager started telling me how that I was making a huge mistake, at that point I told him to watch his mouth cause he does not know me, my business or what he is talking about. Im supposed to go into debt for 7 months to 2 years for a debt I will be able to pay off in 2, I would rather take my chances. I asked him when I would receive my money he said at the longest 14 days which is bad, being they are supposed to be helping me and they know im broke and need to pay my car, I said fine, well I opened my account to find **** had been returned out of the ****** DP I sent. I called and told me it was not refundable as it was a fee, I was like for what, a 10 minute consultation at which point I read them the contract, The manager is refusing to refund. Let me talk to manager as it had been going on 3 hours to get to this point. Their to busy, oh im busy as im working but I can wait, ok they hung up on me about 4 times as I called back and no manager ever returned my call. I was told by ****** who is apparently not a manager about the 14 days. Finally they agreed they do not charge if nothing had been done, which I cancelled within the 3 days so I want my money.

  

  Business response

  01/24/2023

  Hi ***************************,

  We have issued a refund for the legal services. 

  We hope that this resolution is adequate. 
  
  If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to our agents and we will be happy to assist.
  
  We wish you well on your future endeavors! 

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  01/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have attached all the documents I think will be helpful to understand my complain.This company was supposed to help negotiate my debt and help me pay sooner.They told me after making 6 consecutive payments, I could apply for a loan to pay off my debt sooner.They never told me they only have have 2 really bad loan companies they work with.On company rejected my application because I make too much money according to them.The second company never got back to.After waiting for almost two months to see what is going to happen with my account, the person assigned to help me with my account said my only option is to pay for 50 months the amount I have been paying.In the meantime my credit has gone from bad to worse and it is hard for me to get a loan.They have only settled two of my account. I want to change the contract so I can negotiate myself with the other companies. I can seat here and wait 50 months while my credit keeps getting back.They said they will get back to me in 24 to ******************************************************************************************** I have to call them and insist.

  

  Business response

  01/09/2023

  Hi *****************************,
  
  We currently have your check-in calls scheduled every 180 days. We can schedule these calls more frequently. Please let us know via email or call in so we can update your account. 
  
  Regarding your loan application denials, we can understand the frustration. We do not control the loan process and cannot guarantee any outcomes. We work with these companies to provide client's with an option. After 6 consecutive payments the client becomes eligible to apply for a loan through one of our lending partners. 
  
  We have it noted that you initially applied for the *** loan option provided by LUSA. The application was submitted on Nov 9th and was denied on Nov 10th. 
  
  On Nov 21st, you submitted an application with NCA. On Dec 6th you withdrew the loan application. The loan application was not resubmitted until Dec 21st. That same day, you were informed that the application was denied. 
  
  Your credit will naturally recover as accounts are settled over the term. The term length is based on how much debt has been enrolled. This term may be reduced if you choose to add additional funds to the account. 
  
  Currently, 2 of your accounts received settlement offers. They are in the process of being paid. You enrolled 7 accounts with a total debt of $15,519. Currently $10,993 of that original amount is being paid. The combined settlement amounts on these two accounts is $5,973 or 54% of the original value.
  
  If you are receiving calls from creditors, you may reference the ***** to better understand your protections.
  
  If you would like to cancel the program, you can call in and request a cancellation. It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that creditors will still honor the settlement agreements and any other pending settlement agreements will be voided. 
  
  If you would like to make any changes to your account, please call us at your earliest convenience. We will be happy to review your account in detail.
  
  Thank you for your understanding.

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company is a JOKE!!! All they want is payments for their benefit. They will settle the lowest amount and wait for the other companies to *** you. I received a letter from 2 of my creditors in June and July and I immediately informed them and send it. NOTHING was done so the creditors ended up suing me. This company comes to terms with one of the creditors at the last minute. But the settlement was a joke. I felt like I did not have a choice so I accepted it or there will be a judgment on me. With that being said, I ended up increasing my monthly payment by close to $600 a month. I just recently received an e-mail from whoever they were partners with to do the settlement stating that the other creditor will not settle and wants the whole amount paid within 6 months for the amount of $500+. SERIOUSLY?!!! I replied to the email asking them if the creditor will settle for 1/2 of what I owe in a lump sum. She replied immediately stating that she doesn't think that they will accept it. So obviously they are not there to help you!!! I should have just paid all my creditors minimum payments till the day I die, that way I would have not been used. It's not that I am not taking responsibility for any of these. I lost my job in 2021 due to Covid and found a part-time job. I still paid them on time along with rent, food, gas, etc. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of this year and had surgery. Due to some complications, I have to quit my job to heal. But I have to refuse radiation treatment so I can work. But this company wants to squeeze every ***** out of me for their good. Hopefully, anyone that's thinking of signing up with them read all these BAD reviews because it's all based on experience. I was stupid enough not to read reviews before I signed up with them. LIVE AND LEARN!!I finally canceled them and they better STOP debiting money from my account. Again, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!

  

  Business response

  12/14/2022

  Hi *****,

  We have been trying to reach you to discuss your complaint and reach a resolution. 

  We hope to hear from you soon!

  Customer response

  12/15/2022

  What I reported to BBB are facts. Reaching out to me now is too late to resolve the issues. I have contacted your company several times but nobody returned or reached out to me then. I'm always talking to customer service and being transferred several times without resolving or getting an answer to my concerns. The last amount that your company debited from my account was $589 plus some change. And since I canceled your service before disbursing my fund to creditors I am entitled to a full refund of my money. The service that you promised me and others was inaccurate. 

  

  Business response

  12/28/2022

  Hi *****,

  We have attempted to contact you several times over the last several weeks to review your account and reach a conclusion. We have attempted contact via phone, text message, and email with no success.

  4 of your 6 accounts did reach settlements and funds were disbursed to the creditors. 

  As outline in the contract, we collect our fee only when an account has been settled. The fee payments are made at the beginning of the settlement process.

  We would like to hear from you so we can attempt to resolve this issue. 

  You may call us back and request ***********************, or you may respond to use via email.

  We thank you for your understanding and look forward to hearing from you. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up to have my debt consolidated by Alleviate Financial on Oct 27, 2022. I have not yet made my first payment. I was supposed to get a call yesterday (11/4) with next steps and further information. I should have received my welcome package which was not received via mail or email. The first red flag was when I received my welcome email without the listed attachments in the email one of which needs to be notarized. I replied to the email that I did not receive the attachments. I have also received no calls from Alleviate Financial with further information. I have informed my bank to reject all transactions from Alleviate Financial and any of their associates. At this point, I just want Alleviate Financial to close my account with them and to never contact me again. According to a Reddit review, I can lose my job (I have a security clearance) and be sued by creditors due to Alleviate not actually helping you settle your debts and instead absorbing the money you pay monthly.

  

  Business response

  11/11/2022

  Hi ****,
  
  We apologize for any confusion regarding the welcome packet. The packet is sent out within 30 days of enrollment. The packet will also contain all the document that would need to be notarized.

   

  The email sent stated that the forms would be present within the physical welcome packet,

  "We will also mail you a copy of the Packet along the following documents:
  Notarized LPOA please make sure to get this notarized and back to us ASAP"

   

  We have also processed your cancellation and wish the best in your future endeavors. 

• Initial Complaint

  10/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was solicited by this company guaranteeing me credit relief, I was told that as long as I were to pay for 6 months on time to there establishment I would be guaranteed a loan to pay off all my creditors and only have one payment to loaning company.It has now been 11 months and have not gotten a loan and to find out that I am paying alleviate multiple charges that I didnt agree upon. Also affecting my *************** when I had asked multiple times before signing anything that in any way this would affect my spouses credit and it did.This company ruined my credit and hid charges from me, I am paying almost more in charges then actual debt. I feel that it would be fare to get refunded all the additional charges.

  

  Business response

  10/19/2022

  Hi *********************************,
  
  As discussed on the phone, we have begun the process of your cancellation as requested. The remaining balance in your account will be refunded within **** days of your cancellation request. The amount will vary depending on any outstanding payments.
  
  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

• Initial Complaint

  08/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I feel this company takes full advantage of people when they are at one of their lowest points in life. A few months before joining, my husband and I had encountered totally unexpected huge amounts of medical bills due to a diagnosis of cancer and a need for a knee replacement, etc. I felt desperate because I knew the medical had to be paid since we would probably need more medical treatment but we had debt. I paid the medical debts and got behind on everything else not related to medical, mortgage or utilities. I thought they were offering a lifeline because they said based on federal guidelines, we qualified for their program. I had seven accounts initially with them. I started out paying them $883.56 monthly for 7 months and then voluntarily increased to $1,000.00 per month for 17 months. They were unwilling to settle my last account unless I increased to $1,075.00 per month. With the cost of living increase, we were barely buying groceries and necessities ( I take 21 medications per day and my husband takes 4 medications per day). Over 24 months I paid them $23,184.92 and they took nearly $12,000.00 in fees. They paid off three accounts totalling $11,575.75 and paid a total of $270.00 toward two other accounts. One of the accounts still not paid off was not settled but went to court and cost the total amount plus court costs although I kept informing Alleviate that I was being contacted by them. A couple of weeks ago, I asked for a payoff amount but that was not provided to me. Instead of my payments going toward my last three accounts, (a relative settled the 7th account), they have been taking fees as follows: Aug. 2022 - ********, July 2022 - ******, June 2022 - ******, etc. Total fees charged for 2022 has been $7,661.95; Total for 2021 was $3,218.25; and Total fees for 2020 was $468.71. Almost half of $23,184.92 has gone toward their fees. I closed the account and they took the escrow amount also.

  

  Business response

  09/01/2022

  Hi *********************************,
  
  Thank you for taking the time to speak with us this week.
  
  To reiterate, we discussed how our fees are collected and when we collect them. We only collect a 25% fee when we reach and accept a settlement with a creditor. We charge no additional fees related to our services. The fee we collect is referred to as the **** or Earned Performance Fee.
  
  We only collect the *** at the beginning of a settlement but your monthly draft amount (including any voluntary increases) takes in to account the proposed settlement payments, *** payments, and any other currently active settlements.
  
  Our *** is not paid in a single lump sum. Instead, it is paid off in installments alongside the settlement payments. If a settlement is made at the end of the year and only one fee can process, then it will appear that the fees paid that year are lower. Payments processed in January and onward will appear in the next calendar year. The amount we collect as an *** is set when you enroll and does not change unless accounts are added or removed. I will include the account amounts and settlement dates below for clarity:
  
  Nov. 24, 2020 - $13,645.00
  Jan. 12, 2021 - $5,865.00
  Sep. 28, 2021 - $1,858.00
  Jan 25, 2022 - $34,189.00
  Mar 3, 2022 - $3,304.00
  
  We also discussed your options moving forward and informed you that we would be able to continue the current settlements if you choose to reinstate with us. You informed us that you were able to retain the settlements on your own and were not interested in continuing the program.
  
  I hope we were able to address all of your concerns.
  
  Thank you.

*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. ↩