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chereennb · 11-13-2007, 09:11 AM

Help. I've been in a program with Federal debt relief System since February. I'm getting really scared that I'm being scammed. I don't know what to do. I need some advice.

debtstinker · 11-13-2007, 09:57 AM

Hi, why do you feel you're being scammed? First piece is to contact a debt professional from this site which is a perk for the members. it's a free 800 phone number and a professional will contact you. Secondly, I looked this up on the BBB website and it looks like Federal is not accredited with the better business bureau. If you go to the BBB site you can file a complaint...without more information it's hard to give advice...I'm interested to know the reasons you think you're being scammed, let us know

debtstinker · 11-13-2007, 09:59 AM

Also, please let me add that you have the option of typing their name in the search bar at the top. I did that and you will get good results seeing others who have dealt with them. Read the first thread and you'll see what I mean. Because Federal is not a member of the BBB, they could very well be scamming you. see what you find

chereennb · 11-13-2007, 10:38 AM

I'm worrying that I'm being scammed because they claim to eliminate your debt because the creditors have broken the law by altering documents: the credit agreement you sign, they claim is then turned into a promissory note after-the-fact. They say they write correspondences requesting the documents that validate the debt, but that they don't exist so they can't supply them and that the accounts get sold off and basically the process continues until it eventually gets settled out of court. I'm worried because I, personally, haven't seen the letters that are being sent out, if any. and they've sent me 4 "educational" dvds and i'm starting to wonder if that's the scam -the dvds that is... ya know, if the program doesn't work i'm scared that they're going to claim that the service i'm actually paying for is the educational material. i don't know... what do you think?

debtstinker · 11-13-2007, 01:51 PM

Wow, cheereen...on face I think you have a right to be concerned. I would be leery as well. I have to be honest I'm not sure at this point what to do but I know someone will be along to help you out for my post now will bump your thread up to the top. in the mean time i'm going to try to dig some information up for you ok? thank you for the response it helps to have an understanding of what's happening to you

Ang · 11-13-2007, 01:54 PM

What is the name of this company Cher??
U may be able to find out more about them with a name!
Ang

11-13-2007, 01:56 PM

have you called and talked to them directly about your worries? that might be a good starting point.

11-13-2007, 04:00 PM

According to the BBB report, they are located in Hollywood Ca. and already have 7 complaints against them since only August of 2007. This is a major issue since they are a small time company and already have this many complaints. I know of terrible companies with 10 or 12 complaints in 5 years. 7 in 3 months is a rather difficult task. They are trying really hard to screw up instead of work on your behalf.

debtstinker · 11-13-2007, 05:01 PM

Guest thanks for looking that up...now what can Cher do? go to her AG? file a complaint with the BBB? I would think she can do both of those things but in the mean time these guys have her information already, i'm guessing her banking information as she said she's been with them since Feb. of this year.

11-13-2007, 07:03 PM

what is the complaint exactly that the AG could do something about? have you complained directly to the company yet or asked them what should be going on?

chereennb · 11-14-2007, 03:54 PM

hey guys thanks for getting back to me... i've been out of town today so i'm just now reading your replies. i saw the BBB complaints yesterday after i posted. i've tried to get back in contact with federal debt relief system (FDRS) i was going to request a copy of all the letters they sent out and tell them i wish to end my involvement with them and request a full refund. i'm not sure what my next steps should be after that -i was thinking i should contact the ftc as well as get a lawyer (Definitely file a complaint with the BBB)... do you think these are the right steps to take? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

11-14-2007, 04:24 PM

Stinker, I run a debt negotiation company which many people have been posting about recently. I was just here lurking when I found the post. I do not want to have this construed as advertising myself but cheree needs serious help in getting her money returned and taking action immediately. The Op's accounts are most likely heading to suit or at least one or two will and without proper handling, the fit will hit the shan and things will spin out of control landing you in bk court which obviously was not your intent signing up with a BK alternative program in the first place.

cheree mentioned contacting the BBB and the FTC, although I agree that these are necessary actions, I do not think this is where to start as I mentioned taking immediate action on your accounts and protecting yourself from being eaten up by the collection process.

If you have a trust account set up with this company, most likely, it will take time to have your savings returned if at all. In the meantime, obtaining the status on each individual account is essential as this Federal place may have your mail forwarded to them and may have already accepted service for lawsuits where cheree would not have known and judgments may be entered or pending. If this is the case, this needs to be handled before wage garnishments and bank liens take place. Establishing your accounts status is first after canceling with the DS co. and demanding a full refund then take it from there. Once stabilized, go after the co. using consumer affairs, the AG in your state and Ca. as well as the FTC BBB and whoever else can hurt them.

I hate hearing these stories which there are countless on this forum. It makes me embarrassed telling anyone what I do for a living. If the OP (cheree) contacts me I will handle the accounts for free. I will instant message them and let them know how to reach me. Without professional help, Cheree stands a good chance of having an absolute nightmare happen. What needs to be done I strongly suggest not handling on your own as the collection industry will take full advantage of you if you are not prepared for their confrontations.

chereennb · 11-14-2007, 04:41 PM

Hi guest. i am very interested in talking to you.

11-17-2007, 12:01 AM

WOW!! I cant believe a company actually offered free services to someone in the Debt industry. Perhaps its true about Sifxpert. I spoke to him a few months back but he seemed too good to be true. I'm thinking I should have hired him now that I am being sued by 2 of my creditors who he said he could settle for 20%. I read on another forum someone said that the only thing holding us back from success is fear. I feared allowing anyone to handle my accounts but now I am really regretting my decision. Out of all the companies I spoke to Sifxpert never called me to follow up once just an email asking if I was still interested. Thats all. The other places I spoke to hounded the crap out of me worse then collectors.

Ben Franklin said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. The next time I feel I have done my homework and feel positive about something I will not choke.

I hope that Sifxpert aka James has things under control for you.

jnj86 · 03-20-2008, 01:58 PM

Guest,
I am very interested in talking with you as well. I would like more information. I could use some help and I would really like to get my money back from FDRS.
Please contact me soon!
jnj86