don't get suckered in by Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc
Date: Fri, 08/13/2010 - 18:25
I recently activated Power of Attorney for my aging grandmother who has 54k in unsecured credit card debt through six different creditors. Yesterday morning I spoke to a very nice, helpful gentleman named Adam Silverman at Consolidated Credit Counseling Services, Inc., (CCCS) to consolidate the unsecured debt. We set up a payment amount and I sent in the application package.
Yesterday afternoon I received a call from a different Customer Service Representative at CCCS who told me that the monthly payment would be 20$ higher than previously quoted, plus there would 5$ "convenience" fee each month to directly debit my Grandmother's bank account.
Since the monthly payment to CCCS already includes a 49$ charge (they have to make their money) I balked at the additional 5$ direct debit surcharge (which was never mentioned to me during my initial phone conversation with Adam) and asked to cancel my application. The reason for the additional 20$ monthly charge was not explained.
I checked my Grandmother's bank account today and CCCS had already debited an initial 49$ monthly charge. When I called to speak to Adam Silverman, it was like speaking to another person, a stranger. He was brusque, rude - "what, you didn't read the fine print?" I am still in disbelief that this person was the same helpful gentleman I spoke with yesterday.
This agency is a scam - they are polite and helpful at the start to get you signed up but once they have a direct line into your bank account they will treat you like chopped liver.
Be careful - shop the competition - I called several other not-for-profit credit consolidation agencies today and got quotes for better payment plans than that offered by CCCS. And you better believe that I asked over and over about any hidden fees and surcharges.
The unfortunate part is that con artists such as CCCS are positioned to offer a ray of hope to people who are in desperate need of financial help. It is criminal that they are preying on these people.
Yes, even though DMP programs are highly regulated these days, t
Yes, even though DMP programs are highly regulated these days, they can't regulate how you are treated by their staff. As with anything it is very important that once you find a specific strategy to resolve your debt issues, if you feel the need to hire a third party for assistance, you make sure to shop around and speak with several companies to get a good idea of what is available.
Was great guy
I had a great experience with this company and with Adam. He has not only gotten me to a state were I can breath now with my debt, but has opened my eyes to the full system. He took his time and would answer any and all my questions. You must have not understood him or maybe your just angry because you did not understand the program. The company has done ok by me. When it comes to any program you should ask as many questions as you can and research. They are A plus rated and it showes in my case.