Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/11/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am writing to formally file a complaint against Clean Slate Mediation Services regarding their failure to provide services for which I paid $705, and their continued refusal to issue a refund despite multiple requests and formal notice.On February 20, 2025, I engaged Clean Slate Mediation Services to assist with two separate creditor matters. I spoke with a representative named *******, who explained the fee structure: $795 for the first creditor (which had filed a lawsuit) and an additional $705 for a second creditor (who had not yet filed suit). I agreed to the total fee of $1,500, which was to be paid in three installments of $500 on 2/20, 3/20, and 4/20. I signed and returned the *** authorization form the same day.Clean Slate promptly began work on the first creditors case. However, despite my repeated inquiries beginning as early as April 4, 2025, they failed to initiate any mediation or negotiation efforts on behalf of the second creditor. I followed up multiple times via phone and email between April and June, and each time I was either ignored or given vague assurances with no action taken.On June 9, 2025, I formally requested a refund of the $705 allocated for the second creditor, as no services had been rendered. I reiterated this request on June 11, June 16, June 19, and June 22. On June 19, I received a dismissive response from **** *. stating, not what contract said, with no further explanation. I requested clarification but received no reply.On June 23, 2025, I sent a certified demand letter requesting a refund of $705 by July 3, 2025. The letter was received and signed for by Clean Slate on June 28, 2025. As of today, I have received no response or refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/11/2025

  We were hired to resolve 2 debts she signed an agreement for us to resolve 2 debts.  As we were working on both debts and began settlement negotiations on both debts. She then informed me that her family was helping her with the money to settle the debts, and it looked like they would be limited in their assistance due to the amount of the debts. (which she and her family were well aware of the amounts of the debts before she hired us)  So, we talked about a strategy of addressing the larger debt first and what money was left over would be used as a down payment toward the second debt, with the understanding we then concentrated on the larger of the two debts as agreed to.  it is important to note that at this time we had put time and effort into both debts, and we were in the process of settling both debts when she informed us of her financial challenges.   Further that the second debt would be a combination of a down payment and monthly payments to resolve the final debt after the larger debt was settled.  She agreed to this adjusted strategy, and we settled the first debt for substantially less as agreed.   We were then moving on to finishing the work on the second debt we asked her what she had left to put down and what could she afford in a monthly payment.  She did not provide that information to us so we could finish, she stated she wanted to stop and demanding a full refund.  Which I referred her to our agreement which she signed, and it clearly states that she is not due a refund.  Below is taken directly from the agreement she signed with us.

  If the down payment or monthly
  payment needs to increase due to the creditor not accepting the initial settlement offer, it is the
  customers sole responsibility to provide **** with the new offer in writing, for example an
  email will work just fine. Customer acknowledges that without their input the settlement
  negotiations cannot move forward. **** is not responsible for any actions that occur due to the
  customer not providing the required information. Any consequences that arise from a customer
  not providing the required information are not grounds for a refund.

  She refused to provide us with the information necessary to finish, further we had put time and effort into the second debt and per the terms of the agreement that she signed with us she is not due a refund.  

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/14/2025

   
  Complaint: 23585958
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  This letter serves as a formal rebuttal to your recent statement denying the refund of $705 associated with your failure to render services regarding the second and larger of the two (2) debts I engaged you to mediate.
  Misrepresentation of Scope and Performance
  - The service agreement was for the resolution of two separate debts, and a total compensation of $1,500 was provided with that explicit expectation.
  - Initiating negotiations is not equivalent to executing a settlement. Time spent or initial communications do not constitute full performance. Although you did not complete settlement on the debt to Discover, I am NOT requesting refund for that debt.
  - As a result of Clean Slates failure to perform and lack of responsiveness to my requests for information/updates I was left with no choice but to terminate our association on June 12, 2025 and complete settlement of the Discover debt.
  - Despite receiving full payment for mediation of two debts, Clean Slate Mediation Services has failed to fulfill its obligation in regard to the second debt.
  As clearly documented:
  - On February 20, 2025, I authorized payment for services regarding two separate
  creditorsspecifically a lawsuit from ************* and a second creditor not yet involved in litigation.
  - Between April 4 and June 12, I repeatedly contacted your office seeking updates and requesting you begin mediation efforts with the second creditor. My communications were ignored or deflected.
  - Despite receiving payment for mediation of the second and larger of the two (2) debts, Clean Slate Mediation failed to provide evidence of outreach, negotiation, or meaningful mediation regarding that debt. 
  - The claim that I refused to provide information necessary to proceed is demonstrably false. As of March 12, you had my completed documents with my recommended minimum, maximum, and lump sum payment offers for both debts. In addition, my emails inclusive of counters further demonstrate proactive cooperation.
  While you reference terms from the agreement suggesting a lack of refund due to customer non-cooperation, your own inaction over multiple months makes this clause inapplicable. The contract presumes active negotiation on both debtsa service you did not provide for the second creditor.
  Per Florida consumer protection laws and basic principles of service delivery, withholding funds for work never initiated is improper. I revoked your Power of Attorney on June 12, informed you of my intent to mediate independently, and issued a formal demand letter with a deadline of July 3, 2025. That deadline remains in force.
  
  

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ****

  Business Response

  Date: 07/16/2025

  Everything stated in my first response is accurate.  The agreement she signed with us is clear and concise with regard to settlement negotiations. This is taken directly from the agreement that she signed with us. 

  Settlement Negotiations
  I will need to know the answer to the following two questions; first can you afford to put any
  money down, typically the more money you can put down the more that they will take off of the
  top of the debt. Second, what can you afford in a monthly payment? The customer is
  responsible for providing the above information in writing. If the down payment or monthly
  payment needs to increase due to the creditor not accepting the initial settlement offer, it is the
  customers sole responsibility to provide **** with the new offer in writing, for example an
  email will work just fine. Customer acknowledges that without their input the settlement
  negotiations cannot move forward. **** is not responsible for any actions that occur due to the
  customer not providing the required information. Any consequences that arise from a customer
  not providing the required information are not grounds for a refund.

  She did not provide us the information with regard to down payment and monthly payment so the second debt could be finished.  When we reminded her of our agreement (we informed her of the portion of our agreement under settlement negotiations, the same information that is included in this response).  Her response was she wanted a refund on the second debt which we have been working for since she hired us in February.  Our contract is clear on this point she is not due a refund.  We used company resources and put time and effort out on her behalf my response would have been different had she told us this back in February.  She did not and the way she went about it gave me the clear impression that she has done this before meaning used goods and services and not paid for them.   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/21/2025

   
  Complaint: 23585958
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Your statement continues to ignore key facts and mischaracterizes both my conduct and the professional obligations owed under our agreement. I am formally responding as follows:
  
  1. Lack of Responsiveness and Failure to Perform
  I terminated services with CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES due to your repeated failure to follow up, respond promptly, or actively engage in the negotiation process as promised. Your lack of communication and service delivery left me no choice but to take control of the first debt negotiation myselfsuccessfullydespite having paid you for this service. That outcome occurred through my direct action, not CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES's involvement.
  2. Misleading Statements About Second Debt
  You claim to have worked on the second debt since February,yet youve produced no documented evidence of outreach to the creditor,proposed settlement terms, or any tangible progress which I challenge you to attach.  On 3/13/25, a completed CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES Initial offer for the 2nd debtor was submitted by email; attached is the email and CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES initial offer for the second debt. CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES did not request any further information for the 2nd debtor
  3. Refund Request Is Specific and Justified
  I have not requested a refund for both debtsonly the second, which remains entirely unresolved. This clarification matters. I paid in good faith and received no service of substance for that account. Your reliance on vague claims of time and effort does not override the fact that no settlement negotiation ever took place. 
  4. Unprofessional and Defamatory Accusations
  Your baseless accusation that I have a history of using services without paying is defamatory.  It is irrelevant, unsupported by any evidence, and is a transparent attempt to smear my character in lieu of addressing your failure to deliver contracted services.
  In conclusion, CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES failed to initiate or advance negotiations with the second creditordespite possessing sufficient documentation and communication such failure constitutes nonperformance.
  CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICESs failure to engage, notify,or request additional input regarding this account reflects a lack of due diligence, not the implied neglect. At no point was there clear communication from CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICES indicating that additional information was required to proceed, nor was any formal request made to modify settlement terms.
  A service agreement implies mutual responsibility; CLEAN SLATE MEDIATION SERVICESs unilateral disclaimer of liability does not void its duty to act upon materials already provided. Accordingly, I maintain that the lack of engagement and service delivery constitutes nonperformance, and a refund for services unrendered is fully warranted.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/12/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On May 14, 2024, I contacted Clean Slate to inquire of debt mediation services. **** responded very quickly with a phone call, and I felt comfortable moving forward. I was to pay a flat rate of $775.00 in two installments to mediate the debt with the law firm that filed a charge against me. The business promised to eradicate the debt, or get the debt settled for "substantially less" money. I was also promised consistent updates on my case and how everything was proceeding. After a few weeks, updates stopped and I had to reach out and inquire of any new info. On October 22, 2024, the law firm contacted me directly to settle my debt out of court. I inquired if Clean Slate had reached out to them. The law firm informed me that Clean Slate had reached out and called a few times and left voicemails. The law firm returned those calls, and Clean Slate never followed up.I feel taken advantage of. In five years, if a documentary is made stating that the creator of this business is a scam artist who got away with millions of dollars, I would not be surprised. That's exactly how I feel: scammed out of my money as a result of a vulnerable situation (being sued for debt).I mediated my debt myself, directly with the law firm without the assistance (or outcome) that Clean Slate guaranteed me. Every time I reached out to inquire of a status update, the person responding continued to tell me "we are in settlement negotiations with the law firm." I did not receive the support of Clean Slate and had to mediate my own debt settlement. I believe I am owed a full refund of the $775.00 that I paid to have this company mediate a debt on my behalf. Let this be a ****** to anyone reading: save your money and work with the law firms directly. Lawyers are not scary people, and they are willing to work with you.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/16/2024

  Business

  Most Recent Message

  Date Sent: 12/12/2024 4:32:04 PM
  

  On 5/30 We sent an email to *** informing her that law firm did not accept her settlement offer, and we need to go back to them with a more attractive settlement offer.

  On 6/03 We sent an email with a kind reminder to please respond to our email sent on 5/30

  On 6/10 We again sent an email to please respond to our two previous emails

  On 6/17 We sent an email informing her that we cannot move forward if she does not respond to our previous emails.

  On 6/24 We sent an email to her with an portion of our agreement highlighted in an attempt to get a response from her.  The following is what was emailed to her.

  The customer is
  responsible for providing the above information in writing. If the down payment or monthly
  payment needs to increase due to the creditor not accepting the initial settlement offer, it is the
  customers sole responsibility to provide **** with the new offer in writing, for example an
  email will work just fine. Customer acknowledges that without their input the settlement
  negotiations cannot move forward. **** is not responsible for any actions that occur due to the
  customer not providing the required information. Any consequences that arise from a customer
  not providing the required information are not grounds for a refund.

  It was our hope that this email would get her to respond to the multiple unanswered emails sent to her.  

  On 7/23 she finally reached out to us, asking for an update.  We once again informed her that she needed to respond to our multiple emails.  We received no response from her.

  On 8/1 We sent a final email informing her that her account is on hold due to noncompliance and per our agreement any consequences to her lack of response was solely and completely her responsibility.  In closing we informed her that all she needed to do is provide us the information and we would have the debt settled, please contact us so we can finish this. 

  We have heard nothing from her until today.  Four months and 12 days since our last email to her.  

  All of our customers are informed that we provide weekly email updates and to please check their emails on a daily basis.  Had she responded and provided the information we needed to settle this debt for her, the debt would have been settled back in June.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/16/2024

   
  Complaint: 22678288
  
  I am rejecting this response because this response is untrue. I was never contacted to accept a settlement offer, and was never informed that an offer was even made. I was told "we are in settlement negotiations." I also was not informed of my account being out of compliance in any way. The last message I received from them was on August 23rd, which stated my case should be resolved shortly. And, it was not.

  I forgive Clean Slate. I forgive them for taking advantage of me, and I forgive them for lying on me. I do hope that a negative BBB rating can keep more people from being taken advantage of. At this point, I now understand that I won't be getting a refund. If they are willing to lie about my case, there is no telling what else these people are capable of. I forgive them, and will move on peaceably. Thank you BBB for trying to solve my complaint.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 12/17/2024

  We initiated settlement negotiations with the law firm and needed further information which we informed her of and sent multiple emails which she never responded to.  Which I listed in my last response, had she responded to our multiple emails this matter would have been resolved months ago.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/17/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********. I am choosing to move on from this situation and close out the case. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/01/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was in the process of hiring this business but the only way I was able to get updates was by me having to reach out every single day. They did and have done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING but take my hard earned money. I never signed any documentation because they took a while to send it and only did after I had to ask. When they finally did send it, I was in a situation where I was not able to afford their services anymore but they still pulled the deposit we had spoken about. When I asked for a refund, **** told me there are no refunds even though that was never disclosed. I was also told they'd been working on this from the moment I hired them but the email their office sent me specifically states that they legally are not allowed to do anything without me signing the initial forms, which I never did. After I pointed that out, **** stopped replying to me. People who prey on others like this should not be allowed to run a business that facilitates this disgusting behavior. I want my money back.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/02/2024

  She hired us and we started working immediately as promised.  She then bounced her deposit check which cost us bank charges. We employ a contact management software system that tracks all customer contact and activity from every voice mail to every email and finally documents every staff member who works on the file.  Her email response clearly demonstrate that she has been less than honest in her complaint she filed with the BBB. 

  it is also significant to note the multiple emails sent to her with the time and date stamps since the date she hired my company.

  On 10/16 11:29 am   welcome email sent with an esign agreement

  On 10/17 11:56 pm   kind reminder sent 

  On 10/18 1:25pm    email sent requesting additional information

  On 10/21 1:55 pm   kind reminder sent 

  On 10/23 11:09 am   Kind reminder sent

  On 10/25 3:21 pm customer notified of upcoming conference with law firm suing her on 11/04.  We also texted her multiple times to please respond to our email and text messages.  

  Below are her email responses
  

  On Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 4:00?PM *** **************************************wrote:
  Oh perfect, thank you so much for the update!

  From: *** **************************************
  Sent: Friday, October 18, 2024 1:08 PM
  To: [email protected]
  Subject: Re: Request for Consultation
  
  Ok, I just want to confirm that you can still help me even though there was a default judgement on Wednesday? The paperwork you sent me doesn't mention anything about that so it makes me nervous to continue without confirming that you can help with this particular situation. I'm sorry, I just have severe anxiety and getting the email from the court really worried me!

  On Fri, Oct 18, 2024 at 1:24?PM <[email protected]>wrote:
  You need to sign the esign agreement  which we have sent to you. 

  Her last response 

  Good morning, thanks for everything so far but I cant afford to hire you right now. I appreciate your help. 
  
  Can you please return the $400 that processed out yesterday?Thanks again! 

  We informed her that we would stop working for her at this point and not charge her the balance of what is due to us.  There is no refund as we have been working on her behalf and have been using time and resources on her behalf, and further her bad check cost us bank fees as well.

  Her complaint is a dishonest attempt to get a refund that she clearly does not warrant, she never once complained to us.   As anyone who reads this can clearly see by the facts, she has been less than honest in her complaint.  Everything stated here I can provide written documentation of.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 22501085
  
  I am rejecting this response because: they say they've been working on this for me but the documents they sent over clearly state that they are legally not allowed to speak with the law firm on my behalf without me signing the forms. y previous attachments clearly show that. No one gave me updates - I had to constantly reach out to push for an update and only then did they send over the documents. They haven't shown me proof of working on anything on my behalf and their own forms say they cannot do that without me signing so I don't understand what part of all of this warranted $400 - it was also not disclosed that this was non-refundable. Not cool. People are in financially vulnerable positions when they look into things like this and it's not fair that I'm out $400 for nothing. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* *****

  Business Response

  Date: 11/05/2024

  That is absolutely not true, I have your response emails, also all the return receipts from all the emails we sent to you that you read and did not respond to.  Your email stating that you cannot afford to continue to move forward with us.  says it all.  prior to me explaining to you that we would not enforce the full amount due us, we would stop working for you and that what you have paid us does not cover the time and effort preformed on your behalf.  Then you make false claims as to our reposefulness' while working on your behalf.    I understand that you are tight financially, the fact remains you hired us we worked on your behalf, and we incurred costs most of which we cannot recover.  You are not due a refund because you changed your mind.  We have been working since day one, and have provided the time and date stamps over the past several weeks.   It is clear you have a history of taking goods and services and not paying for them.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 22501085
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Consumer

  Most Recent Message

  Date Sent: 11/7/2024 9:12:51 AM
  Then I would appreciate it if you could show me what work you did exactly on my behalf to warrant $400. Your own paperwork says you legally cannot contact the law firm without me first signing it so I guess that's the part that confuses me.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********* *****

  Business Response

  Date: 11/07/2024

  I have provided her email response, and the times and dates of the email which she has.  it is clear that she is being less than honest.   We have a contract I have her recorded acceptance of it. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/01/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Poor communication Informed that I would not need to go to court but never heard anything from them after I paid

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/27/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This business is operating fraudulently. It is a scam and is in fact falsely advertising services that they are not qualified nor able to provide. They are a predatory business that seeks out victims to scam by way of mail. I believed this to be a mediation service for credit debt. I reached out through phone to their agent and he said he was able to help me with being wrongfully served. He and his supposed coworker stated in multiple emails that I owe some ambiguous debt never telling me a number until I asked and have it be entirely wrong. Claims were made on their behalf enumerating an established conversation ongoing with the prosecuting party but the attorneys were never notified that they wrongfully served me in the wrong state. When I called them theyd never heard of these people Im talking about. But according to Clean Slate Mediation they were in contact with the prosecuting party that apparently had even provided them proof of debt.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/27/2024

  Wow, What a complete falsehood.  When you hired us, you were being sued on MD and lawsuit was active in the state of *********  In our initial conversation you made us aware that you now live in ***   We were working on the debt based in ******** and when we got to the final stages of the negotiations the law firm suing dropped the case as they do not practice in ***  I called and made you aware that they have dropped the case. That call to you was on the 20th of August.    We also discussed that when the case is dropped, we would then contact the creditor and immediately begin settlement negotiations with the creditor directly and you would get a much better settlement as a collection attorney was no longer involved.  Our conversation was a week ago today.  

  As for your claim of helping with you being wrongfully served that was never part of our conversation.  I asked how you knew of the lawsuit in ** you informed me that they served where you used to live and where you still have family who accepted the summons.  As we discussed you were not wrongfully served as the process server went to an address that you used to reside at, and your family accepted the service.   Any adult in a household can be served on your behalf.  Had your family said that you don't live there anymore they would not have served your family on your behalf. 

  Our claim of an ambiguous debt is another misleading statement of yours!  You knew about the lawsuit before hiring as both your summons and our letter went to your MD address. 

  The law firm suing you has the required proof of debt it is only due to the fact that the law firm is not licensed to practice law in ** is the reason they had to drop the lawsuit.

  You owe me an apology for this unfair and inaccurate review.  I can back up everything stated in this response with written documentation.  No speculation just the facts.