ComplaintsforFreedom Debt Relief, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  09/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up for the Freedom Debt Relief program in November 2023 and didn't have any problems making the bi weekly payments of $126. The graduation date was suppose to be around June 2025. I called Freedom Debt Relief stating that I needed to lower my bi weekly payment temporary and that I was facing financial hardship. All I ask them was to lower it to $116 or $106 bi weekly. They were very beyond very rude and unprofessional and they told me no. There is nothing we can do, we are not going to help you out. I asked to speak with a manager and was told the same thing. Also the manager told me about the big banks hiring lobbyists to pressure the *********** to take away consumer rights and even human rights when their customers and citizens need help. They don't care if you lose your job, get your hours cut, or have to deal with an involuntary pay cut at work. I believe this company has had callers calling in and saying, "I lost my job, I got fired or laid off" and then tell their clients, "There is nothing we can do, we are not going to help you, sorry, no." All they said was the negotiating with the debtors would be canceled just for missing one payment and there was nothing else they could do. I let it go and paid the original payment agreed. I called Freedom Debt Relief letting them know what happened and that I needed to switch my *** transfers with my new bank account with the new ******************** institution. The timing was bad and next thing I knew, when the *** didn't go through and I missed one payment, they threw my creditor negotiations out and scammed me! They stole my money, didn't pay the creditors or refund my money, and increased my graduation date from June 2025 to April 2026! All because I missed one payment over an *** glitch.Please review this and get this fixed. Your company customer service is awful and this company will punish people just for switching financial institutions and *** transfers with another bank.

  

  Business response

  10/01/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ***** ******** concern. After reviewing the complaint, we attempted to reach out to ***** directly to address this matter regarding his settlements. Freedom Debt Relief will continue our best efforts to contact ***** to ensure his concerns are properly addressed. We also encourage ***** to reach out to his point of contact to discuss this matter. 

  Customer response

  10/01/2024

   
  Complaint: 22307590
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I contacted the agent who called me back and I got voicemail. Agent didn't bother emailing me, didn't return my calls or call me back. Agent phone message was very unprofessional and super quick. It felt like they have strict outbound call handling time when the client can't come to the phone or the agent gets in trouble with their manager. No, this company doesn't care about their clients and have been very disrespectful to me. The agent named was ****** and this company don't train their agents. They rather shaming and talk down to customers who need extra help and refuse to help who need extra help.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

  

  Business response

  10/03/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ***** ******** rebuttal. Freedom Debt Relief was able to reach out to ***** directly on October 3, 2024, to address the concerns outlined in the complaint. All mentioned concerns have been discussed and resolved to ******* satisfaction. We encourage ***** to reach out to his point of contact for any further questions or concerns. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Freedom Debt Relief needs to cease and desist their phone calls to my private unlisted personal cell phone immediately. It is on the federal do-not-call government registry. They keep calling me 4+ times a day from a different 833 phone number each time. Their unwanted and unsolicited calls are predatory and harassing. I have never had dealings with this company. I have blocked each of their incoming 833 phone numbers and they call from a different 833 number every time. I answered today and told them to cease and desist and stop calling this phone number and they immediately cut me off and hung up. And they promptly called again. This business should be barred from doing business because of their harrassing practices. I looked them up on line and it appears that some people actually may voluntarily do business with them. I can't see why, they appear to be a predatory and harassing entity and their constant daily phone calls spoofing from a different 833 phone number each time and every day is pure harassment. It should be illegal that they do this. Attached is a photo just showing an example of 5+ calls received within 12 hours, all from different 833 phone numbers from Freedom Debt Relief.

  

  Business response

  09/19/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Pani ******* concerns. After reviewing the complaint, we immediately collaborated with the correct departments to ensure ****'s information is promptly removed from our system and placed on our do-not-call list. This process may take up to 24 to 48 hours from the time we submit the request. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had been searching through the Internet for online personal loans and I do recall Freedom Debt Relief website come up as possible lenders. I viewed the website and do not recall in enrolling in their services and gave no permission to withdraw any money from my bank account. There was $87.06 on 8/23/24 and $150 withdrawn on 9/6/24. I have made several calls over the past 3 1/2 weeks to resolve this issue for reimbursement, spoke with a representative and was told they cannot answer or resolve my issue, and every time I was transferred the call was immediately disconnected. Earlier today I called after seen the $150 was withdrawn and they knew exactly who I was by name when they answered and when informed them of the purpose of my call, I was transferred and immediately disconnected.

  

  Business response

  09/27/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ****** ********** concern. Upon reviewing the complaint, We attempted to reach out to ****** to address this matter directly. After a thorough review, our findings show ****** is not an active member of Freedom Debt Relief as the enrollment process was not completed. We encourage ****** to contact his point of contact to discuss this matter directly. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/13/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I enrolled in an FDR settlement program for my existing debt. When signing up I was told that the majority of my debts would be settled within 6 months, which is not the case. I signed on to the program in February 2024 and have received settlement on 10k of my 120k+ of my existing debt. Additionally, FDR failed to remit payment to one of my creditors which resulted in me losing a 60k settlement, for which FDR is still charging me nearly $600 a month in settlement fees. At a minimum, my experience with FDR has been extremely negligent in their fiduciary duties with my monetary assets. I have been unable to obtain further clarity on any joint resolution other than being placed in limbo until I hear otherwise from FDR

  

  Business response

  08/22/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to *********************************** concerns. After reviewing the account, ******************** attempted to contact ******* to address his concerns. We have looked into this matter regarding the settlement, and we will continue our efforts to reach ******* to ensure his concerns are properly addressed. We encourage ******* to reach out to his point of contact to discuss his concerns directly.

• Initial Complaint

  08/05/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Everything went great with the first few settlements. When we got to the larger settlements the fees charged for the larger settlement was almost as much as the actual settlement. They settled an acct of $5k for $1900 which was great but charged me a settlement fee of $1025 bringing my acct that I had saved about $1300+ to less thatn $400 to start the new settlement payment. I feel like that money could have been used for the settlement vs. the fee. The fee was going to extend my pay off time and at this point I felt scammed. I asked for a refund and to cancel my settlement. I received approx. $350 that remained in my acct but I have not received the $1025 that was charged for the settlement fee that I requested be cancelled. I do not understand why they would keep a fee for a settlement that no longer exist. Also, when they txt or email you to accept the settlement they do not let you know of the settlement fee at the time. They only let you know of the settlement amount and the payment plan. It is misleading and it is taking advantage of those who need help. I want my refund so that I can continue to pay my debts myself instead of paying $1025 for a company to do it.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to *********************'s concerns. After a thorough review of the account, we attempted to reach out to ******* to address this matter directly. Freedom Debt Relief settled a total of four accounts, in which we collected a 25% fee for the enrolled balance of 3 of those settled accounts. Settlement fees are based on the beginning balance of each account, not the balance of the settlement amount, and do not change throughout the course of the program. For the specific account mentioned in the complaint, we reached a 45% settlement. Furthermore, for clarification, settlement fees were disclosed to ******* during the enrollment process and are also outlined in the debt resolution agreement signed by *******. Freedom Debt Relief collects the settlement fee only once we obtain a settlement, the member authorizes the settlement, and the first payment is made to the creditor. The fees are collected for each account for services provided to the member for obtaining a settlement. In the event the settlement is lost or the account is terminated by choice the settlement fees will still be collected for the settled accounts for services provided while enrolled. We encourage ******* to reach out to her direct point of contact so that her concerns can be properly discussed.

  Customer response

  08/16/2024

   
  Complaint: 22093396
  
  I am rejecting this response because: my issue is not being addressed. I understand that the fees were explained in the beginning of the contract ,as most things are, when people do not fully understand how that applies. I also understand how many accounts were resolved which is why those were never in question. I also understand that those accounts were resolved as a tactic before they engage in the big accounts to lock you in to thinking this is not a scam. I also do not need to speak with anyone directly because my issue is not being addressed when I do speak to FDR. I tried speaking with customer service several times to no avail and also explained that I had no other choice but to take this route. Looking at the reviews I should have came here first as others are experiencing losing money.  My issue is that once I realized the company was taking almost a year of my money and savings as a fee, I no longer wanted this settlement. I requested to cancel and I requested a refund. They gave me my account balance and shut down my account. There is no longer a settlement, it was cancelled. I was no longer satisfied with the service. Why would you keep MY money? Does the contract address settlement fees as non-refundable? Does it address being dissatisfied with a settlement after the fact? It is my money. I'm not taking from a company I want my money back.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Freedom debt relief's efforts to negotiate got off to a strong start. They negotiated my first debt down by more than $10000, and the terms of the repayment period closed in about 3 months.However, recently I had an account ending in 5006 that I was told started a payment plan [in-process] without me submitting the notarized authorization documentation myself (I've done this for all others that were settled). I'm concerned about fordged documents authorizing payment plan details not truely represented on my dashboard. I would like to understand what happened and be provided with copies of the fully signed agreement documentation between FDR and AMEX's legal reps submitted for my records.

  

  Business response

  08/12/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ********************************* concerns. After thoroughly reviewing the account, ******************** was able to contact ******** directly to address his concerns in regard to the **************** account. Upon request, Freedom Debt Relief assured all documents regarding settlement agreements be sent to ******** for his records. We encouraged ******** to reach out to his point of contact should he have further questions.

  Customer response

  08/13/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 07/23/2024 I was debited $300 without my consent from my checking account.I called ******************** to reverse the transaction as I am in a financial hardship and needed the amount debited from my account for another payment. I called an spoke with an Account Specialist and was refused the full amount of $300 returned to my checking account. She stated they would only credit $270.00 which I believe is very unfair as they have not rendered an services toward my debt of any kind. I did not authorize the $300 to be taken out of my checking account and would like a full refund. I have since canceled enrollment with Freedom Debt Relief

  

  Business response

  08/09/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ***************************** concerns. After reviewing the complaint, we made multiple attempts to contact ****** to address this concern. Freedom Debt Relief has looked into this matter and we encourage ****** to reach back out to her point of contact to discuss her concerns.  

  Customer response

  08/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 22074018
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I tried contacting the person,  Remy? her answering service always picks up the call so I leave a message and wait for a call back. Today alone I have made 4 attempts to speak with her at the phone number provided. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ***************************** concerns. After thoroughly reviewing the account, ******************** spoke directly with ****** to address her concerns. All of the mentioned concerns have been addressed and are currently in the process of being resolved. We encouraged ****** to contact her point of contact should she have further questions.

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I entered a debt relief program with Freedom Debt Relief that I completed. This program included two accounts with *****. Account 1: ******************* Account 2: ******************* I began noticing derogatory reports to my credit in October 2023 stating that I had failed to make payments and that I had a balance of $1977.20. I was confused because I made all payments on time and paid the program off early. After making multiple phone calls, I was finally able to locate that the problem is a transactional misapplication due to a wrong account number entered by ********************. The error occurred with Account 2, where ******************** mistakenly entered the wrong account number for payments. Specifically, the last four digits of Account 1 ****** were incorrectly entered as the last four digits of Account 2. This resulted in the following erroneous account number: ******************* .The checks were sent out according to the settlement agreement for both accounts. However, it appears that someone scratched out the incorrect account number next to post to account (see check images below) and, rather than applying the payment to the intended account which shared the first 12 numbers (account 2), they mistakenly applied it to the wrong account with the same last 4 numbers (account 1). Three checks were mailed for account 2, in the amount of $330 on the following dates but were misappropriated to account 1. 1/12/21 2/10/21 3/11/21 According to a rep from Chase, the misapplication of payments led to an overpayment on Account 1 (ending in 9241). As a result, *****, as indicated by one representative I spoke with, issued refunded the supposed overpayment to ***************************** at ******** Law Firm. I have called both Chase and FDR numerous times over the past few months to get the issue resolved but still have no clear picture of how and when this will be resolved.

  

  Business response

  08/07/2024

  Freedom Debt Relief, LLC (Freedom) disagrees with the allegations set forth in ***************** complaint. Upon receipt of Ms. ******* complaint, Freedom reached out to **************** directly to address her concerns, and all issues have been resolved.

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I called into freedom debt relief to remove 2 cards from the account (since they hadnt dealt with them yet). The lady ended up closing my account. I turned frustrated with her willingness to close it, I figured they were upset about me removing them (less money for them). But come to find out out of the 1600$ Id given them so far they are keeping all of it for there fees. Charging me fees in full for an account not dealt with in full seems shady. I want to file a civil suit against there practices but would rather figure out another way. I was told by there call center I cant get copies of my documents. Only was my contract sent to me, kind of a look you signed this, but I hope other people read this change there mind on using companies like these.

  

  Business response

  08/07/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ************************* concerns. After thoroughly reviewing the account, ******************** spoke directly with ***** to address his concerns regarding the termination of his program. Freedom Debt Relief will maintain communication with ***** for further discussion. We encouraged ***** to reach out to his direct point of contact should he have further questions.

  Customer response

  08/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 22071443
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I was given the opportunity to continue with the program or not. I was told there intake person jumped into kicking me from the immediately after requesting to only remove an account. She was very nice in our conversation, I was given the weekend to decide. I didnt want the 5 days to expire before rectifying the issue 
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  

  Business response

  08/16/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ************************* concerns. After thoroughly reviewing the account, ******************** spoke directly with ***** to address his concerns. All of the mentioned concerns have been addressed and are in the process of being resolved. We encouraged ***** to reach out to his direct point of contact should he have further questions.

• Initial Complaint

  07/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I got a job making less money and have tried to lower my payments. They finally suspended my account but kept all my money and have not paid any collectors any money I've given them. I have tried getting my money back but always get put on hold and no call backs.

  

  Business response

  08/07/2024

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to ******************************* concerns. After reviewing the complaint, we attempted to contact ******* to address this concern. Freedom Debt Relief has looked into this matter, and we will continue our efforts to contact ******* to discuss her concerns directly. We also encourage ******* to reach back out to her point of contact to discuss her concerns.  

*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. ↩