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Business Profile

Debt Relief Services

Debt Advisors of America

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 41 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 9 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

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.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/14/2023

    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 received a letter in the mail today regarding adjustment of my credit account with ***** Fargo and other etc. about settlement of a outstanding balance. I pay my bills every month and I am in good standing.To receive a letter of Failure to Respond within 10 days is harassment.Im asking them to cease their unwanted communication.I find it very disturbing and unacceptable.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/26/2023

    Hello **************,

     

    I have removed your name from our database. You will not receive any future offers form our company. If you have any further concerns, please feel free to contact me directly. 

    Thank you,

    ******

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/29/2023

    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 only want to echo the other submissions on this company regarding a very aggressively worded letter that has a failure to respond to message within 10 days, and it appears to be a collection letter which it is not. It is manipulative and misleading.

    Business Response

    Date: 10/28/2023

    Hello,

    Thank you for reaching out. We are sorry that our offer has caused you trouble. I have confirmed that you have been removed form our mailing list. You will not be contacted by our company in the future. 

     

    Thank you,

    ******

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/06/2023

    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.
    Agreed to work with Debt Advisor of America in fall of 2022 to consolidate debt, and was promised by ****** that the methods they used would only impact my credit score for a few months while ********************** did their work and resolved the debts. As of now my credit is still 100 points lower than when I first started working with them and now I'm unable to get a business loan because there are recent delinquencies still on my credit report. I was lied to directly about the impact that working with them would have on my credit and it's having negative impacts on my ability to start a business.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/09/2023

    Hello ********************,

    Thank you for reaching out. I have investigated your claim with the information currently available to me. 

     I am able to see that you signed the agreement with ********* Law Firm on October 6th, 2022 and that you completed the Welcome Call with ********* Law Firm on November 11th, 2022. All disclosures were agreed upon through the signing of the agreement, and verbally through the completion of the Welcome Call with *********. 

    While I do not have access to the specifics of your file, I am able to see that ********* Law has made progress on your account by settling one of the three enrolled debts. You enrolled into a 48 month program, which means it could take up to 48 months for all three accounts to be settled. The funds that have been building up in your escrow account will be what is used to fuel the rest of your settlements. 

    Please let me know if you would like copies of the disclaimers and disclosures that you agreed to both by signing the agreement and on the welcome call with ********* Law.

    If you have any other questions or concerns about the timing of your additional settlements, please reach out to ********* Law. Their phone number is ************ and the email is *********************************. 

     

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/10/2023

    All that explanation is great, but that is NOT what ****** explained to me when going over how the program works in our initial call or while signing the contracts. The main concern of my complaint is that, after being asked how the program would affect my credit score, ****** repeatedly informed me there would be only be an impact to my score for a few months while the accounts were settled. That was a BLATANT lie based off what has occured and what your response states.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/15/2023

    ********************,

    Thank you for your additional feedback. 

    We have reviewed all available information. Our investigation found that all pertinent information on how the program works was disclosed before enrollment.
    We do understand how stressful being in debt can be. As you continue to make payments into your escrow account, additional accounts will be settled as more funds become available for disbursement to your creditors. Your finances should naturally move towards a healthier position as additional debts are settled. 

    Thank you again for reaching out and allowing us to review your claim. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 08/16/2023

    Provide evidence that all these misrepresentations were covered by ******. They most certainly were not, and there were false promises made that go directly against what you are claiming. Either provide a recording of our conversation or accept that your representative lied in order to get a sale.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/28/2023

    Hello ********************,

    If you wish to cancel your file, you will need to contact your service provider directly.

    ********* Law can be reached at ************ and the email is *********************************. 

    Thank you.


  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/26/2023

    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 writing to lodge a complaint against Debt Advisors of America, a business that I have no prior association with. I received a letter from them in the mail on 26 July 2023 addressed to my wife, which initially appeared to be a debt collection notice. This document used terms like ************************** "Failure to Respond", "Notice Number", "Notice Date", and requested that I contact their office within 10 days regarding "adjustments of my credit accounts". The letter included the names of reputable financial institutions like Bank of America, Citibank, ***************** *****, ***** Fargo, and American Express.The communication was worded in a threatening manner, creating an impression that a debt was being collected. A "Program Example" with debt dollar amounts was even given, which increased the potential for confusion. It was only upon a meticulous examination of the fine print at the bottom of the letter that it was revealed no debt was, in fact, owed.This kind of communication is misleading and could potentially trick individuals into wrongly assuming they have a debt that this company can help negotiate or adjust. This has caused me undue stress and confusion, and I am concerned about the impact on others who may receive similar letters.I would like to request that the BBB investigate this issue and take necessary steps to ensure Debt Advisors of America ceases this misleading practice. It is essential for consumers to be able to trust the communication they receive, and currently, this company is exploiting that trust.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/31/2023

    Hello,

    We understand that you are not interested in this offer, or receiving any further communication from our company. I can confirm that you have been successfully removed from our mailing list. You will not receive any future offers in the mail. 

    Thank you for your time,

    ******

    Customer Answer

    Date: 07/31/2023

    While I acknowledge your confirmation of removing my contact information from your mailing list, I must express my remaining concerns. The practices as evidenced by your initial communication appear to exist within a "gray zone" of ********** law. Although not strictly illegal, these tactics are ethically questionable. The style and language used in your communication could easily mislead a recipient into believing they are in debt, a tactic which I find manipulative and unacceptable. While I am no legal expert, I would strongly suggest that your organization review its communication and marketing strategies to ensure they are not only legally sound but also ethically responsible. Misleading consumers, even unintentionally, can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion, and risk damaging your company's reputation and trust with the public. Although your assurance of my removal from your mailing list is a step in the right direction, it does not fully address my concerns about your business practices. I cannot accept your response as a comprehensive solution to the issues I've raised. Therefore, I will be lodging a formal complaint with the ************************ (FTC) to further investigate this matter. It is my hope that my feedback will prompt an evaluation of your practices and ****** improvements where necessary, leading to more transparent and responsible communication.

    Business Response

    Date: 08/09/2023

    ************************,

    I am very sorry to hear of how much trepidation you have experienced due to your wife receiving this offer. 
    We are a legitimate business that follows all regulations for obtaining customers. 
    Your wife will not receive any future offers from our company. 
    I wish you the very best. 


    Kind Regards,
    ******

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/08/2023

    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 LIVE IN A ** SAFE HOUSE DO NOT SHARE MY INFORMATION, EVEN THAT IN YOUR MUST LET US SECTION In receipt of a letter stating "10 days" to respond to a matter inclusive of credit card information that states **Failure to Respond** that makes one reading feel uncomfortable, threatened, and then it is a scammy way to reduce payments by making your credit card holders lower monthly (AGAIN scam like) as this would lower your credit rating drastically, as a negotiation. Calling these "unpaid obligations". BBB seems to ignore other complaints, and allowing we will remove you from of mailing list as ok, but elderly people, lower mental capacity, or lowered skills may do this, and then are trapped unable to purchase anything else of value, I am not at a financial loss, but clearly the first look making it appear you are behind in payments - for a PTSD person, is quite disturbing, and raises ** to 290, with dyspnea. STOP these people, quite accepting oh we will remove only people who complain still put others at risk.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/10/2023

    Hello ********************,

    Thank you for your feedback. 

    Our company follows all regulations to ensure we are fully compliant with all communications and business practices. We understand you are not interested in our services. In order to successfully remove you from our mailing list, we need your full mailing address.

    Everyone who receives the offer has the same opportunity to either learn more about the options we have to offer or opt-out of future correspondence. 

    Please provide your full mailing address so we can ensure you no longer receive further communication from us.

    Thank you,

    *************************

     

     

    Customer Answer

    Date: 07/10/2023

    this is not federally approved means to attract business (appears threatening), The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act makes it illegal for debt collectors, or lenders to harass or **threaten** you which the tone of this companys letter does, scaring people.  The lenders can't *********** your credit report without your consent, hence you could not know my debt thankfully, although BBB cares not (The **** also holds your company accountable).  

    This is also not ethical as it makes people feel as though there is an attempt to make one think they have a missing payment, when not true.

    BBB should revoke this rating.

    Business Response

    Date: 07/13/2023

    Our company follows all regulations to ensure we are fully compliant with all communications and business practices.

    We understand you are not interested in our services. I can confirm that you have been removed from our future mailing list.

    You will not receive any future offers from our company.

    Thank you!

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/03/2023

    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.
    Dear Debt Advisors of America,I am writing to express my extreme disappointment with your company's actions. On July 3, 2023, I was shocked to discover that you had withdrawn $830.87 from my checking account. This withdrawal was made even after I had informed your company on June 19, 2023, that I did not want to participate in your program.I cannot express how upset I am that your company would conduct such a fraudulent practice. You had no authorization to withdraw funds from my account after I made it clear that I did not want to participate in your program. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and goes against the principles of good business practice.I will be notifying the Better Business Bureau of your fraudulent practices, and I urge you to rectify this situation as soon as possible. I demand that you return the $830.87 that you withdrew from my account without my authorization.I am extremely disappointed and saddened by your company's activities, and I hope that you take swift action to resolve this matter as soon as possible. It's my hope that this serves as a wake-up call for your business to adopt more ethical practices moving forward.Sincerely,***************************

    Business Response

    Date: 07/07/2023

    ********************,

    I wanted to be sure you have received your refund. Please let me know if you do not receive it by Monday, July 10th. 

    Thank you again for your time on the phone.

    I am very sorry for the inconvenience and hardship this mistake caused you. 

    Please let me know if you need anything else. 

    *************************

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/28/2023

    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.
    Today, 6/28/23, I received a letter in the mail that was threatening and misleading (attached). It had the telltale **** of a scam ("urgency") by saying I had only 10 days to respond, and "***failure to respond***" [in bold] would result in unreasonable interest to accrue or penalties. They list every major bank that they imply may be after you, and you can only see that the letter is from Debt Advisors of America in the small print at the bottom not on a return address on the envelope or the letter's header. On the BBB site, I see I am logging the 25th complaint against this same company for the same tactic. Please make sure they not only take me off their and their affiliates' contact list, but cease and desist with these misleading scare tactics. They are obviously preying on people of all kinds, most abhorrently, those who take their threats at face value. BBB, please take note and decrease your rating of them. Horrible "business" and potentially dangerous practices.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/29/2023

    Hello **************,

     

    I can confirm that we have successfully removed your name from our mailing list. You will not receive any future mail from our company. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

    Thank you,

     

    *************************

    Operations Manager

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/25/2023

    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.
    04/25/23 I am filing a compliant against this company as I received a letter from them that was framed in a predatory manner. The letter started off with demanding I call them within 10 days notice, had a failure to respond section that inferred I would be penalized if I did not reach out, and was framed as a collections letter. Additionally, I called their hotline to get more information and the woman was unable to tell me what services their company provided. I am submitting a complaint because I am worried this company will prey on people who are unable to determine this is a fraudulent letter. Who believe they do not have a choice in moving forward with this company. I am hoping that someone reaches out to their leadership and orders them to remove this unfair tactic.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/26/2023

    Hello, 

    Thank you for reaching out. I am very sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with receiving our offer. 

    I have confirmed that you have been removed from all future mailing lists, and that you have been placed in our Do Not Contact database. 

    We have many different offerings that provide relief to people suffering from dealing with High-Interest Debt. We have helped tens of thousands of customers. Everything we do is legal, compliant and ethical. 

    Please rest assured that you will not receive future offerings for our services. 

    If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at the contact information below.

    Thank you, 


    *************************************;

    ***************************

    **************

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/17/2023

    Type:Order Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    This business sent a letter to defraud me on money by using scare tactics to get me to pay off debt with them, that I do not have. I called to find out more about this scam and the person who answered the phone tried to manipulate me into signing up for a program I dont need because i dont have the debt he claimed I did. This company preys on the less educated or people who may not speak english well or elderly by using fear tactics. This is unethical, possibly illegal. I will send this to my lawyer as well.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/18/2023

    Hello *******,

     

    I am sorry to hear that you are upset with your experience with our company. I would like to set up a time to speak with you further to address your concnerns. My direct line is ************** and my email is ***************************. 

     

    Thank you,

    ******

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/18/2023

    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 just recently have been wanting to research a debt solution company as ******************** but was contacted by Debt Advisors of America. The process was very quick and very uneasy. I now am skeptical of leaving my account information with this company after reading the reviews. I was told Im perfect information and never received a welcome letter or a statement of my monthly payment. The advisor was simply rude and trying to get into ********************. I felt uncomfortable and want to withdraw my application.

    Business Response

    Date: 01/20/2023

    Thank you for reaching out regarding your concerns. I am very sorry to hear of your concerns regarding your interaction with one of our agents. We pride ourselves in having excellent customer service and quality assurance. I have reached out to you by phone to address your concerns further. Please call me back at your convenience. My direct line is **************. Thank you!

     

    *************************

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