ComplaintsforConsumer Legal Group, P.C.

• Initial Complaint

  07/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I enrolled in this program in May 2023, as a debt consolidation to manage debts that I had incurred during CoVID to keep my business afloat. Immediately, I had a settlement occur as a debt collector had become involved. I had to file all of my own legal paperwork, along with additional costs. This was something that the attorneys in this organization should have done - I was told that they were short staffed. Now, $6000+ and 15 months later, still there is NO RESOLVE and NO MOVEMENT toward a debt consolidation. I was also told that none of my monies would be applied toward any of the debt but rather is used to pay the attorneys employed that are working on my case. As a result, I still have outstanding debt, the cancellation was input again today and I'm waiting on subsequent emails and a call for a verbal confirmation.I would like a REFUND and have heard NOTHING in regard to that, as well.

  Business response

  08/05/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised by our client.
  Background Information:
  The client joined us on May 25, 2023, enrolling four debts with a total balance of $18,734. The client agreed to make deposits of $453.58 per month for the purpose of invalidating her debts.
  

  Timeline of Events:
  June 14, 2024: The customer called and informed us of his frustration with the timeline and process. Our legal team explained the importance of clear communication between parties and stressed the importance of sending in collection letters, legal documents, and continuous callback results so we can continue with our processes. We also provided a copy of her signed agreement and emailed him CLG's initial disputes/C&D letters.
  Despite our efforts, the customer remained dissatisfied. As a result, upper management and our legal team reviewed his concerns once again.
  August 1, 2024: Our VP of Client Relations contacted him to personally address all his concerns.
  

  Commitment to Client Satisfaction:
  To show our commitment to his satisfaction and as a gesture of goodwill, we have issued this client a partial refund.
  We are dedicated to resolving this matter and ensuring our clients receive the best possible service. If there are any further questions or additional information required, please do not hesitate to contact us.

  Customer response

  08/06/2024

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

• Initial Complaint

  07/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In October 2023 we decided we needed to consolidate our debt, so we contacted this company, who on LINKIN advertises themselves as a debt consolidation company along with other services offered. After contacting them they walked us through the process and told us that we could pay $310 a month for 24 months and have our credit paid off. So we decided to sign a contract. The said they would walk us through the contract over the phone and they would tell us where to initial and sign. So we got through the contract vey quickly. We did not hear back from them and the $310 was being debited from our checking account each month, so we thought everything was going good. Fast forward 9 months, we received two sommons from two of our creditors saying we were being sued for non payment, when we went back and looked at the contract, what we were told on the phone did not match the contract, the contract stated that Consumer Legal Group was a law firm that challenges the validity of the charges made on your credit cards and other accounts and the money they were taking each month was a retainer to use them in court. My wife and I are now forced to file bankruptcy because we are unable to pay the creditors and we lost close to $3000.00 In this scam. Everything they say is worded to take advantage of people looking to get out of debt , even former employees say they are trained to deceive the customer. My wife and I should receive all of our funds back due to misleading and false advertising.This company need to be investigated for thier questionable business practices

  Business response

  07/26/2024

  We have thoroughly reviewed the complaint submitted by ************** regarding their claim of being misled by our company. Our investigation included a detailed examination of the signed contract and the recorded phone calls associated with ****************** transactions with us.
  Our findings are as follows:
  Contractual Agreement:
  The contract signed by ********************* clearly outlines all terms and conditions, including any fees, services provided, and the duration of the agreement.
  We ensure that all contractual details are presented clearly and comprehensively to ensure understanding.
  Recorded Phone Calls:
  We have reviewed the recorded phone conversations between our representatives and ************** during the Welcome Call on 9/9/2023. The client verified all information presented in the script and acknowledged they understood the program they had signed up for. The recordings confirm that our representatives clearly communicated the terms and conditions and provided no discrepancies or misleading information.
  We have also reviewed the recorded phone conversations for the client's 30, 60, and 90-day follow-up calls. Our representatives are trained to provide accurate information and answer our clients' questions, ensuring they fully understand the services they are agreeing to.
  
  Based on the evidence from the signed contract and the recorded phone calls, we are confident that the client was provided with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. We regret that ************** feels misled, but the documentation and recordings substantiate that our company acted in good faith and by our standard procedures.
  We are committed to resolving this matter amicably and are willing to further discuss her concerns. Our legal team has been trying to reach the client for the last week. We appreciate the BBB's role in facilitating communication and resolution between businesses and consumers.

• Initial Complaint

  07/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Paid CGL $2,938.95 for months,and thought they were dealing with my debt. After 8 months, I spoke with someone named ***** on 6/14/2024 about progress made with my debt. ***** said that due to problems with the credit card companies, they had not moved forward. When asked what the problems were, he told me that issues such as misspelled names, wrong dates and the wrong SS numbers were missed configered and had to be corrected. and these were some of the problems.After after contacting a couple of the credit card companies, I was told that they had not had any communication with CLG, as such, I went to ***** ***** and canceled my most recent $326.55 debit card payment to CLG and called them again for an up date and how long it would take. Again ***** said it would be taken care of, and it would likely take 20 months (at $326.55 per month) more to fix all the issues on a $18,000 debt (according to them). I then called two of my credit card companies and both of them agreed to settlements. One, agreed to half of my debt and the other agreed to monthly payments. This took one day, with my ID over the phone. *** said that that these things took time, and I was looking at 20 more months to complete it. I was expected to pay close to $10,000 to solve $18,000 in debt, which in fact was not the total amount that I owed, it was actually close to $24,000 in debt. I then filed a fraud complaint with ***** ***** for all the the money CLG had charged ($2,938.95) and besides listing this complaint with BBB, I have discussed my options with my attorney and am prepared to go to the *** as well as suing CLG for the total of my payments +.

  Business response

  07/24/2024

  CLG has received ******************* complaint. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to his concerns. 
  
  By way of background, the customer did enroll and execute the Resolution Agreement with CLG on Aug 22, 2023.  Seven debts totaling $17,838.00 were enrolled in the program.
  The customer agreed to make deposits of $360.96 per month for the purpose of invalidating his debts.
  
  On June 14, 2024, the customer called and informed us of his frustration with the timeline and process. Our legal team explained the importance of clear communication between parties and stressed the importance of sending in collection letters, legal documents, and continuous callback results so we can continue with our processes.
  
  We also provided a copy of his signed agreement and emailed him CLG's initial disputes/C&D letters.
  
  With this, the customer is still dissatisfied, and upper management and our legal team once again reviewed his concerns.
  
  Last July *******, our VP of Client Relations contacted him to personally answer all his concerns.
  
  Additionally, To show our commitment to his satisfaction and as a gesture of goodwill, we have processed a partial refund of his payment to his account and reviewed his service agreement so we can represent him diligently.
  
  CLG is committed to helping our clients achieve financial success.
  
  We believe that our expertise can help **************** reach his financial goals. Our track record of assisting clients in navigating their financial challenges speaks to our capability and dedication.
  
  We understand that this process can be challenging, but we are here to support our customers every step of the way. We will work closely with him to develop and implement a plan tailored to his unique situation, ensuring that he stays on track and makes informed decisions.

• Initial Complaint

  07/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I enrolled hoping to improve my credit. I was still getting calls and letters. I was calling TCLG weekly and I was told to just not answer the calls. I would to see what was happening and what else could I do. Accounts had been close but that was because of non payment. I know the company does not pay the creditors but it was explained to me that they could fix my credit score and I would see something positive in 4-6 months. I am asking for at least half my money back. This company did not represent me to any of the creditors. I am not working with them.

  Business response

  07/25/2024

  CLG'S mission is to help consumers struggling with their finances by offering our legal services.
  
  Regarding the customer's request for a refund, our ******************** team has been trying to contact her numerous times to discuss a possible resolution. 
  We attempted to reach her through phone calls and emails so we could schedule a call and provide her with answers to all her concerns regarding her account. 
  
  As stated in her legal Agreement under Client Authorization, "however, it is expressly understood and agreed that CLG is not a credit repair organization, is not engaged in credit repair, and will not be undertaking any work as to Your credit repair, even though CLG's work services towards resolving debt may have an effect and impact on Your credit. You understand that failure to pay debts as they become due will adversely affect your credit score and will likely continue to incur late fees and penalties on the accounts during the period of representation."
  
  Additionally, we have reviewed the customer's internal file and documentation. During her 90-day follow-up call and quarterly call, it was established that the client understood how long the process would take.
  
  The customer also agreed to a recorded line and said she had no further questions during the calls conducted by our legal team.
  
  We understand that financial matters can be stressful, and delays can lead to frustration. 
  
  Our primary goal is to ensure our clients achieve successful outcomes, even though this sometimes requires extended time and effort. In ***************** case, had she been patient, we are confident that the process would have led to a positive resolution, given our track record of helping clients in similar situations.
  
  We continually strive to improve our processes and communication to minimize delays and better manage client expectations. 
  
  We remain committed to providing the best possible service. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, address any remaining concerns, and find a way forward.

• Initial Complaint

  07/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have used this company for over 2 years now and have paid $410 a month and not one bill has gone away or been paid. There hasnt even been one payment made to any account! I get the same story as others it goes to legal fee. Yet every week I get a new collections letter saying I owe money I send it they say added to your file and thats it. Nothing changes no money has ever gone to my debt in 2 years I have 7 payments left then what? This company is a scam and fraud I have asked for my money back and always goes unanswered. Not one person can ever say yes we have paid this debt or this and its clear they just take your money. If I do not get a refund I will be talking to an attorney

  Business response

  07/19/2024

  By way of background, the client enrolled and executed a Legal Agreement with Consumer Legal Group on April 19, 2023.  11 debts totaling $30,128.00 were enrolled in the program. The customer agreed to make deposits of $410.21 per month with the main purpose of assisting the customer in disputing the ******************** validity of the debts enrolled.
  
  Based on the agreement signed and as explained every time we have the follow-up call,, under Program Acknowledgements, the client understands that "The attorney fees I am paying will go to Consumer Legal Group PC and not to my creditors. The fees do not accumulate towards a settlement, and they will not be used to pay my creditors / debts." and also "Consumer Legal Group PC is a law firm specializing in debt resolution; NOT debt settlement. I understand the difference"
  
  Out of the 11 accounts, ***************** account for $8 985 is in validation review, and the other two for Comenity and ******* Bank have been submitted for dispute.
  
  Additionally, Our VP of Client Relations reached out to the client personally to address all his concerns and issued a refund of $3076.57. We also offered the client representation to help him resolve his account and scheduled a call with our lead attorney.
  
  We hope this clarifies any questions or concerns and sincerely apologize for any miscommunication. We look forward to helping the client achieve his financial goals.

• Initial Complaint

  06/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  October 2023, I signed up with Consumer Legal Group. I was made lots of promises and everything was great. As months went on I never heard from them unless of course my payment didn't go through. Never got updates. I would have to call in everytime and everytime it was the same response we are waiting on your creditors, but this whole time I kept paying. Finally a month and a half ago I called and canceled my account with them because nothing had been done, and requested my money be returned to me. Today I called for the third time requesting my money back and was told I would know something by the end of day tomorrow. I'm furious because they are dragging their feet about returning my money and I need it back to try and pay some bills.

  Business response

  07/09/2024

  By way of background, the client enrolled and executed a Legal Resolution on October 24, 2023.
  
  Our team contacted her for her 60-day- and 90-day follow-*** to ensure the client knew the timeline and how the process worked.
  
  As per her cancellation request, Consumer Legal Group began the cancellation process and ultimately completed it on May 23, 2024.
  
  That day, an email confirming the cancellation process was also sent. Additionally, Our VP of Client Relations reached out to the client to resolve her concerns, and a refund of the deposited funds totaling $1,158.21 was issued via ACH on July 9, 2024.
  
  We hope this clears up any questions or concerns.

  Customer response

  07/12/2024

  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 and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ********************
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Misleading me into signing an agreement. Credit card consolidation company. Made 4 payments of 300$ with idea that thry were paying off credit cards. Instead thry made zero payments and made my credit drop over 200 points. If I hadn't noticed thry would've put my credit into default. **** refuse to refund my money. Many similar complaints online.

  Business response

  07/10/2024

  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We have reviewed your account and apologize for any miscommunication the marketing team provided. 
  
  But as per our internal investigation, everything was explained in the welcome call and explicitly mentioned on the service agreement under Client Authorization"
  
  However, it is expressly understood and agreed that CLG is not a credit repair organization, is not engaged in credit repair, and will not undertake any work regarding your credit repair, even though CLGs services towards resolving debt may affect and impact your credit.
  
  Our records also indicate that you have been in communication with our VP of Client Relations regarding your concerns and received a resolution indicating corrective action and a refund scheduled via ACH on 7/8/24.
  
   We apologize for any inconvenience this matter has caused and appreciate your patience during our resolution.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to lodge a complaint against Consumer Legal Group (CLG) regarding their failure to deliver the advertised services and the significant lack of communication. Despite having paid in full since October 2023, I have experienced numerous issues that remain unresolved, leading to considerable frustration.Firstly, the legal consultation provided by CLG was insufficient. The only advice I received, particularly when representing myself in court against LVNV Funding, would have ultimately cost me more if I had not questioned its validity.Secondly, although harassment from collectors ceased temporarily, no further actions were taken by CLG to resolve my issues. My repeated requests for transparency regarding attempts to communicate with the collectors were ignored. To my knowledge, no attempts have been made to negotiate a settlement with any collectors, and despite numerous requests for updates on this matter, I have not received any substantive responses.Furthermore, I was informed by Attorney *********************************************** that CLG does not represent clients in court appearances. This is a direct contradiction to my understanding of the services advertised. Throughout this period, there has been little to no communication from CLG. My requests for updates and clarification have gone unanswered for months, leaving me feeling unsupported and without clear guidance.I seek a comprehensive update on the attempts made to negotiate with the collectors and any responses received, clarification on the lack of communication and transparency regarding my case, and a detailed plan from CLG on the steps they will take to address and resolve these issues moving forward.If these concerns are not addressed promptly, I will consider seeking alternative legal advice regarding my rights as a consumer and potential actions to take due to the lack of service provided by CLG. I appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  Hi *******, 
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. At Consumer Legal Group, we value each client and strive to ensure that every interaction is positive and meets your expectations.
  
  To address your complaint properly, we would like to set up a call for you to speak with one of our senior attorneys directly. This will allow for a thorough review of your concerns with expert assistance, plus an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have. 
  
  Our legal team will reach out to you to conduct this call. However, if you have specific preferences regarding the timing of the call, please feel free to contact us at ***************************************************************************** Your input is important to us, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. 
  
  Thank you again for reaching out and we look forward to communicating with you soon to resolve this issue. 
  
  All the best, 
  Consumer Legal Group

• Initial Complaint

  06/06/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I Joined the Consumer Legal group via recommendation from Amercian first financial on 04/04/2023. I joined the program because I was instructed from the team that they would eliminate my debts from creditors not being able to validate them and remove all remarks from my credit history to start fresh once completed. I was told this would begin quickly and the average time only takes about six months to free all the debt from my name/report. I have paid the Company $10,000 dollars since then. I have had two accounts be sent to Court with possible judgments against my name. I was forced into an agreement of a document by being told they would take my house and car if I did not accept the offer from the collection's agency. I started this making a total of $340 of minimum payments and $9,000 of debt. I am currently up to almost $12,000 in debt and already paying three times the amount in payments and only closing one of the five accounts in my name. Not to mention the smallest of them all. I am actively looking to presume legal representation for tarnishing my credit, collecting funds from me without any action, and through lack of consumer representation causing me to tarnish my credit score, being dishonest about what the company actually does, and leaving me in a worse place and having to wait another five years to remove the damage done.

  Business response

  06/18/2024

  Hi *******, 
  
  Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. At Consumer Legal Group, we value each client and strive to ensure that every interaction is positive and meets your expectations.
  
  To address your complaint properly, we would like to set up a call for you to speak with one of our senior attorneys directly. This will allow for a thorough review of your concerns with expert assistance as a part of our efforts to resolve your concerns. 

  
  Our legal team will reach out to you to conduct this call. However, if you have specific preferences regarding the timing of the call, please feel free to contact us at ***************************************************************************** Your input is important to us, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. 
  
  Thank you again for reaching out and we look forward to communicating with you soon to resolve this issue. 
  
  All the best, 
  Consumer Legal Group

  Customer response

  06/26/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I have repeatedly asked for an updated action plan, with a breakdown per account, within an email form for documentation. I have requested this information from the first month that I started this program. I was told that the company would represent me and clear my missed payments and account balances within the time assigned to my account. I was persuaded that I would never be placed in a worst financial position then where I started, and I would end up paying a fraction of what I was paying while making my minimum payments before the program. Currently, I have only not removed, but settled one singular account on my starting balance for the lowest amount of Debt, while now between paying them and the new payment to the creditor account, I pay more money in total per month than I did making my minimum payments between all of the accounts in total. I feel as if I have been taken advantage of, lied too, wrongly informed, Persuaded and bullied, into a worse overall financial situation. I am now told I will have to wait another five years once the entire program is done within nine more months; assuming all of the accounts are taken care of, *** I will be making astronomical payments to all of these accounts totaling almost five times the total amount of minimum payments I was making before I started the program. This just feels Illegal, and I feel trapped. I can lose my house, Car, life because this small decision to be persuaded by the untruthful guarantee of this program.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

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

  Business response

  07/10/2024

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your rebuttal once again.
  By way of background, the customer enrolled and executed a ********************** Agreement with CLG on 4/4/2023. Nine debts totaling $25,373.00 were enrolled in the program. 
  
  
  
  The customer agreed to deposit $388.85 monthly into a designated third-party savings account to accumulate funds to negotiate with the customer's creditors.
  
  
  
  Two of the enrolled debts are currently in term settlements at the time of this complaint. 
  
  One debt (Citibank) was already settled from the program and is one of the subjects of the customer's complaint. 
  
  
  
  The agreed settlement reduces the balance to $2,710 from $3,009 in 14 payments: 13 payments of $194 and a final payment of $188. Starting 5/17/2, all payments will be made by the 17th of each month, a 30% reduction of the original debt.  
  
  
  The Agreement was received via email. Sent to the customer for signature via Adobe & SMS on 5/23/2024.
  
  
  
  
  Regarding his request for an updated action plan, we have acknowledged his request, and it was sent on 5/31/2024. 
  
  
  
  The customer has made significant headway in her program and is on track for financial freedom. CLG is confident that it can reach an amicable settlement on behalf of the customer regarding this debt. 
  We hope this clears up any questions and concerns. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I hired Consumer Legal Group around Nov.8 2023 to repair my credit and bring my credit score up to satisfactory standards. I was informed that it could be a lengthy process. Some cases up to 24 months. After six months and my credit score going down and no positive results from CLG, I decided to move on and maybe try someone else. After speaking with CLG, we indeed parted ways. I inquired about a refund due to no improvement in credit score and was eventually sent a denial letter. Stated " no refund to me at this time". I will not accept this denial of funds. I do not expect to nor deserve full refund, some funding should be returned as a fair resolution to very dissatisfied customer.

  Business response

  06/11/2024

  Hello, ******, thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologize for the confusion and we understand how frustrating situations like this can be. In your original service agreement with Consumer Legal Group it states that "You may cancel this agreement at any time and will not be required to pay for any further services as of the date of cancellation. Any fee You pay, however, shall be deemed earned at the time it is paid and is not refundable."

  As discussed over the phone, since you have chosen to cancel, we have ceased our efforts resolving the debts that you have enrolled, however our legal team must be compensated for the work they have done to resolve the enrolled accounts.

  We apologize for the difficulty you have faced and we wish you the best moving forward.

*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. ↩