ComplaintsforFive Lakes Law Group

• Initial Complaint

  06/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They claim refund sent to wrong address they have all my information on file my act was closed on June 3 they said refund takes 10 day ten day have passed they are giving me the runaround

  Business response

  06/27/2024

  ****************, 
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.  We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced.
  
  
  Our records confirmed the successful deposit of the funds into your checking account as of June 21, 2024.  We apologize for any delay.  We are hopeful this is a satisfactory resolution to your concerns.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  06/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Five Lake Law Group failed to assist with my refund and misled me about their debt consolidation services.Complaint Details:I engaged Five Lake Law Group for debt consolidation services, expecting professional assistance to manage and resolve my debt issues. However, my experience has been extremely disappointing and financially detrimental. Here are the key points of my complaint:Lack of Assistance with Refund: Despite numerous attempts to resolve my concerns and request a refund, Five Lake Law Group has been unresponsive and unhelpful. Their customer service has been lacking, and I feel ignored and mistreated.Debt Consolidation is a Rip-Off: I have realized that debt consolidation services, including those offered by Five Lake Law Group, are more harmful than helpful. These services promise financial relief but end up causing more financial strain and stress.Profiting from Misfortune: These companies, including Five Lake Law Group, seem to be taking advantage of individuals in vulnerable financial situations, getting rich off our misfortune without providing the promised relief or support.Misleading Contracts: I strongly advise against signing any contracts with Five Lake Law Group or any other debt consolidation company. These contracts are misleading and do not provide the benefits they claim.I urge anyone considering debt consolidation to think twice and try to resolve their financial issues independently. These companies do not have your best interest at heart and are primarily focused on their profit.Desired Outcome:A full refund of the fees paid to Five Lake Law Group.An acknowledgment of their inadequate services and misleading practices.A formal apology for the distress and financial harm caused.Please do not trust Five Lake Law Group or any debt consolidation company. Resolve your financial issues yourself and avoid falling into their trap.Thank you for your attention to this matter.

  Business response

  06/19/2024

  ******************
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.  We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced.
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on April 12, 2024.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Information about program fees, including how and when they are earned, can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 8. "Fees".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "A flat fee of $23,127.65 equaling *****% of enrolled debt(s), based on debt amount at enrollment and subject to verification. This fee is earned by FLLG upon successfully reaching a resolution offer for a debt and first payment upon such offer, or the otherwise successful resolution of the Enrolled Debt..."
  
  
  Review of your program determined you were in an active resolution at the time of your requested termination.  This resolution offer had been approved by you and the first payment had been made successfully to the creditor.  FLLG met all established criteria to earn the fee related to this resolution.  After the fee was accounted for, there were no remaining funds to issue a refund.
  
  
  We understand that this program is not the best fit for each financial circumstance, however we refute that the program fails to offer financial benefit to our customers.  FLLG provides a clear enrollment process and a transparent Retainer Agreement that is provided to each customer at the time of enrollment.  
  
  
  Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  05/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up with this business to help consolidate my debt due to me not being able to work due to medical issues. I was told after 6 months that a loan would pay off the bills so I would be free from creditors coming after me. That never happened. And my credit score has decreased. They only have offers on 6 accts out 20. I have sent documents in with offers some of my creditors mailed to me and they still didn't have a settlement with them yet. They have not provided the services they stated they would and I want a refund for their fees I provided as they did not provide services as promised. I made monthly payments to them totaling about 3500- 4000 dollars.

  Business response

  06/03/2024

  **********************,
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on April 13, 2023.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Information about the impact on your creditworthiness can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 10. "Credit Reporting".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  "Failure to make timely payment to creditors will likely result in a reduction to Clients creditworthiness.FLLG is not a credit repair company or credit services organization and does not provide credit advice."
  
  Additionally, information about program progress can be located under the same section in paragraph 9."Timing for Settlement of Debt".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  " The time required depends on many factors including the balance of the debt, the amount of time the debt was owed, Clients available funds and Creditors willingness to engage in settlement negotiations. FLLG does not and cannot guarantee a particular result and cannot guarantee that Clients debts will be resolved within a defined timeframe. If Client fails to save sufficient funds, FLLG will not be able to negotiate and/or settle Clients debts. FLLG may extend Clients estimated program length to complete the settlement and payment of all accounts.Typically, FLLG will make a good faith attempt to settle a debt when Client has accumulated approximately 40% of the current balance, which typically occurs between 3-6 months into the program."
  
  Your program was serviced in accordance with, in some cases exceeding, all established expectations.  While there is an opportunity to be reviewed for eligibility for a loan, this is not a guarantee.  
  
  We are hopeful we have been able to provide clarity regarding your concerns.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  Sincerely, 
  FLLG 

• Initial Complaint

  05/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Five Lakes Law Group is very unethical on how they handle time sensitive accounts with my creditors. They sit and wait on accounts to just collect more monthly fees from their customers. I am down to my last two accounts and it is with the same company, ************ Instead of negotiating both accounts at the same time, so that I can be done with it, they will resolve one and wait several weeks to get the other one resolved just so you continually have to pay them. They also resolved one account for almost ***** dollars more than what I enrolled the account with them for. That doesnt include PTO and other things I had to do to go to court for that account. They either tell you to deposit more money for leverage or sit and wait neither does anything. This is just their tactic to string you along for as long as they can so they can continue to collect money from you. I am going to end up spending more money this way than I would have just paying it off myself. I am worried to ask what the total is after this last account gets resolved. I think it is very unethical with how they conduct their business and keep stringing their customers along. They should be able to resolve both accounts at one time with the same company. This is actually they second instance that this has happened. What money do they save their customer in the long run? It is all a scam from them. I want this last account resolved asap and then a total of what I owe to be completely done with this.

  Business response

  06/12/2024

  Mr. ******,
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on December 19, 2022.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  You elected to enroll in a 55 month program.  Information about timing and program estimates can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 9. Timing for Settlement of Debt.  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "The timing of settlement can vary greatly. The time required depends on many factors including the balance of the debt, the amount of time the debt was owed, Clients available funds and Creditors willingness to engage in settlement negotiations. FLLG does not and cannot guarantee a particular result and cannot guarantee that Clients debts will be resolved within a defined timeframe."
  
  
  Review of your program has confirmed that you are in active arrangements with 9 of your 10 enrolled debts.  Based on this review you are on track to have your accounts resolved within your enrollment period of 55 months.   Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the program fee is calculated based on the verified debt amount at enrollment.  FLLG does not benefit from any increase in your enrolled balances.
  
  
  At the time of your graduation your account will be reviewed in accordance with our No Worse Off policy.  This is to ensure you do not exit the program having paid more than your enrolled amount.
  
  
  We are hopeful we have been able to provide clarity to your concerns.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  05/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I started this program in September ********************************************************************* wages and health issues, I was made to believe that in 3 months Id see my credit improve and be on my way to being debt free, that was furthest from the truth. I paid almost ****** a month to have debt settled and or removed. I wasnt told that creditors arent guaranteed to settle debt, I am now so far behind on late payments and interest rates I wont be debt free for at least 3 years, I have also been hit with 2 court settlements because five lakes never told me they couldnt stop a creditor from sueing me or garnishing me wages. Im worse off now than I was before I started this program, I dropped the program in April because only 1 creditor had been settled and once I knew I was going to court I seen the truth about five lakes! Its fraud and they shouldnt be allowed to do this type of thing

  Business response

  05/31/2024

  **************,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on September 21, 2023.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Throughout your enrollment process and subsequent servicing, FLLG has been clear that no guarantee can be made as it relates to your program.  This information can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 16. "No Guarantee".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "FLLG is unable to guarantee that it will be able to settle any or all debts owed by Client or that debts will be settled in a particular timeframe. Although we cannot guarantee success or a particular result, we promise to utilize our best efforts to perform the services described above. FLLG will make good faith estimates to Client based on FLLGs experience from past performance, but Client understands that each situation is different or may change."
  
  
  Additionally, information about the impact to creditworthiness and the possibility of litigation is covered in the same section in paragraph 10. "Credit Reporting" and 11. "Risks of Debt Settlement" respectively. They read, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "FLLG is not a credit repair company or credit services organization and does not provide credit advice."
  
  
  "Debt settlement is an aggressive approach to resolving debt. No payments are made to Clients creditors until a settlement is in place. FLLG cannot prevent creditors from taking legal action, including lawsuits, against Client, and FLLG cannot prevent an increase in collection activity. Clients Enrolled Debts will increase because creditors will add interest and late fees during this program due to nonpayment."
  
  
  Your program was serviced in alignment with all established expectations.  We are hopeful we have been able to provide clarity to your concerns.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

  Customer response

  05/31/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your rejection of the business's response. 
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of why I am rejecting this response appear below:
  
  [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution. Please type details here:]
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I used 5 Lakes Law group for Debit relief. I enrolled ********* in debt. I was told there was a ***** fee to 5 Lakes Law Group. I was also told my biweekly payment would be ***** which included the ***** fees in the ***** bi-weekly payment. I enrolled for 4 years= 48 mths. total of 104- ***** payments. I have called them many times to get clarification on how they are working my account since July 2022. I just spoke to them again today. I am now being told I needed to make additional monthly payments over the ***** per paycheck in order to complete the program in 4yrs at 104 payments. I did a rough calculation with the Supervisor today , and if they negotiate my remaining debt to half I will need to make and additional 31- ***** payments for an additional 1yr 5mths over the 4yrs quoted in July 2022. I was also told today an additional ***** monthly fee which was never disclosed in July 2022 or on any of the multiple calls i have made. They have misled me and gas lighted me through this entire process.

  Business response

  05/31/2024

  ******************,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on July 29, 2022.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Throughout your enrollment process and subsequent servicing, FLLG has been clear that no guarantee can be made as to the final length of your enrollment.  This information can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 16. "No Guarantee".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "FLLG is unable to guarantee that it will be able to settle any or all debts owed by Client or that debts will be settled in a particular timeframe. Although we cannot guarantee success or a particular result, we promise to utilize our best efforts to perform the services described above. FLLG will make good faith estimates to Client based on FLLGs experience from past performance, but Client understands that each situation is different or may change."
  
  
  The first offer that you approved was within established estimates and your program is progressing as designed.  Rest assured that FLLG with make every effort to ensure your program is completed within the established estimates.
  
  
  While you have the option to add additional funds to your program to expedite offers, you are not required to.  We are hopeful we have been able to provide clarity to your concerns.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  05/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company has taken over ***** dollars of my money and only paid out 4000 to creditors. I have been taken to court because they didnt even call me creditors after telling me not to respond to them so they would accept the settlement offers.now they have taken extra money so my 608 payment a month is going to 1100 and Im told it will go to 1700 in September. For the 2 cards that were taken to court. These were already in my plan? Theyve taken so many fees I dont have enough money to pay the cards in the account now. Have had to cancel this program and want all my money back which they refuse. Im told they get paid by settlement and 18 months later theres only 1 card paid off and that was only ************************************************ the fees would come out after creditors were paid so now we have to start all over, same amount and lost *****.plus.

  Business response

  05/16/2024

  Ms. ******,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on September 29, 2022.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Information about the possibility of litigation can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 11. "Risks of Debt Settlement".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "FLLG cannot prevent creditors from taking legal action, including lawsuits, against Client, and FLLG cannot prevent an increase in collection activity. Clients Enrolled Debts will increase because creditors will add interest and late fees during this program due to nonpayment."
  
  
  Additionally, information about fees can be located in the same section in paragraph 8. "Fees".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "A flat fee of $13,125.69 equaling ***** % of enrolled debt(s), based on debt amount at enrollment and subject to verification. This fee is earned by FLLG upon the successful settlement of a debt and first payment upon such settlement, or the otherwise successful resolution of the Enrolled Debt (e.g., cancellation of debt, successful dispute)."
  
  
  FLLG acted in accordance with all established expectations as set forth in the agreement.  This program is designed to care for both payments to your creditors and the related fees throughout the duration of your enrollment.  At the time of your requested termination from the program you were in active resolutions with ten of your enrolled accounts.  Once the fee earned was deducted, there were no available funds to be issued as a refund.  
  
  
  We are hopeful we have been able to provide clarity to your concerns.  At this time we will not be issuing the requested refund.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

  Customer response

  05/16/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your rejection of the business's response. 
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of why I am rejecting this response appear below:
  Your representative informed me my debts would be paid before your fees so I would be able to avoid any court appointments. Not once were the 2 largest bulls even contacted as I called and asked. You waited until they wouldnt settle the day before court so my fees were astronomical to you ,of course so youd get paid once again.there is no reason to continue any contract where the amount my debts were paid is a quarter of what your company took. Not only do you masquerade as lawyers but do nothing in the best interest of any clients you could possibly have.its unfortunate people like your company are allowed to take advantage of people. 
  [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution. Please type details here:]
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  05/21/2024

  Ms. ******,
  
  
  Thank you for the continued opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  Rest assured that FLLG takes the servicing of all programs seriously and works to ensure the best possible arrangements are presented.  
  
  
  Review determined that your conversation with the Agent regarding fees was in alignment with the written material provided to you through your Retainer Agreement.  All fees earned were in alignment with the established expectations.
  
  
  Additionally, information about how the fee is calculated can be located in your Retainer Agreement in section 8. "Fees".  It reads as follows:
  
  
  " ******** % of enrolled debt(s), based on debt amount at enrollment and subject to verification."
  
  
  FLLG does not benefit from any increase in your account balance.  The program is designed to care for both your payments to resolutions and your program fees throughout the lifetime of your enrollment.
  
  
  We are hopeful we have been able to provide additional clarity to your concerns.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

  Customer response

  05/27/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your rejection of the business's response. 
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  It is more than clear this is just a public forum for yall to try to justify what youve done. Its pointless 
  
  Regards,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I enrolled my debt with this agency to resolve my outstanding debt. They kept claiming they would reach out to one of the banks but they just didn't and then that bank started sending me threatening emails, phone calls, and letters all of which I was told to ignore and send them the information so they could handle it directly. They continued to not do anything about it and when they eventually did reach out to them the settlement they offered was more than the debt was when I enrolled which of course I did not accept as that did not make any kind of sense. When I asked them why that was the settlement they told me it was complicated when lawyers got involved but it is a law group that is supposed to be handling this issue in the first place. I have just today been served with a summons by this bank, Chase, that the law group failed to contact and they are also claiming two thousand more than the debt was when I enrolled it with them due to late fees which incurred due to this firm's advice.

  Business response

  05/16/2024

  **********************, 
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  We confirmed your enrollment into the program on March 24, 2023.  At the time of enrollment, the Account Specialist reviewed your Debt Resolution Retainer Agreement with you prior to your signing.  Information about the possibility of litigation and the increase of balance can be located under the section titled "Retainer Agreement" in paragraph 11. "Risks of Debt Settlement".  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "FLLG cannot prevent creditors from taking legal action, including lawsuits, against Client, and FLLG cannot prevent an increase in collection activity. Clients Enrolled Debts will increase because creditors will add interest and late fees during this program due to nonpayment."
  
  
  Our records reflect that you have had the opportunity to speak to an agent regarding this matter and have moved forward with accepting an agreeable resolution offer on the referenced account.  We are happy to have been able to partner with you to address your concerns.
  
  
  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

  Customer response

  05/17/2024

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your rejection of the business's response. 
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of why I am rejecting this response appear below:
  
  [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution. Please type details here:]
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I chose Five Lakes Law Group to help with debt settlement. I was only able to successfully close 1 account out of 4. The amount of fees that they charged were above the amount of the debt in one case. I chose to cancel my enrollment with over $1,000 in my dedicated enrollment account. Once I cancelled, Five Lakes took all of the funds stating the funds were used to cover settlement costs. During a phone call to cancel the enrollment, I was told that there were approximately $480 in fees, not over a $1,000.

• Initial Complaint

  04/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The week of April 15th, I closed my account after 11 months of the slowest, most deceptive process of debt settlement! i.e. Paying some accounts $5 a month! I had a balance of $1608.31 in my dedicated account that I was paying into bi weekly. I was told they would audit my account to see if any payments were processing...and the remainder will be debited back into my account. When i was called back they said the amount was sent to my One Main acct and I asked for that in writing and was sent an email showing THEY KEPT THE $1608.31 in their EXCESSIVE fees. After speaking with them today they said I signed papers saying i agreed to a 27% fee of settlement! Clearly that was not transparent in the app because i did not see that or speak to anyone about that! I have been charged fees and I understand that...I signed up with a company to better my credit and my future....i didn't expect it to take 5...6...7 years! On top of taking the 1600 plus....other fees were taken out....the settlement fee just for the one account was over $2500! Clearly this was not spelled out for me! How does anyone in their right mind think this is helping!? I did not see this or wasnt explained that the fee for this account was that high...i could of paid the whole amount!

*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. ↩