ComplaintsforDebtBlue

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Before DebtBlue, all my accounts were in good standing, my credit score was good (660) and I was slowly but surely working my way out of debt. July 2022. They offered me all my payments wrapped into one, a lower interest rate, and a savings of about $50 a month. When I wanted to take some time to think about the plan they had set up, they pressured me to sign immediately because they were already extending a promotion. That should have been the first red flag.They did not tell me that my accounts would need to first go into collections before they could acquire them. So for four months I ignored attempts at collecting payments I was now sending to DebtBlue and watching my credit score crash before my eyes. (Now 550)Many headaches later: I called to discuss lowering my monthly payments because inflation and cost of gas and living has made it impossible to meet them as they are ($400 a month). New monthly payments could not arranged but they told me I could skip the month. They told me I had nothing to worry about and my next payment would be the following month. So there was no money for the draft because it wasnt scheduled to happen (and I didnt have it to begin with). They drafted the money anyway, overdrawing my account by $400. Since then it has been a horrible back and forth trying to get the money put back into my account to avoid overdraft fees from my bank. DebtBlue hasnt been willing to work with me at all throughout this. Knowing I didnt have the money for this months payment, they wouldnt work with me to lower my monthly payments despite there being money in my escrow. They told me they would skip the payment. I found out after that they changed their mind. I was then told that they would reverse the draft. After 2 days I called back to find out they have to wait for it to clear which will be another 2 days at least. They havent been helpful AT ALL. They mislead me, destroyed my credit, and have paid themselves more than my creditors.

  Customer response

  05/17/2023

  These two photos show the drastic drop in my credit score as a result of DebtBlues program. Images of more months can be supplied as needed.

  

  Business response

  05/30/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. DebtBlue is sensitive to the fact that increased cost of living expenses can make it difficult to maintain existing expenditures, and do everything possible to make accommodations where possible. Making this change for the claimant required two active settlements to be voided, something we try to avoid at all costs, however the opportunity to re-negotiate these debts at a later date does exist once additional client savings contributions accumulate. We see that there is an active request for a manager to contact the claimant to discuss this matter in further depth, and we trust that all questions can be answered in short order. We look forward to speaking with ************** at his earliest convenience to ensure that he has a full understanding of his 36-month program as DebtBlue continues to work toward successful elimination of his outstanding debt. 
  

  Customer response

  05/30/2023

  As of 5/30/2023 I am still waiting for a supervisor/ manager to get in touch with me. I have called several additional times and each time have been told no one is available and a manager will call me back. Since my initial complaint, I have found out that DebtBlue neglected to pay one of my collectors for the month of April. I was told that this payment was rejected by the collector for some reason and as such, the money has been forfeited. It would not be put back into my escrow, the payment would not be attempted again, the money was just gone. Every time I call in an attempt at speaking to a manager to get one thing resolved, I learn of yet ANOTHER problem. They just keep stacking up and NOTHING is getting resolved. I am told that no one has the ability to help me and that the managers are always busy. I finally got the amount reversed for the month of May but have not been able to discuss any my negative experience with someone who has the ability to actually correct the issue and actually discuss what the desired resolution is. Im starting to feel like theyre hiding from me because they know how far in the wrong they actually are here

  Customer response

  05/30/2023

  I am rejecting this response because:   
  

  I still have not spoken to a manager about this situation. I have just found out that DebtBlue missed paying one of my settlement payments for the month of April. I was told that the creditor rejected the payment for some reason. No one could tell me why that would have happened. I was told that payment to them would be forfeited, that it would not be returned to my escrow and that it would not be resubmitted to the creditor. The money was just gone and I would not be getting it back. This is more than just the issues surrounding the may payment. This is about the predatory method that DebtBlue used to trick me into signing with them when I had a 660 credit score and none of my bills in collections. They did not tell me how the program worked and that my bills needed to be in collections. I have had nothing but trouble with them from that point forward. The situation is *** where I was told that I could skip the payment incorrectly and the payment was then drafted anyway, and then finding out that they neglected to pay my April bill and that money is apparently just gone?  I need to speak to a manager who has the ability to work with me and figure out what is going to be done to make this situation right. Something NEEDS to be done to make this situation right.

  

  Business response

  06/09/2023

  As of the date of this communication, we have confirmed that contact has been made with the claimant to discuss the aforementioned concerns. We 

  In regard to the April settlement payment in question, those funds were made available to the creditor to be pulled via ACH/Check by Phone, and contact was made with the creditor when the funds weren't processed in a timely manner. The creditor failed to process this transaction, and the funds were successfully reversed back to the claimant's account on 5/8/2023. We understand the claimant's frustration regarding the May deposit, and must re-iterate that doing so placed the settlements in jeopardy--eventually due to the matter the settlements were voided at the direction of the claimant. This situation is addressed within the client enrollment agreement on page 12, section 6, which states: "Client(s) acknowledges and agrees that for settlements that are already in place, it is Client(s) responsibility to ensure sufficient funds are available in Client(s) SPA, otherwise a breach of settlement agreement could occur."

  All settlement payments paid to their creditors has been credited to the principal balance of each debt, and the opportunity exists for additional arrangements to be made. We regret that the program and its requirements did not suit the claimant, and wish them the very best as they continue on the path to resolving their debt. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I have made numerous attempts to contact ***************** and Debt Blue for resolution regarding the false premise I was brought into the program under. I was told when I enrolled that by doing so the agency could likely save me up to $5000.00 on debts with Upstart (another consolidation loan program) and Amazon accounts.To date, Debt Blue/***************** has taken more money from me than they stated they settled each account for and continues to have me on a payment plan to June ****. I have called and emailed and have never been responded to with information or resolution. I called CLG again today but was told they would call me back. I have heard this many times from those answering their phones, or that they do not know how to resolve and someone will get back to me that can. This has never happened.I am issuing a formal complaint with the H363137**3238313831H, cc&#**;d on this email for reference and will be seeking legal advisement if this can be taken to court to resolve for atleast the amount of money that was taken by the ***************** to pay themselves for "settling" my accounts for lesser money. Which they did not.

  

  Business response

  05/10/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. DebtBlue has taken the necessary steps to discuss this matter directly with our client and resolve their concerns, including the possibility of accelerating their debt relief program. In the event that additional questions or concerns arise, we encourage our client to contact our Client Success Team immediately at ************.
  
  

  Customer response

  05/11/2023

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  04/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Want To Know If They Paid Off All Of My Debts? $12,300 Was Supposed To Be Paid Off. With A Monthly Payment Of $316.83 Per Month To Debt Blue Until Loan Was Payed Off. Havent Heard If They Paid It Off. Keep Getting Calls From Creditors Saying Still Owe Them Money. Need To Find Out If They Paid Them Off. Its Been Over 5 Months.

  

  Business response

  05/10/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. DebtBlue has been in contact with our client's authorized agent to address their concerns and provide the necessary updates related to their program. In the event of any additional questions or concerns, we encourage our client to contact our Client Success Team immediately at ************.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My wife and I signed an agreement with DebtBlue to help us consolidate our debt. We listed 7 accounts, the largest one being a **** of America credit card with an outstanding balance of $13,000. As part of the agreement I make a monthly payment of $393 for a total of 44 payments to an account at GBH Holdings to pay for the settlements. This amount is based on what DebtBlue would require to settle all 7 accounts. DebtBlue has settled 5 of the 7 accounts listed in our agreement the 5 smallest accounts. On March 30 we received a summons from ***, so I immediately called to ask for their assistance. I was told to send them the paperwork, which I immediately did, but the company did not respond. I called repeatedly and sent several emails but nobody called me back. With only two days to go before the court hearing I finally sent them an email threatening to cancel the agreement and they replied via email that they had been unable to reach me so they left a voicemail and asked me to call them back to discuss my options. I finally called the lawyer representing *** and negotiated a settlement directly with them. I then requested that DebtBlue remove this account from the list and adjust the monthly payment to subtract this amount but their answer was that they would not change the draft amount due to me handling the *** account on my own so we can build funds and clear up the remaining accounts. Of course, they asked me to call them for any further questions. I am complaining because this company failed to represent me with the largest and most difficult account. They ignored my calls and emails and now expect me to continue paying the same amount even though I have taken responsibility for the largest account. I feel they failed to help me in the most difficult moment and now pretend to continue to take advantage of us.

  

  Business response

  04/25/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. We have reviewed this account and made contact with our client directly to address these valid concerns and are working together on an amicable resolution. Thank you for allowing DebtBlue the opportunity to earn your trust back after falling short of your expectations; based on your feedback we implemented procedures to ensure this is not the experience for present or future clients, and hope that is evident as we continue to work on your behalf. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  04/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company violates the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). They attempt to use a 'dialing service' as an excuse for calling people on the federal Do Not Call list. I called their main number and they could not provide me a copy of the company's Do Not Call policy. These are both violations of the act.

  

  Business response

  04/13/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. Our records show four inbound calls from the claimant, all dated March 28, and as a result of their wish to not be contacted was placed in a 'do not contact' status immediately upon request, per DebtBlue policy. DebtBlue is committed to consumer protection while adhering to all local, state, and federal laws and in furtherance of our compliance, screenshots have been provided to show the dates where the claimant filled out an online form prior to March 28 consenting to receive additional information related to educational programs. 

  Customer response

  04/14/2023

  I am rejecting this response because:   

  The 'express consent' is not me. This may be my phone number and name, but it is not my email or physical address. The 'express consent' is also regarding receiving text messages from 'Serpatum' and 'Hippo Holding'. I never received a text message; I received a phone call. The federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA; 47 U.S.C. 227) and its implementing regulations (47 C.F.R. *******) require that a company obtains my express and written consent before being contacted. The provided file does not show that I signed anything allowing them to contact me, that I was the one who authorized it, or that it is a true and correct document. As far as I am concerned, this is a fraudulent document that the company generated to protect themselves.

  Regarding my four inbound calls, I was attempting to receive a copy of the company's Do Not Call policy, which they failed to deliver to me. I believe that they do not have a Do Not Call Policy. I am on the National Do Not Call List and any telemarketing software would show my number. I know; I've used such software in the past. 

  You cannot absolve yourself of liability for the illegal communications on the grounds that you just receive referrals or inbound phone calls from a third-party, or just because you didn't call me directly. The *** adamantly disagrees with the notion that simply hiring someone else to break the law for you absolves you of responsibility, even if you allege that you were unaware that they were engaging in illegal marketing efforts. You are ultimately responsible for the actions of the telemarketers with whom contract, and multiple courts have held to this effect. The law makes very clear the fact that you must have prior, express, written, consent from me to make, or have made on your behalf, can call my phone. The concept of vicarious liability does in fact make you responsible for the calls.

  

  Business response

  04/20/2023

  We regret that you are still have questions regarding the express consent which was provided; the opt-in screenshots were provided to DebtBlue by our marketing partner ****************** based on the information provided to them by the user at the ** addresses listed on the documentation. We recommend for the claimant to contact them directly with any concerns related to these submissions, as any inquiry or contact was made directly by this partner then referred to DebtBlue based on the answers to pre-screening questions provided by the claimant. 

  DebtBlue has abided by its internal procedure regarding the claimant's request to not be contacted, which we have respected fully in this matter. Attached is a copy of the aforementioned internal procedure: DebtBlue Standard Operating Procedure: Opt-Out/Do Not Contact. Personally identifying and/or internal information which does not impact the efficacy or execution of the policy has been redacted. 

   

   

   

  Customer response

  04/21/2023

  I am rejecting this response because: the business is still trying to abscond responsibility by blaming third parties for their own actions. Again, the 'consent' form the company provided says nothing about phone calls; it only specifies that they individual that signs it accepts they will receive text correspondence about education. I received a phone call about debt consolidation. I assume that the company is trying to wiggle around any sort of responsibility and will continue to conduct bad business practices as the fines will be less than the money they make. 

• Initial Complaint

  01/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  STAY AWAY FROM DEBTBLUE- PROFESSIONAL SCAMMERS: Wow based on the other complaints here it looks like I got off easy- DebtBlue only ripped me off for less than $1,000. Basically Debtblue sent me a contract that specifically states that I have to approve of any and all debt settlement agreements with creditors. In reality they will accept "on your behalf" when the settlement amount is less than 50% of the amount owed, or if they have texted or emailed you and you don't reply within 48 hours. These last two scenarios were surprises to me- they sent a separate page with my forged signature on it supposedly authorizing these "loopholes" - I only signed the original 28 page client services agreement. They have yet to provide the forged e-signature IP adress or other verification that I signed the mystery agreement authorizing them to accept any offer they got (which I would never agree to). They proceeded with accepting an unsatisfactory debt settlement offer, took a $600+ fee for themselves, made two unauthorized payments to the creditor of $350+, then when I cancelled they emptied the remaining $170 in my account for "fees" they refuse to specify. Truly one of the most pathetic scammers I've ever encountered. Unbelievably brazen and bold- I don't know how they get away with this level of fraud and deception. They sell hard and paint a rosy picture when you are considering signing on and then fall completely off the map when you need them or have questions about your account. Call your credit card companies directly, claim hardship and get on a payment program yourself. The only value I thought DB would provide is some magical ability to negotiate extremely low agreements- not so. Stay away.

  

  Business response

  02/02/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced.
  
  DebtBlue has spoken with the claimant regarding the issues presented here, and as a result of signed explicit authorization on file which is part of his enrollment agreement, DebtBlue was provided the authorization to complete the settlement in question on ************************ behalf. All fees paid to DebtBlue were fully eared as a result of the successful negotiation of his Comenity account (which was a 55% reduction of debt), in full accordance with the Telemarketing Sales Rule governed by the *************************
  
  For reference, we have attached a copy of the claimant's Client Enrollment Agreement where, on page 22, the client electronically signed the afore-referenced Consent for Explicit Authorization which provided DebtBlue the ability to accelerate the approval process and move forward with a settlement meeting specific criteria unless the client declines the offer within 48 hours of the notification. We notified the claimant of the offer details via SMS on December 1, 2022, called the client without successful contact on December 5, 2022, and the settlement was executed on December 7, 2022. The settlement obtained was a significant reduction of the debt, and we highly recommend that the claimant coordinate with the original creditor to keep the settlement intact to avoid any penalties imposed by the creditor as a result of not completing the settlement terms.
  
  On page 28 of the Client Enrollment Agreement, you will find a completion certificate which defines the Email and IP address from where the agreement was executed by the claimant, accompanied by specific dates and times related to the full execution of the agreement. The allegation that this agreement was forged in any way is patently false. This agreement was provided to the claimant via email upon the execution of the agreement on August 8, 2022 via Clixsign, and again upon request on January 11, 2022.
  
  We wish the claimant the very best as they continue to work toward financial freedom.
  See Attachment/File: Client Enrollment Agreement-****************************pdf

• Initial Complaint

  01/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I opened this account in October. Not one payment ever came out of my checking account. I emailed to close this account this morning because I went another direction for lack of any services with this company and upon closing a withdrawal of $485.00 was STOLEN from my checking account.

  

  Business response

  01/28/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. Following review of the claimant's account, the January transaction referenced in this complaint was stopped and never fully processed or cleared. A member of our Leadership Team will be in contact with the claimant on Monday, January 30th to discuss the necessary steps for refund of the stop payment fee as requested.
  
  While we are sorry to have lost you as a client, we wish you continued success on your journey to financial freedom. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Client Success Team at or *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I received a flyer from the **** postal service regarding using DebtBlue. I went online and filled out the form (which provided zero information on what DebtBlue even is) and then suddenly the phone calls and emails began. In a span of a week, Debt Blue has contacted me approximately 50 times. This includes sending 8 emails within one minute and nonstop phone calls, even though I've blocked every number so far that has come through. I have responded to every email requesting to be removed from all mailing and call lists and yet, I keep getting MORE EMAILS AND MORE PHONE CALLS! Another guy called this morning and I said STOP CONTACTING ME, but instead of removing me from the mailing list, he just hung up on me. So I called him back and he hung up on me again but would not remove me from the contact lists. There is no way this harassment is legal. I will NEVER use your company, it's a waste of time for DebtBlue to continue wasting their employee's time harassing me. Stop contacting me as I have written proof of responding to every email which proves the harassment.

  

  Business response

  01/28/2023

  Thank you for the opportunity to address your concerns, we apologize for the frustration and inconvenience you have experienced. We take consumer opt-out requests very seriously, and DebtBlue records show that no further contact was made after 12/20/22 per the claimant's request. Based on the additional content provided in this complaint, we will take immediate action to ensure all internal protocol related to opt-out requests is followed, and introduce additional safeguards as necessary.
  

  Customer response

  01/30/2023

  (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
  Phone calls and emails have finally stopped

• Initial Complaint

  12/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted this company on Saturday, December 3 for trying to get a loan. Once application was filled out the only option was for me to do a debt consolidation. First. I received an offer from this company via mail for a loan, while on the phone with company (over an hour), they took the required information and sent an email with link, stating that the only option that would show up would be the DebtBlue option. I find that funny same company that offered the loan. The option was their debt consolidation loan. Which I did agree to at the time. While on the phone with Kathy, I was informed to sign four different contracts while on the phone with them. One being a 28 page document. Really, they are going to force people to sign a document t that is 28 pages while on the phone for an hour. Without thinking, I signed. After hanging up, I began reading the 28 page document, While on the phone with Kathy, I told her I was hesitant on doing this, because I did not want bad credit., After starting to read the 28 page document, I then started not agreeing with anything. First, 95% of the document isn't filled out with correct information. In the section where it lists reason for contact and for the loan, Kathy kept referring to me as a SHE.. Through out the whole section, it say's SHE, I was on the phone with this woman for over an hour and how she can refer to me as a SHE is beyond me. Once I read all that, I then emailed here starting I will not be following through with this that I have items in the house I can sell to take care of my debt problems. I also told here to CANCEL immediately. This is still the same day.. Saturday. After our initial conversation, she said a ***** would be reaching out to me. He never did. I have sent them EMAILS stating I am no going through with this because the information you provided on my contracts were NOT CORRECT!

• Initial Complaint

  12/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  They rushed me to sign a debt consolidation document and never picked my calls.

  

  Business response

  02/03/2023

  see attachment
  See Attachment/File: bus reply.pdf

  Customer response

  02/08/2023

  Debt blue has responded.

*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. ↩