4/23/2010 10:38 AM (PST)
Jean,
Check out the article on debt settlement posted in our "New Scams" section before you do anything, please. The article provides some in-depth info on this industry and you should be aware of the proposed rules on fees and disclosures that the FTC is considering for the debt settlement industry.
Most people who complain about these companies state that their debts weren't negotiated, they were told to stop making payments, and the result is that they're in worse shape than when they started. Many are sued and are forced to file bankruptcy to rid themselves of the lawsuits.
There are many reasons why the debt settlement industry is under scrutiny by the FBI, Secret Service, State Attorney Generals, and other financial crime regulators. This industry is rife with companies using predatory fee models and deceptive advertising. Don't fall for the ads that are all over television: they are produced by slick third party lead generators and oftentimes if you call the phone number you see on TV you will be speaking with the lead generator who will screen your call for distribution to any referral receiver who will pay. The FTC’s proposed rules will shut down the industry as it stands today - for good reason.
Have you tried a nonprofit credit counselor? Check out www.nfcc.org to be connected to a local accredited agency and also check out their "Debt Settlement Consumer Alert". Their national hotline is 800-388-2227.
Thank you.
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4/23/2010 6:37 PM (PST)
I have already signed up. Now advise me how I can get out of this contract?
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4/26/2010 11:19 AM (PST)
Jean,
Please provide their contact information such as address, phone number or website so I may look further into this for you.
Thank you.
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4/26/2010 7:22 PM (PST)
Yes, Klosk Law has asked me to stop making payments on my credit cards. I have already received a phone call from one of my creditors, which I did not answer. They left a message on my answering machine in regards to missing a payment.
Klosk Law Firm 1801 Von Karman Ave #330 Irvine, California 92612 (888) 606-2272 www.klosklaw.com
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4/27/2010 8:31 AM (PST)
Jean,
I have linked their BBB report above. If would you like to file your complaint, you may do so by clicking on View BBB Report.
Thank you.
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4/27/2010 7:53 PM (PST)
Thank you all for your help. I have sent a certified letter to Klosk Law Firm and also to Global Solutions,(who have set up an account and deducting payments from my bank account) notifying them to cancel my contract. I also made payments to my creditors and also sent them a certified letter stating why I was late with payment, that the Debt Settlement Company had advised me to stop payment on my accounts. I hope that I can cancel the contract and my money be refunded.
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7/8/2010 8:43 PM (PST)
Hi Jean,
Unfortunately, my mother is in the same situation that you were in as she did not do ANY research before deciding on debt consolidation with this firm, and we are desperately seeking a way out. We have been making payments to them for the last 4 months with no improvement to our debt situation; in fact things have been getting worse as the creditors are now calling non-stop.
What exactly did you write in your certified letters to Klosk Law Firm and Global Solutions? Did you take any additional steps besides the letters (i.e. BBB complaint, contacting the State Bar, etc)? And what were the results of the actions that you've taken to this point (cancelled contract, refund...)
I hope everything has worked out for you since your last post, and I hope with your help and the help of this forum we'll be able to get ourselves out of this spot as well.
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7/9/2010 7:23 PM (PST)
Chelsey..I was lucky to find this web site in time and I immediately sent a registered letter to Klosk Law Firm and Global Solutions,enclosing an article on debt settlement posted on this web site "New Scams" section. (This article provides some in depth info on this industry and be aware of the proposed rules on fees and disclosure that the FTC is considering for the debt settlement industry.) I underscored some articles for the reason for cancelling my contract. I also followed up with a phone call to notify them of my cancellation. I only lost one payment and received a partial refund. I did not have to do any thing else. They cancelled my contract. I hope you can get this resolved for you mother.
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7/21/2010 4:53 PM (PST)
Please do not do business with the Klosk law firm. I made that mistake only to end up being sued by my creditors. They will take your money and you can't get it back and do not perform services for you.You will never be able to speak with the lawyer and they are not concerned if you get sued .You put your money in this saving account and it all goes for fees and then when you questions what has been done to warrant taking the fee you don't get a real answer. They are very nice to begin with and make you think this will work but take my word on this it is a scam.
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