Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Five Lakes Law Group, PLLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Five Lakes Law Group, PLLC

  3166 N Lincoln Ave Ste 206 Chicago, IL 60657

  
• 

  Five Lakes Law Group

  26711 Northwestern Hwy Ste 350 Southfield, MI 48033

  

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:06/25/2025

  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.

  This company assured me they could help reduce substantial credit card debt. I was told my credit would see a temporary drop but within 6 months I would be back where I started. My credit dropped from the high 600s to the low 500s and in the year Ive been working with them has not recovered. I now have two lawsuits filed against me in court by creditors who they didnt negotiate with. I am looking at losing my house if this lawsuits dont get settled and I have judgments against me. I specifically asked about lawsuits and was assured it was very unlikely that any creditors would go to court because the company would be sure to resolve those debts if any court action was threatened. I have to pay legal fees to defend myself and its their fault. My finances were not good before but now Im in a hole that I may never get out of. I was misled and lied to and I believe this is fraud.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2025

  Ms. Guidea,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  Records reflect that you have approved offers on eight of your enrolled accounts.  Of which, one is completed and seven are in progress.  You are progressing successfully through the program.
  
  
  Review confirmed that you were properly educated about the impact to your credit worthiness as well as the possibility of litigation, both verbally and in writing, during your enrollment interactions.  This information can be located in your Retainer Agreement in section 10. Credit Reporting and section 11. Risks of Debt Resolution.  They read, in part, as follows:
  
  
  " FLLG does not report to credit bureaus, but Clients creditors may. **** has no control over creditors and makes no assertions that FLLG can prevent creditors from reporting negative information to the credit reporting agencies.  Failure to make timely payment to creditors will likely result in a reduction to Clients creditworthiness. **** is not a credit repair company or credit services organization and does not provide credit advice."
  
  
  " FLLG cannot prevent creditors from taking legal action, including lawsuits, against Client, and FLLG cannot prevent an increase in collection activity."
  
  
  Additionally, we can confirm you have had the opportunity to address this concern with an account manager.  Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/09/2025

   
  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,
  
  ******** Guidea

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/24/2025

  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 closed my account with Five ******************** Law group after seeing funds taken from my dedicated account without any negotiation with my creditors . In May2025 I spoke to them with a consumer representative on line with me and was told my balance in my dedicated account will be mailed within 2 weeks. I called back several times was told my check wii be in mail within 7-10 days . I called today and was told my check was used for settlement fees. So instead of receiving a refund of my dedicated account balance as expected, they are stating they used it as a settlement fee. I am filing a complaint with BB. I need a copy explanation of where my money is and detailed explanation where all my money went with your company . What is a settlement fees which was never discussed in yr original agreement or disclosed to me. I am also seeking legal advice. The representative on phone just told me on June 10 it was noted my check will be mailed in 7-10 business day. Today June 23 she states it is negative and used for a settlement fees. She could not explain why and what a settlement fee is. I need them to call up all my recorded calls. I need copies of my calls. Initially I was told if I cancel my account I will receive all money I paid and all money that is in my dedicated account . The amount is not much but I want my money that was in my dedicated account . There are many people who had the same problem as I read reviews I want what is due to me. I want my refund.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/09/2025

  Mr. ************************ you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At the time of your requested termination you had approved an offer on one account.  This offer was in progress with three successful payments made toward the arrangement.
  
  
  Review confirmed that all fees were properly disclosed, both verbally and in writing, at the time of your enrollment.  This information can be referenced in your Retainer Agreement under section 8. Fees.  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  
  "A flat fee of $9,895.08 equaling *****% of enrolled debt(s), based on debt amount at enrollment and subject to verification. This fee is earned by **** upon successfully reaching a resolution offer for of a debt and first payment upon such offer, or the otherwise successful resolution of the Enrolled Debt (e.g., cancellation of debt, successful dispute)."
  
  
  While FLLG met all expectations to earn and collect the program fee, we have elected to issue your refund in the amount of $357.89 as a courtesy.  Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to reflect.
  
  
  Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/13/2025

  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.

  Started an account through Accredited Debt Relief and Five Lakes Law Group in May 2025. $13,000 in debt, set me up on a 48 month plan at $104 biweekly. Made 3 payments in which only $1 went to one of the debts and a $1 payment was scheduled to be made in July, but $160 went to the lawyer and another hundred and something dollar payment was due to the lawyer again. I started doing more research and found all the negative reviews on the BBB site. I called to cancel the "contract" in which I was told nothing was owed back to me because it was all due for fees. This is a horrible scam to pull on vulnerable people trying to turn their lives around. Could not be put in touch with the lawyer that set me up or any lawyer for that matter. Preying on vulnerable people is the devils work and disgusting really. Honestly, they did absolutely nothing for me and I would like my money back which probably will not happen.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 07/07/2025

  Mr. ************************ you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At the time of your requested termination you had approved offers on one of your enrolled accounts.  This offer was in progress at the time you requested to terminate. 
  
  
  Review confirmed that you were properly educated about the program fee, including how and when it is earned and collected.  This information was provided verbally and in writing at the time of your enrollment.  It can be referenced in your Retainer Agreement under paragraph 8. Fees.  It reads, in part, as follows:
  
  
  "Retainer Fee: A flat fee of $4,118.76 equaling *****% of enrolled debt(s), based on debt amount at enrollment and subject to verification. This fee is earned by **** upon the successful settlement of a debt and first payment upon such settlement, or the otherwise successful resolution of the Enrolled Debt (e.g., cancellation of debt, successful dispute)."
  
  
  Resolutions are structured to allow for you to enter into multiple arrangements at a time and successfully complete your program within the established term.  All fees were earned in accordance with the established expectations.  
  
  
  Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/12/2025

  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.

  Signed contract to pay $482 biweekly to 5 Lakes Law Group. When pressured by other business partners attorney, I was instructed on numerous occasions that I would have to pay additional funds before retribution. I explained that this was not consistent with the contract or was able to obtain the funds needed. Finally, they told me that there was an option to pay an additional amount of $616 over the course of 40 weeks but there was $2,200 that upper management would have to approve to cover the additional spend. Then, I was asked 3 times if they approved the $2,200 would they have my consent to go forward with the agreement. I explicitly said no you do not have my permission to do anything without my consent and I would have to be contacted before a decision was made. This was largely due to the fact that their business practices were not transparent from the start and I didnt have $2,200. On May 21st, I was informed I accepted the offer and additional funds were removed from my account without my consent. A phone call from Five Lakes was never made. I have gotten numerous phone calls since because I refuse to sign the document consenting to the agreement. These calls come at all hours of the day and weekends. I asked specifically not to be called until after 5PM but that has not been followed. The company *************** is still getting paid on my behalf. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, I received a call 3 days later. She stated that there was an understanding from the phone conversation as they all are recorded. She would not let me hear the conversation. This company has been deceitful from the beginning as the initial contract states funds agreed to ($482) and, in fact, an agreement would not become effective without my consent. Contract Attached.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/27/2025

  Mr. ******, 
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At this time you have approved offers on five of your enrolled accounts.  Of which, two are completed and three are in progress.  You approved your first offer less than three months into your enrollment, in alignment with the established expectations.  
  
  
  Review of your interaction confirmed that you approved the increase in deposit in order to move forward with the arrangement and that fees would be requested to be rearranged to ensure the offer was affordable.  You additionally advised on this call that you did not want the offer to expire. 
  
  
  All phone contact attempted is done within the allotted time frame and does not violate any regulations.  
  
  
  Records reflect that you have had the opportunity to address this concern with an account manager and have elected to move forward with the resolution and sign the necessary paperwork.
  
  
  Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/03/2025

  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 had a debt consolidation plan with Five Lakes. The plan started in July 2024 and I just terminated the plan this past Friday, May 30, 2025. In the ten months I was in the plan, only one debt was settled. The settlement amount was $802. During the plan, Five Lakes debited my account for $3,241.90 leaving $2,439 unaccounted for. I contacted customer service after terminating the agreement and was told the extra money went to fees, which made no sense because fees were in not that much. I just want the money I was overcharged to be returned to me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/16/2025

  Ms. ***************************** you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At the time of your requested termination you had approved offers on two of your accounts.  Of which, one was complete and one was incomplete.  
  
  
  Review confirmed that you were properly and transparently educated about the related program fee at the time of your enrollment.  All fees were earned and collected in alignment with the established expectations as set forth both verbally and in writing.
  
  
  Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/21/2025

  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.

  Five Lakes Law Group ************* overcharges me many times on payments that its starting to give me anxiety I call them on the May 8 2025 to pay my compete balance for my ************ account they told me $1160.65 I paid it same time which I know they charging me more than what I own I did it just for my peace of mind I uploaded screenshots of payments.on Monday May 19 2025 I see that they trying to withdraw $223.67 from my account good thing I didnt have any money in it. May 20 2025 I call to tell them to remove my bank information from their system because I already paid them ****** they are saying that they understand that they told me $1160.65 was the paid off balance but I have to pay the $223.67 .now I see they have me for another payment of Of $180 May 30 2025 .please I need your HELP!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/14/2025

  Ms. ******************************** you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At this time you have approved offers on both of your enrolled accounts.  Of which, one is completed, and the other is in progress.
  
  
  Our records confirmed that you have had the opportunity to address these concerns with an account manager who is currently working with you to resolve this matter.  We look forward to a successful resolution.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2025

  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.

  Debt Consolidation Program with Five Lakes law group. I have noticed I have been paying them a good part of my check a month for the 2 or more years and we have only closed out 1 wcco6unt so far. I believe they dont try to really help the consumer with getting the money owed. They seem to accept 50 percent, at this rate I willl have this debt to retirement. I 5hought a debt Consolidation ******* gets most of the debt not just cut the debt in half I would really like at least 70 to 75 percent off the money owed. Thst is masin readon why I am writing this problem. I want my debt to go away and when I signed up I was promised that they eliminate my dent in five years but it feels more like going to be ten years. I know I caused the debt snd thst is my fault but I reached out to the best debt consolidation company for help and I sm asking myself did I do the 4ight thing on doing this instead of handlkjng it myself. I am living check by check and getting rid of this febt would free up a lot of money a money to save. I am not that young and at thise years where I want to make sure I have money when and if I can retire. Thsnks for listening!!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/12/2025

  Mr. **********,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.
  
  
  At this time, you have approved offers on three of your enrolled accounts.  Of which, two are completed and one is in progress.  You are successfully progressing through the program.
  
  
  During your enrollment interactions, proper expectations for timing of resolutions and estimated savings were transparently explained.  The program is designed to care for all enrolled debt throughout the lifetime of your enrollment, which you are on track to achieve.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/16/2025

  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.

  I joined them in debit relief thinking that the amount they would negotiate included their fees. After accepting an offer for my debit I find that the amount they were able to negotiate down was the amount they keep! So my credit is shot and I'm actually spending MORE MONEY!!This is a TOTAL SCAM!They reduced my $19k of debit to $15k, and are keeping about $6k.I am seeking a reimbursement in full, less the amount for the one card paid off earlier. I have paid them over $9k so far and am asking for them to return $8k. I will deal with the card company directly myself.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  Ms. ********,
  
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to provide clarity to your concerns.
  
  
  All of the details related to the offer, including offer amount and the related fee, are available for you to review in your customer portal.  The fee amount is not equivalent to the savings amount.  Both the resolution amount and related fee are cared for with your scheduled monthly deposit.
  
  
  We have made an effort to reach you and discuss the accurate figures surrounding this offer but have been unsuccessful in reaching you.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/16/2025

  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 had contacted buisness for payoff on 4/11/2025, I sent that amount to pay it off and then they pulled another $500. On 5/11/2025. Putting my over payment at $500. Of what was the payoff. Asked them to stop autopay because it is paid in full. They claim that the account is still open so can not stop autopay until, but has had full payment 4/16/2025.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  Mr. ******, 

  Thank you for the opportunity to resolve your concerns.

  Our records confirm that your program has been Graduated with no further deposits scheduled and all remaining funds in your dedicated account returned to you.

  Should you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

  Sincerely,

  FLLG

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/10/2025

  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.

  Enrollment Oct. 18, 2023, with $30,619 in debt Graduation November 2024, your total debt was reduced by $10,256. Five Lakes was paid 25% of the Loan for each of the three banks that were to be consolidated. It seems difficult to get resolutions so I continued to pursue getting them resolved as quickly as I could. They never followed up with REV *** and I was just made aware that they are showing up on my credit report as unpaid. The other two have been closed. It has been negatively impacting my credit for the past 9 months.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/23/2025

  Ms. ************************ you for the opportunity to address your concerns.
  
  
  Review has confirmed that you have been in contact with an account manager who has been able to assist you with this matter.  We have confirmed that the resolution was paid as agreed and provided you with all necessary documentation.  As advised, FLLG does not report to the credit bureau and is unable to directly correct any reporting errors.  Should you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
  
  
  Sincerely,
  FLLG