ComplaintsforCredit Counsel, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  03/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  A debt collector from the company Credit Counsel **** by the name ************************* has called me this morning and was very aggressive, he yelled, mocked, interrupted, was extremely rude, abusive and unprofessional.He is violating laws by using harassing, aggressive and threatening words and behavior.This man called me this morning because the monthly automated transaction did not go through for the first time maybe in 1 year, as soon as I informed him I did not have the funds today, he started raising his voice falsely accusing me of there being a problem with my payment every month when this is not true, I have paid them for over two years with maybe once or twice that I kept my card locked because I was victim of fraud, but then I would unlock the card for them to debit as soon as they would call me (********************* would call me and I would unlock it for him). When I asked for respect from ************************* as I am an adult, he said to then stop acting like a child and pay my debt, then he proceeded to say you owe $15000 of debt what is that, be an adult and pay it. I kept asking for respect and to let me speak and he just kept going off aggressively yelling as if he had some type of authority over me. Then I said let me speak and he said I don't want to speak to you all I want you is to pay your $15000, I said well you are calling me so you do want to speak to me. He just kept going off and repeating what he had previously sent until he said I am going to *** you and hung up the phone on me. I called back to talk to his superior and got transferred to him and he was just as nasty, unprofessional and disrespectful. I said I did not call for you I would like to speak to your superior and he just said, nobody here will talk to you and hung up again. What kind of business is this? How can you treat people like this? ************************* is aggressive human being, has no values, no manners, and should never ever treat people with such grotesque and repulsive manner.

  Customer response

  03/15/2024

  Date of incident: 3/15/2024 at 9:39am

  Called from a No Caller Id number

  I have paid them over $5000 in the past two years, I would like to request an official invoice that shows my paid amount, as well as the remainder and payoff balances. They never send bills or invoices.

  The only invoice I ever received from them and it was because I requested it, was on 6/15/2023, at which point I had already paid $3695.37, remaining $15,905.26 for which I have paid $150 every month thereafter.

   

  Business response

  03/19/2024

  We sincerely apologize for the experience you described with one of our representatives, *************************. Please accept our deepest apologies for any distress or inconvenience this situation *** have caused you.
  At Credit Counsel **** we hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and customer service, and it is deeply concerning to hear that you were treated in such a disrespectful and aggressive manner. We take allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are conducting a thorough investigation into this matter to ensure that appropriate action is taken.
  While we cannot undo the past, we are committed to addressing your concerns and ensuring that you receive the respectful and courteous treatment you deserve as our valued customer. We will be reviewing our internal policies and providing additional training to our staff to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
  Regarding your account and the issue with the missed payment, we understand the frustration that *** arise from such situations, and we apologize for any inconvenience it *** have caused you. We are dedicated to working with you to resolve any outstanding issues and to find a mutually agreeable solution. Another representative will be in touch, ************************* *********************************.
  Once again, we apologize for the distress caused, and we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  

  Customer response

  03/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 21438301
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Customer response

  03/19/2024

  The whole day after the morning yelling by *************************** spent having panic attacks. My daughter who was home during spring break and heard him is scared and asked if he knew where we lived. I had to reassure her we will be fine and he cannot come to us. A sincere apology is terminating this employee, as he has several complaints from other consumers here in the Better Business Bureau and in the business ****** page reviews for his continued use of the same abusive demeanor towards people he calls. In addition, I would like to receive my monthly bill every month which the business never sends, and a formal letter with my balances, payments and payoff. I do accept receiving the call by the new representative ***** as long as I am treated with a professional demeanor and the respect I and any person deserves

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience or distress caused, and we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Furthermore, we appreciate your willingness to engage with our new representative, *****. We assure you that ***** will be in touch with you shortly to address any outstanding concerns you may have and to ensure that you receive the professional and respectful service that you deserve.

  Customer response

  04/05/2024

  Since 3/25 which was the last email, nobody has contacted me from this business. This is how serious they were about how I was treated by ************************* and how serious they are about ensuring we maintain a good professional relationship.

  Customer response

  04/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 21438301
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Since 3/25 which was the last email, nobody has contacted me from this business. This is how serious they were about how I was treated by ************************* and how serious they are about ensuring we maintain a good professional relationship.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Customer response

  04/08/2024

  This business has not called me. ***** promised to reach out to me and never did. Instead he send me emails to call him saying he has not been able to get in touch with me. I can provide my phone bill with proof they have not called. They really do not care about customers

  Business response

  04/11/2024

  We have/ already come to an agreement advantageous to all parties.

  Customer response

  04/11/2024

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On January 31, 2023 I received a letter from the business ****** of ********************************* in ********* ********** from ***********************. It was a subtle threatening FINAL ATTEMPT letter. A photo of this letter is attached. Within the 30 day period the law gives to me or to be exact, on February 7, *********************************************************************************************** *********************************. A photo of the detailed letter is attached. Another photo of proof of sending certified letter. The letter was returned to me unopened. The address and ATTN to name, was correct as shown in the attached photo on the returned envelope. Since nothing was sent to me proving this debt belonged to me, this company should have by law, closed this debt but instead they forwarded it to Credit Counsel, Inc. in **************, *******. Once again a letter requesting payment was sent by the collection company listed above. Photo copy is attached. As you can see it states that May 20, 2023 is the deadline to dispute the validity of this bill belonging to ME, *********************************. On May 3,2023 I sent yet another certified letter to ************************* who sent the letter from Credit Counsel, Inc. in **************, *******. In this letter I am requesting the same thing I requested from the business ****** of ************** and Rehabilitation. Photo of the proof of sending certified letter attached along with a copy of the letter sent. According to **** tracking the letter was delivered on May 6, 2023 at 11:54a.Both requests from ********************************* in ********* ********** AND from Credit Counsel, Inc. in **************, ******* have gone ignored/unanswered within the 30 day period required by law. Therefore this debt by law, should be dismissed. ************** and Rehabilitation was receiving monthly payments from my now deceased mother's government payments. We shared no accounts or assets.

  Business response

  01/23/2024

  CCI never told the consumer that she is liable for the debt. We always said that she was only listed as the power of attorney and we were contacting her under that capacity. We even emailed her saying she was only listed as poa.

  Customer response

  01/24/2024

   
  Complaint: 21112558
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I will not accept any response until the following terms are met in writing from Credit Counsel, Inc. 
  My name is to be completely removed from any portion of or association with this debt regarding my deceased mother, *****************. 

  Since the original creditor, ********************************* in *********, ** has failed to provide VALIDATION that this debt belongs to me and is to be paid for with my money or any present assets (I have none currently) within the 30 days required by law (I have proof) AND Credit Counsel, *** in **************, ** has also failed to provide VALIDATION that this debt belongs to me under the terms mentioned above, that you're able to legally collect this or any debt in the *******************, within the 30 days allowed by law (I have proof) AND the debt collector *********************** who works for Credit Counsel, *** has been using tactics of manipulation, intimidation and passive aggressive threats which conflicts with the current laws regarding debt collectors and agencies (I have proof) AND *********************** as well as the response from Credit Counsel, *** clearly states that I am not liable for this debt, there is no legal reason to continue to send notices of legal recourse against me via email and **** nor to call me or leave messages from any number. 

  The attachments above are two of many correspondences that prove that your company has been trying to hold me responsible for this debt contrary to your response and has been threatening legal action. Therefore, I will only accept any response when my name is cleared from any association with this debt or any portion of it for any reason and in writing, appropriately signed and dated by Credit Counsel, Inc. When this is provided, I will be satisfied. I keep records of all correspondences. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business response

  02/07/2024

  After review ***************************************** attachments, we conclude that they do not prove that CCI is claiming that she is responsible party. Quite the contrary. They show that all the documentation has Ms. ********************* name. I am attaching an email from ****************** to ************************ specifically claiming that she is not personally liable for the debt and that she is only listed as POA.

  Customer response

  02/07/2024

  The attachment provided shows CCI has been holding me responsible for this debt as is clearly indicated in the attachment. There can be no debate about this. My mother has passed away so they're contacting me about the debt clearly. Since CCI has acknowledged that this debt is not my debt and I am not liable, I am simply asking that they submit a cease and desist letter to me through **** mail as well as submit a copy with this complaint. This is the appropriate business resolution. This way we can finally close this case. I hope CCI will be cooperative in submitting a cease and desist letter which shouldn't be a problem since they are admitting that I am not liable for this debt. I'd appreciate your joint effort to successfully close this case out. Thank you! 

   

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

  Customer response

  02/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 21112558
  
  I am rejecting this response because: The attachment provided shows CCI has been holding me responsible for this debt as is clearly indicated in the attachment. There can be no debate about this. My mother has passed away so they're contacting me about the debt clearly. Since CCI has acknowledged that this debt is not my debt and I am not liable, I am simply asking that they submit a cease and desist letter to me through **** mail as well as submit a copy with this complaint. This is the appropriate business resolution. This way we can finally close this case. I hope CCI will be cooperative in submitting a cease and desist letter which shouldn't be a problem since they are admitting that I am not liable for this debt. I'd appreciate your joint effort to successfully close this case out. Thank you!
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business response

  02/21/2024

  None of the attachments submitted by the complainant shows that CCI is holding her responsible. At this point we have shown that we were not contacting her as a responsible party but rather as a power of attorney. As of today, February 21, 2024, we have not attempted to contact her for over 45 days. I'd like to reiterated that CCI has never held her was responsible in any way, shape, or form.

  Customer response

  02/23/2024

   
  Complaint: 21112558
  
  I am rejecting this response because: in every attachment you used that I submitted, you failed to acknowledge the attachment that YOUR COMPANY CCI sent me threatening legal action. That's the only attachment in THIS response. Because of this notice of legal action being contrary to what you are presenting in this BBB forum, I'm simply requesting a cease and desist and to remove my name from this debt. That's not complicated and shouldn't be an issue since you are otherwise acknowledging this debt doesn't belong to me. I'm no longer ********************* POA as that ended upon her transition. Therefore you should not even contact me as her POA as you stated in your last response. I want in writing my name detached from this debt. It makes no sense that you're not providing this simple measure to end this back and forth. I want in writing my name detached from this debt from your company. The attachment in THIS response is the reason I am not accepting your response until you simply write a formal letter to relieve me from any part of this debt in your records. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  Business response

  02/26/2024

  The complainant's name has been removed from our file.
  

  Customer response

  02/27/2024

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  12/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am not liable for this debt with ***************************, I do not have a contract with Credit Counsel **** , they did not provide me with the original contract as I requested.

  Business response

  12/27/2023

  The original creditor has confirmed that the consumer's account has been satisfied. We will close the account and remove it from the consumer's credit report. The removal should be updated within 30 days.

• Initial Complaint

  09/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am writing to dispute the collection account associated with my name, as reported by your agency, Credit Counsel **** The account details are as follows:Original Creditor: *************************** Account Number: ***************** Date Opened: September 10, 2018 Account Type: Collection ****************** account. $1,109 past due as of August 2023. Status Updated: September 2018 I am disputing this collection account on multiple grounds. Firstly, the debt in question has been satisfied through grants that were paid directly to ***************************. My concern arises from the fact that the original creditor, ***************************, has already received funds via grants, rendering the debt in question invalid and unjustified. As of the date of my dispute, I have been informed that the balance on this account is $1,109, which I maintain should no longer exist.Secondly, I question the timing of this collection account. It appears to be dated from September 2018, while my enrollment at *************************** concluded in 2015. How is there a collection attempt for a debt incurred after my departure from the institution, and I request clarification on this matter.To facilitate the resolution of this dispute, I kindly request the following:Verification of Debt: Please provide written verification of the debt's validity, including documentation of the grants paid directly to ***************************, which should have satisfied the alleged debt.***** and Desist Collection: I demand an immediate and complete cessation of all collection efforts related to this disputed debt, as allowed by applicable laws and regulations.Removal from Credit Reporting: If it is determined that this collection account is indeed invalid and should not exist, I request that it be promptly removed from my credit report. This removal should occur as soon as possible to correct any potential damage to my credit history.

  Business response

  09/14/2023

  The consumer has filed the same dispute back in September 2020 with the BBB and CFPB. Back then the consumer disputed that she never received supporting documentation and we responded the BBB and CFPB with a copy of the enrollment agreement where the information matches her drivers license. The consumer filed the same dispute with the Credit Bureau in November 2020 and February 2021, and we responded accordingly. The debt was incurred because the consumer withdrew from the school, and any grants that *************************** received were returned because the student withdrew. The debt is valid and this was explained to the consumer over the phone on October 2018 and March 2019. We are willing to work with the consumer if she wants to come to an agreement. This was included in our previous response to her BBB complaint but she never contacted us or answered our calls.
  

• Initial Complaint

  05/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ******************* has continuously called and harrased both me and my wife even after we have an agreement. He is extremely rude and threatening and unprofessional. Thank you

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  After reviewing the account in our system, I saw that the consumer sent an offer to settle the balance to our office on May 11, 2023 via email. We rejected the offer and and delivered a counter offer on the same day via email. The consumer never responded and the our offer expired on May 19, 2023.

• Initial Complaint

  05/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been called multiple times regarding my deceased mother in law's balance on account. I have explained that she had no assets and we are not financially capable of paying her debt. I was threatened with a law suit, told I needed to go to church, told I am a disgusting human and childish, told I needed to get another job to pay the debt, then asked personal questions about my lifestyle and how long I've been married to my husband. I understand they are trying to collect a debt but playing on the emotions of someone who has lost a loved one is not the way to do it. I also asked to speak with his supervisor several times and was told that is never going to happen. I asked for the name of his company and he told me to figure it out. When I called back to speak to someone else, I was told that I was going to be charged with terroristic threats. The person's name is *******.

  Business response

  06/09/2023

  We are currently reviewing the consumer's account. Will will respond to the complaint within 7 days.

• Initial Complaint

  02/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ******************* from CCI *** has been harassing me for the past couple months over a bill. *************** has made ignorant comments to me about being on disability, has made fun of the fact Im on disability, has been down right rude to me in regards to me trying to make a payment plan that I can afford to pay a month. *************** has made me feel very uncomfortable talking to him about the situation. He has gone as far as to say that I intended to commit theft by not paying said bill. *************** talks down to me and makes me feel very bad about my financial situation. He has treated me a few times with court action, he makes me feel like I need to agree to an amount Im not comfortable with. Even going as far as telling me he would make me pay my whole SSD check just to get the account payed. I can no longer talk to or deal with Mr ******* actions.

  Business response

  03/02/2023

  ***** Place, the original creditor, is an assisted living facility that
  took care of **** Boots. ********************** (daughter) signed the
  agreement as the ***** of ******** and Responsible Party. ******************
  attempted to contact **************** Boots on multiple occasions in effort to
  discuss a payment arrangement to pay the balance due. **********************
  ignored all efforts. After many months of continued efforts at no avail,
  ***** Place decided to place this balance with our collection agency to
  continue collection efforts. It was at this moment **********************
  expressed to us that she was not going to pay because ***** Place
  misplaced the belongings of **** Boots and almost killed her by
  overdose. Unfortunately ********************** has no documented record to
  support her claim and there is no complaint in **** Boots' file.
  Attached is **** Boots' file.

• Initial Complaint

  10/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  FACTS: My father *************************** was a patient at ************************ at the time of his death 8/4/22. I was his POA. After he died the facility sent me a final bill. I disagreed with the amount and requested an accounting in writing. I received no response and 90 days later I closed his estate. The facility was sold and now calls itself Meridian-Country Crest. On 8/25/22 I received a demand for payment from Credit Counseling, Inc.(CCI) for the *** claimed by the facility. They have called me 3 times demanding payment. FAILURE TO IDENTIFY: When they call they introduce themselves by ****** or ******* "WITH" Country Crest. They do not advise they are with a collection agency and/or attempting to collect a debt. They claim that since I was my father's POA I am responsible for payment. REFUSED TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS: I have requested the original signed contract, proof of ownership, verification of the debt and an itemized statement of charges and payments. They have refused and on 1 occasion when I asked for it, "******" replied, "I'm not your secretary". *********************** They have yelled at me, and during 1 call, "*******" told me I was a "nasty woman" at least 3 times. They have bullied me by claiming I was morally obligated to pay my father's bills. During a called I received from "******" on 10/18/22, I again declined to pay the account and again demanded document. ******'s response was, "ok. I'm just going to tell them you have refused to pay and we'll turn this over to the credit bureau in your name". On 10/29/22, I sent a Notice of Disputed Collection Claim to the address provided by certified mail.

  Business response

  10/27/2022

  We have closed the account pending further investigation.

  Customer response

  10/27/2022

   
  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.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  10/16/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  There has been a collection filed against me illegally.. you guys (in 2017) took this so called collection from the crook who robbed me, and even after i explained the situation and that is was beyond illegal, you still filed it on my credit report! I have been cussed at by your employees. I have been threatened by your employees. I have had your employees blatantly lie about the laws. I have had your employees hang up on me when i ask for a supervisor. NOT ONCE have i ever been sent a formal invoice or bill yet you have the balls to file an illegal collection on me.

  Business response

  12/15/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/10/28) */ The consumer bought tools from our client, Dial Tool, Inc., with the arrangement of paying weekly. The consume paid off and on since 2011. It depended if he had a balance or not. The consumer paid weekly $50 until 4/14/2017. We believe it was when he left the left my client's area. My client also loaned him a Milwaukee rachet that he never returned. The consumer became very difficult and very uncooperative after he left. The balance due is a combination of tools sold, late fees, and one item not returned. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/10/28) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I have never "borrowed" any tools from dial tool. The owner of said company was owed nothing when I left the area, the 800 he claims I owe is for a tool that was never delivered by him. He was owed NOTHING and filed this claim many months after I left the area. I tried to discuss this matter with your representatives and was literally cursed out by them. Lastly, I have never been provided with ANY Sprt Of Paperwork in regards to this alleged debt. Business Response /* (4000, 11, 2021/11/16) */ The consumer claims to have never received paperwork. The paperwork was submitted to this complaint. The consumer also claims the original creditor repossessed tools from his truck including over $6,000 worth of tools that did not belong to the original creditor. There is no police report to support this claim. We have offered a settlement to the consumer to correct credit report. Consumer Response /* (4200, 13, 2021/11/16) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I was told they would "circle back" to Dial Tool and call me. I still have not received any copy of any sort of bill or paperwork, there is no attachment on their response. There WAS a png attachment which couldnr be opened. I was told the 'paperwork' would be emailed toe and then I would get a call back after they spoke with Dial Tool, neither happened. This is still an illegal collection with no resolution offered by reporter.. Business Response /* (4000, 15, 2021/11/18) */ The paperwork was already emailed to the consumer's email address that is listed in this complaint, along with an offer to settle and correct his credit report. Consumer Response /* (4200, 17, 2021/11/19) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY PAPERWORK, PERIOD! Upload your supposed invoice, in Proper JPG Format to this BBB complaint! I should not have to PAY to have An Ilegal Item removed that should have never been added to begin with!! Business Response /* (4000, 19, 2021/11/23) */ The invoice and offer has been sent to the consumer's email address. It was re-sent again today. Consumer Response /* (4200, 21, 2021/11/23) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) No paperwork was uploaded to THIS COMPLAINT or to my email address (**********@gmail.com) Business Response /* (4000, 23, 2021/11/30) */ The email was re-sent again today. The invoice is also attached to this BBB response. We can offer a 50% discount to settle this and correct your credit report. You mentioned that you wanted to sue the original creditor. It's going to cost you much more than $404.20 to even file the lawsuit. Consider the settlement and let me know what you want to do.

• Initial Complaint

  08/04/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Credit Counsel is stating that I owe them $450.00 and I never had an account with them or any of there mechants for that amount.. I need for them to send me a original receipt of vertication for their mechant that I owe this amount. When the $450.00 can't be verified I need for them to stop sending me letters to my address and delete off my credit report..

  Business response

  09/08/2021

  Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2021/08/12) */ I have attached the consumer's proof of enrollment and receipt of initial payment for the program. The consumer can get in touch with mi directly at XXX-XXX-XXXX or via email at ********@creditcounselinc.com, I am authorized to resolve your complaint as best as I can. Consumer Response /* (3000, 7, 2021/08/13) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) I reach out to Credit Counsel Inc by phone and they keep trying to explain to me that I owe their business $450.00. Frist of all I don't owe any debt to them. The attached receipt below is the original receipt from ******** ******* that was mailed to me for the amount of $360.00. I am willing to pay ******** ******* $360.00 but not the $450.00 in question. Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2021/08/23) */ I have authorized this account to be settled at the amount requested by the consumer, $360. The consumer can contact the agent with which he's already communicated, or you can reach Diego Estrada at ********@creditcounselinc.com to settle this account.

*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. ↩