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:01/14/2025

  Type:Billing 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 enrolled with credit associates in December of 2023. The total of my outstanding debt was roughly $24K across five accounts at the time. They handled my first account (~$3500) and it was fully settled and paid off by summer of 2024 - raising my confidence in the program. My second account, the largest of any (roughly $11K) reached settlement offer and is currently being paid off through the monthly deposits. In October, I was served regarding one of the other delinquent accounts (~$3,900). ********************** gave me legal advice to file a complaint disputed the amount owed, asking for evidence, as a tactic to stall and give their negotiators time to reach a settlement before the judicial process could play out and the lawsuit would be dismissed. In order to do this I was asked to nearly double my savings commitment, which I did as I wanted the lawsuit dismissed and my debt paid off faster. A month and a half passed, nothing happened regarding negotiation but credit associates did take the extra savings commitment to pay themselves out faster on the ~$11K account (in settlement), jumping from their $45/month success fee on the account to $350. I called and they apologized, citing a code error and that they would deposit they money back into my debt savings account and have their negotiation team expedite a settlement on the account I was being sued for and that a settlement and dismissal of case would happen within two weeks or I should call back. Nothing happened after two weeks.Since then, I have called eight times, been on hold for the duration of their system settings, and sent to voicemail. No responses or correspondence.We're now three months removed from when I was served. I have already paid legal fees and the court has set a hearing for February (the judicial process is playing out and credit associates has done none of what they said they would), so more legal fees are on my horizon and Credit Associates has yet to get back to me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/27/2025

  We spoke to Mr. ***** and provided an update on his program. We are diligently working on resolving the one account at issue. Mr. ***** understood our update. Thanks.   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2025

  Type:Billing 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.

  The debt settlement company, Credit Associates, LLC., does not follow through with assurances made to clients that their company will contact creditors in a timely manner in an effort to resolve consumer debit. I would request that the following complaint against ***************************, be submitted to your organization's records. In particular, I requested proof of contact from Credit Associates with Chase **** ******** (creditor). I signed a debt settlement representation agreement with Credit Associates 11 months ago. I was just informed by ******************* that Credit Associates has not yet contacted the above creditor during the whole of the preceding period. I consequently demanded Credit Associates provide me with any proof of contact that was made between Credit Associates and Chase **** ********. Credit Associates representatives have not yet provided requested proof of contact between Credit Associates LLC and *******************. I was informed that a representative from Credit Associates would call me back within ***** hours with an update concerning any subsequent attempts by Credit Associates to contact Chase **** ********. It has now been about a week and I have not yet been called nor contacted by a representative of Credit Associates, LLC. As a result of the negligence and incompetence practiced by Credit Associates, LLC., I am now facing legal action concerning the above delinquent debt. This state of affairs occurred because I followed the instructions delineated by representatives of Credit Associates, LLC., not to contact creditors. By following these express instructions I now find myself facing not only a precipitous lowering of my credit score but also legal action. I would recommend that Credit Associates, *************************************************, contact me directly with a resolution proof of having contacted Chase **** ******** or refund all fees that have been charged to my account.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/27/2025

  We spoke to Mr. ******** and let him know we received an offer on the account at issue. Mr. ******** declined that offer and removed the account at issue from the program. Thank you.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/28/2025

  I am rejecting this response because: The debt settlement company, Credit Associates, LLC., does not follow through with assurances made to clients that their company will contact creditors in a timely manner in an effort to resolve consumer debit. Credit Associates did not contact Chase **** ******** even after 11 months. This negligence resulted in my facing legal action concerning the above delinquent debt. Subsequently, I contacted ******************* directly in an effort to resolve the outstanding debt on my own behalf. Afterwards, Credit Associates, LLC., contacted me with a settlement offer that was substantially greater than that which I negotiated with ****************** directly. As a result, I rejected the more expensive settlement offer negotiated by Credit Associates, LLC., and went with the settlement that I negotiated directly with Chase **** ********, which was substantially less. This state of affairs occurred because I followed the instructions delineated by representatives of Credit Associates, LLC., not to contact creditors. By following Credit Associates express instructions I found myself facing not only a precipitous lowering of my credit score but also legal action.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/28/2025

  As Mr. ******** states, he rejected the offer we obtained (which would have been lower in the future as we kept working the account) and removed the account from our program. Once an account is removed from our program, we can take no further on it. The account is out of our hands at that point. We have been in business for numerous years and obtain deep discounts for our clients every day. Our clients are routinely happy with the results we obtain for them. Again, here, because the account at issue has been removed from the program, there is nothing further we or any company can do. We have taken all reasonable steps to address this matter. Thank you.      

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/13/2025

  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.

  Land ********* Cell- I do not answer either if I do not recognize the number or leave a message-they always leave a message wanting call back so they can finish paperwork to send me money $70,000. I have NEVER called for any help. They have called for over 9 months ever day! 9:00am-8pm leaving a message on my recorder to call back right away. They leave a number & message then 3-5 minutes later call again. Just today 11:42,12:43, 12:46,3:54,3"56,4:02, 4:06 !!!Her name - *** and there has been ******. I have Blocked but now this service is maxed out and can't take #'s. ************ Also receive mail - Credit Assoc ********************************************** I want these Harassing calls and mail deliveries STOPPED, I am not interested

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/14/2025

  Pursuant to his request, Mr. ******** has been completely opted out of and removed from our records. No further communications will be directed to him. Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/13/2024

  Type:Billing 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.

  Credit associates has been taking $193.30 out of my bank account and depositing it into the savings account I have with them. The hope with their program is its a savings based program and they will work with the credit card company and negotiate a settlement on my debt based on how much is in savings. I am being sued by the credit card company and I cant afford to have this money continually taken out of my account every other week. I have called countless times, I have emailed them more than once and all attempts have been futile. I feel at this point they are stealing from me and holding my money hostage. This company needs to stop the withdrawals from my personal bank account right away and give me my money that has been saved back in my global holdings savings balance.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/23/2024

  We spoke to Ms. ******** and fully explained the status of her program. All was understood and accepted. Thank you. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/03/2024

  Type:Billing 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 submitting this formal complaint against Credit Associates regarding their negligent handling of my debt settlement program, which has caused significant financial harm and undue stress. Below is a summary of the issues I have experienced:I enrolled with Credit Associates in July ************************************************* manage and resolve my debts. However, one of my accounts, which I have provided documentation for, was never worked on by them. This account was marked as bad debt by the creditor, which negatively impacted my credit score. Despite my repeated attempts to bring this to their attention, including providing necessary documents, they did not address the issue or reach out to the creditor.Credit Associates charged excessive fees, as reflected in the breakdown they provided. According to their report, they collected $2,908.75 in fees, which is a significant portion of the money I sent them. I also noticed that only one account had been closed despite multiple payments being made.Communication from Credit Associates was inadequate. They did not keep me informed about the progress of my accounts, and I only received communication when they needed more money. There was no proactive outreach or effort to resolve issues in a timely manner.After realizing that Credit Associates was not fulfilling their obligations, I chose to cancel the program. I am left feeling that my funds were mismanaged, and my credit has been severely impacted due to their failure to properly manage my accounts.Based on these experiences, I believe Credit Associates has violated the trust of their customers, and I request that they be held accountable for their poor practices.I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your assistance in resolving this complaint.Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,***** ********

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/03/2024

  We communicated with Mr. ******** and agreed to issue a partial refund. We will also ensure Mr. ******** receives a much better client experience moving forward. Thank you.   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/19/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  May 2020 entered into the program. It was a 48 month program at $490 a month . Each month money was taken out properly. April on 2024 the program should have been done. I called and they agreed ( February of 2024). They are still taking money out of my account , so I blocked them and called for an explanation. Bunch of babble and no real answer . I also requested that an email be sent as to why you are still taking money out and what the balance is . The quote was "We do not email". When I explained I just go an email from them looking for referrals she would not answer. All I am looking for is an answer . Why are you still taking money out of my account . You have taken seven (7) payments out that you are not entitled to. I get certain charges for a few hundred dollars not be covered but almost $4000 is not acceptable. "THE PROGEAM IS DONE"

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/02/2024

  We fully explained all program payments to Mr. ****** and he now understands the status of our services. Thank you.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/02/2024

  The issue has been resolved. Misunderstanding on both parts . I worked with ***** ***** from the company . She got me the correct information and we resolved the issue together. 

  They should have started taking money in May of 2020  but did not until November . After I got my statements - verified they were correct, and we agreed on an amount to complete the transaction. 

  BIG THUMBS up to Ms. ***** !!!!!!!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/04/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/15/2024

  Type:Customer Service 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 never authorized them to run my credit, yet for some reason I keep getting letters in the mail with specific amounts of credit on it, that I never signed up for. I want the mail and any other communication to stop. Im not interested and never authorized for you to access my information and will happily contact a lawyer if you ever do again.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/18/2024

  Pursuant to her request, we are fully opting Ms. ****** out of our records so she will not receive offers from us in the future (except for anything already in the mail stream). Ms. ****** is fully opted out. Thank you.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/18/2024

  Ill accept this after I dont receive anything in a while.  Already today I got another mail piece from them.  Check back with me in like a month and Ill resolve this IF I dont receive anything else.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/06/2024

  Type:Billing 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.

  Credit associates lead me to believe that giving them $149 bi weekly that they would have me debt free with my credit cards, I have given them over $4000 and only $1400 has went towards my credit cards, still have outstanding cards, they have pocketed over $2000 for their company and keep asking me to increase my monthly payments, they send me statements saying they can help with the remaining credit cards for extra money, thats not what they told me when I signed up for their program, they said in 3 years I would be debt free, if Ive sent $4000 in a year and only $1400 has been towards some credit cards , in 3 years I wont be no where done , its been at a stand still for months, they just keep asking for more money, they mislead me and is ripping me off financially, they have fraudulently lied to me trying to tell me by sending more money they could help me, Im not wanting to deal with this company, its a scam for their company to make money off of me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/15/2024

  Pursuant to her request, we have canceled Ms. *********** program with our company and are issuing her a full refund. Ms. ********* will receive that refund within 7 to 9 days. Thank you. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/15/2024

  Hello, today is 11/15/24 I received the message that credit associates sent to BBB, they said they closed my account and will be sending me a full refund within 5-7 business days, they never stated how much they would be refunding me, Im very frustrated and disappointed in the way credit associates used my money to benefit their company, I was mislead and lied to by this company, all my money Ive sent over year, not even half went towards my credit card debt, they pocketed most of it for their company. Whats my refund amount? Thank you, ***** ********* 11/15/24 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/20/2024

  I am rejecting this response because:   

  Hello, today is 11/15/24 I received the message that credit associates sent to BBB, they said they closed my account and will be sending me a full refund within 5-7 business days, they never stated how much they would be refunding me, Im very frustrated and disappointed in the way credit associates used my money to benefit their company, I was mislead and lied to by this company, all my money Ive sent over year, not even half went towards my credit card debt, they pocketed most of it for their company. Whats my refund amount? Thank you, ***** ********* 11/15/24 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/21/2024

  The total fees we charged Ms. ********* for our services was $1,872.37 - - that is the amount of the full refund we have issued. We have canceled the account and issued a full refund as requested. Thank you.   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/21/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/05/2024

  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.

  I enlisted the help of Credit associates to pay off mounting credit card debt. After months of payments to them totaling $1497.33 I inquired to find out where exactly these payments were going upon finding out they were with a seperate entity *******************. Once I accessed my global holdings account it seemed as though all of my money was going to fees to both credit associates and global holdings. On 9/30/24 as youll see in my attached documents its stated that $958.83 was sent to one of my creditors, ************ but upon opening the check youll see it is only for $50.00. Further questioning revealed that the remaining ****** was directly collected by credit associates although there is no check or paper trail to show that information. In total my credit card only received $100.00 of the $1497.34 that I sent to them.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/18/2024

  We spoke to Ms. ****** and agreed to issue her a refund. Ms. ****** will receive that refund within 6 to 8 days. Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/28/2024

  Type:Billing 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 enrolled with Credit associates in Jan 2023 to have them negogiate with 2 credit card companies to reduce the amount owed. They told me it was for a 12 month period and I would make payments of $1518.00 for a year. I paid for a year and ******* has now been well over a year and a half and they called today to let me know that if I don't pay $2200 more dollars that my accounts will default and I will be sent to collections. I was promised that my debt would be reduced by $7000 by signing up with the program. I am now over $4000 in the hole and they have ruined my near perfect credit by flat out lying. I want my money back! I trusted a company that promised to save me money on my cards that had no interest. Instead of saving any money, they got $4k and I have lousy credit and out the thousands of dollars. Can someone please help me out. This is clearly a scam.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/05/2024

  We spoke to Ms. ******** and provided a full update on her program. We also agreed to issue a partial refund to Ms. ********* She will receive that refund within 6 to 8 days. Thank you.