Federal Debt Relief Program - Has it been helpful to consumers?

Has anyone out there finished thier 18 month program?

who knows--you have made it pretty far with the program. You went to court. What was the outcome? Do you owe the original creditors or debt collectors anything? Is what fdrs is saying true? Has there legal department helped and were you assigned an attorney in your area( state) to help?

Piz - As I said before - we did have to go to court. This was not necessary had we done what we were told. I really believe this. We delayed the process by asking too many questions. We got the summons - delivered by a local officer(very intimidating). We contacted FDRS about this immediately. The legal department responded with an appropriate response for us to send to the attorneys involved - only it was a little more complicated than that - we were instructed to do our own legal research and add to what they sent us state specific legal input- which of course was alien to us to say the least. We were also confused because we were assured that THEY would support us with all of this legal stuff . We had a million questions - which were never answered to our satisfaction. This was all done through e-mails. The legal department takes 24 hours to answer and their answers were often brief and did not answer the questions completely. We got upset and called FDRS - insisting that we have phone contact with the legal department. At that time - we could not talk to anyone at FDRS - had to leave messages for a return call - very frustrating! - given the fact that the clock was ticking with the attorneys and the summons. Ultimately we lost patience and left a very nasty message to FDRS and that's when they stopped returning our calls. We did get a court judgement and we did have to settle with this creditor.New people to the program are very lucky now - they can actually talk to someone at FDRS. The last two times I've called - they've been responsive to my needs and they've even called back. This was not the case a few months ago when were at the peak of stress. Most people would have quit at that point. Hope this helps.

who knows--- thanks again. I did receive one brief validation letter, if it can even ne called that. The letter states that my dispute is not valid based on fcba. I sent it on to fdrs. I am surprised to here you had to settle in court. I have invested time and money, I'm in it for the long haul.

Piz-

If you call FDRS (California) and talk to Eddie or Tim - I will tell them to give you my contact information. There are other things I could share or alert you to that I won't do here. Not sure how you should proceed on this one but I thought I'd give you the option.

Piz - I was told this was not a good idea. Sorry

Who Knows--I spoke to Tim yesterday and he advised. I faxed the paperwork in to them amd it was transferred to the legal dept. I would definitely love to speak with you. I can give you my e-mail address to contact me?? Let me know if you want to get in touch. Another creditor transferred my account to another debt collector. I was surprised. They also sent me another letter to collect and that I have 30 days to dispute. I guess if the collector cannot collect, they transfer or sell it again. I also found out that you may be one of the many clients that are first to be through this program. FDRS used to offer debt settlement programs, now they only offer the eliminination program. this program is very young for FDRS but not the Attorney network. Also found out that the on-line system (where we can log on to the site and view our case, contents, if faxes were received, etc.) will be functional in a few weeks. I was out of town last week and wasn't sure if you received my blog. Thanks again!!

Thanks for the information. They've been telling me this about the on line access since the beginning of our time with them. It would be nice to have. I have a couple of e-mails and would be glad to be a source of support. I know the need well and while I'm ahead of you in this program - its good to talk to someone who's a part of it. This site will not allow personal contact information to go through -for our own security. If you think of a way - let me know. I have other things I could share but they are really not that crucial for you right now.

who knows--When you get time e-mail me at grmarco2@yahoo.com. We can correspond this way. Thanks

Hey Piz and Who knows - Thanks for all your posts.
I freaked out and got out. After some more research (and looking at other programs) I decided to get back in.

I am in for the duration now.

So far I have had good luck with FDRS. They have been reasonably easy to get ahold of and helpful.

I talked to Joel and Tim both. Tim was very informative. I now understand how this whole process works. He also "confirmed" that the website will be active soon.

Also, I had a casual (over beers) conversation with an attorney about this program.

He confirmed the validation process and the fact the CC companies don't usually keep the necessary files on hand to validate the debt. There are a couple of cout cases out there to set the precedent.

What I gather is, simply sending a "validation letter" will not suffice. There needs to be original signatures that THEY have to produce if they take you to court.

I am not an attorney, so please don't take this for anything more than what I gleened from reading the three cases.

After talking with Tim, and doing my own research, I am confident FDRS can do what they claim.

I don't think this will be an easy road, but I am willing to put the effort into it.

All that said, I am still a little nervous about going to court if I have to. I think it is just more fear of the unknown than anything.

I tried an experiment.. went late by a couple of days on payments with creditors. My interest rates TRIPLED.

To the credit card companies... BITE ME!

My opinion is this...
If they can get rid of my debt LEGALLY, and I believe they can, then I am all for it. Frankly, I am tired of CC companies running roughshod over consumers. "Life takes visa", "for everything else there's mastercard", "go ahead, you deserve it". These ads make me want to puke! Giving credit cards to high school seniors. Talk about predatory lending!

Plus, I figure I have MORE than paid back in interest.

I am D-O-N-E with credit cards. Been a slave too long. If I cant afford it, I don't need it.

There have been posts here that FDRS is anti-American. I personally think the opposite is true.

Sorry about the rant.

I am in it till the end and will keep posting here.

P.S. It will be interesting to see what effect this "economic stimulus" package on the economy. My prediction is, in about four years (maybe less) we will be in worse shape then we are now. Making money and injecting it into the economy will do nothing but devalue the dollar further. THAT scares me.

Good luck all!

PB&J - It sounds like you've done some research. Lets keep in touch. I don't think you'll go to court if you do what the legal department tells you. Even if you do - its really not that bad. They can't hurt you. The worse that could happen is they'll tell you you're in the wrong and you have to pay the creditors. A good friend of mine always says: "You can't get blood out of a turnip." My best advice is to let FDRS do what they have to do - how they have to do it. They won't let you in on their tactics - I believe - because they have to be on guard. They can't be very popular people among the creditors. As you know - I'm not their greatest fan because we went through a very difficult period of time with absolutely no assurances from them. It seems that they've made some changes as of late. I'm glad for you. You are also lucky to have people like myself and Piz who are willing to share experiences and discoveries. Put it on auto pilot but stay alert to your e-mail and fax everything - even if you don't know if they got it. What month are you in?

Who Knows - How long were you in it before you started seeing validation letters and legal notices? I am going into my 4th month and I have already been contacted by a collection agency. I am not worried, but I'd like to know when I can expect the legal entities to invade my life...

Who Know - When did you start seeing the validation letters and legal notices? I am going into my 4th month and I am already getting calls from debt collectors. I am not worried, but I just wanted to know when the legal entities will start invading my life...

Who Knows:

Will definetely keep in touch.

Keeoing the Faith---Do Not Panic!!!! The collectors are going to call. Find out the laws in your state about recording phone calls. Get a recorder and record the calls. Tell them you do not have the money to pay them. If they will not stop harassing you for the money, tell them they will be receiving a dispute notice in regards to the acct. The disputes are sent in the 3-4 month. Hang tight, it's only a phone call.

Who Knows---You haven't e-mailed me, what's up??

Piz - got your e-mail. Will e-mail you tomorrow.
Keeping the Faith - Things got pretty heavy around Thanksgiving and we started in January. Court papers started coming in around August. The legal department said "don't let this ruin your Thanksgiving." - it did. It is now Feb and we're still alive so hang in there and its good that you found us.