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InCharge Debt Solutions-Consumer feedback and complaints against them

Submitted by Kimball_Steven on Sat, 10/18/2008 - 10:20
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In Charge Debt Solutions Scam:
In Charge Debt Solutions complaints, incharge.org. I would like to hear some feedback from anyone who has used this company or anyone who has information/background on this company. I see positive reviews online and no unresloved complaints.
I have over $25,000 in debt and have had my hours cut at work and can no longer afford my minimums. My accounts are all current and I have a FICO score of over 700 so debt consolidation/settlement is a huge adjustment for me....
Any thoughts?


Someone said they have an F at the BBB? Unless something has changed, I just checked the BBB rating for them as suggested above, and they have an A+ rating. I don't think that means much, because I know if completely rotten companies with the same rating (3 years = 733 complaints). However, we had a good experience with In Charge. Unlike some other debt settlement companies, they didn't charge us anything up front. Some companies, apparently, want you to pay a bunch of money up front, then they tell you they can't help you, and you're just out the money you paid, as if you can afford to lose it.

Our payments were reduced by half. We closed our accounts and paid everything off in three years due to reduced interest they negotiated. This may not work for everyone. We weren't behind in payments; we just looked at where we were financially and got nervous, because if something ever happened, we thought we could easily get in trouble. (And actually, I was laid off a year and a half later, so it was a good thing we had done this.)

This is just anecdotal, and it may be different if you are way behind, but they helped us. They told us that they would look at our situation for free and tell us if they could help us--and they did (and could). Then we didn't have to pay them anything but a nominal fee to help--we were saving hundreds more than we were paying them. It was a good deal for us.


Submitted by on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 14:26

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I worked at InCharge for 3 years and while I did not like the job I must say the program works. The biggest issue is that people believe (or the co makes them feel) they sign up and their problems magically disappear. In fact that is when the client's work begins. The DMP sends out proposals and they usually take 3 months to get accepted so the client needs to send in the difference until the proposal is accepted. They tell people that and have it on the contract but people still do not get it. So you are looking at 4 months until any rate change. In addition if a client misses a payment they are DROPPED...I repeated this statement over and over and every month people were canceling or changing their DMP payment. They call back screaming that they are being ripped off. It takes a lot of discipline that most people cannot handle. Incharge sends a statement but so do the creditors and since they are not controlled by Incharge those are the ones to look at. I learned that Incharge does not make people aware of how much work THEY are required to do. Finally AMEX accounts which was a big issue. AMEX charges an interest rate and when the account is paid down they credit back the interest BUT again no missing payments (including the required difference that the client needs to send in until the proposal is accepted). That one was a NIGHTMARE because people were unaware they were not eligible (by NOT looking at their statements or realising the missed payment DROPPED them from the DMP) and thought they were going to get a large sum of cash...I feel Incharge works for the disciplined but 99.9% of the time your credior may be willing to work with you if you call up and ask for their Debt Management Department which many creditors have. Do not talk to the jerks harrassing you for a payment because they will not offer solutions speak to the friendly DMP people internally with the creditor.....My sister has been on the program and loves it. Incharge does work if you are willing to work for it.


Submitted by on Mon, 11/23/2009 - 07:53

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My employee assistance program recommended InCharge Debt Management. We are current on all of our accounts but are using InCharge to lower the interest rates as we pay down/off our debts.


Submitted by on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 21:12

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my whole family as individuals went into debt managment with 1 choice debt resolution a year ago and we had great results.their number is 1 866 957-0213 ext 245.they helped all the way and whenever i called he was there to help with any concern.i recommend this company because my experience.


Submitted by on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 09:31

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I'm currently working with InCharge and I love them! They have helped my wife and I. I have had NO problems getting the money out of my account, sent to the creditors, and getting me low interest rates on my dmp. So in my opinion, they're great!


Submitted by on Thu, 02/18/2010 - 11:01

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I joined In Charge in 2004 when I couldn't pay the minimum balances on my cards and they worked with me really well and got even the most stubborn cards to reduce my rates. I've been paying $150 a month and two of my cards are completely paid off and the last one is almost there. If it hadn't been for In Charge, I don't know what I would have done, just out of college with a low-paying job. They had me pay the least amount I could and have made it work for six years now and calling them is honestly the best decision I've ever made. I recommend this company to everyone.


Submitted by on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 16:33

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I am confused as what debt management is the best that can save me money. I am dealing with incharge debt solution and they are doing great. i do not see any problem. the only problem is, i read in your site that, they charge only 15 dollar, but that is not true they are charging me almost 50 dollars. can i go back and ask them to reduce it? but that is not all, i have received another invitation from another debt solution company. they claim that, they can reduce the payment from the amount i pay now to half and they will reduce the total amount that i am settling to half. in another word. if i owe 20k i will only pay 10k i do not know how true that is. i would like to get my debt reduced to that point if it is true but i doubt it. eventhough i asked the new inviter what i have to do with my current debt solution comp. they said just cancel it and we will take over. i do not want to open a can of worm again. what do you think
your advice will be appreciated


Submitted by on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 02:21

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Sadik, if In charge is doing a great job for you I see no reason for you to switch to another settlement company. Changing your settlement company frequently is not going to help you in reducing your debt, as you may lose on fees and early termination of the program charges. Moreover, it can become really confusing for the creditors as well if a new settlement company contacts them everytime, and they may just file a lawsuit against you.


Submitted by SC on Thu, 03/04/2010 - 03:01

SC

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The fee's and payment on this charge card, is rediculous. I'm 75 years old and I have a balance of five thousand plus dollars. Every since the summer, I've been making regular payments, this balance dosen't seem to change. On my statement there not even ashame, to note that with me paying this monthly payment, it would take me 24 years!! This to clear this balance. I'm one to pay my bills, this one is out of hand. I need help, Betty


Submitted by on Mon, 03/15/2010 - 11:00

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What is the charge for this service?


Submitted by on Tue, 03/16/2010 - 09:24

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What is the charge for this service?


Submitted by on Tue, 03/16/2010 - 09:31

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous
Does InCharge Debt Solutions require you to close out all of your credit card accounts or only the ones they are helping you with?



The idea of debt management program is to help members with their debts when encouraging them to live within budget. Hence, the idea is not to accumulate new debt when you are in a debt management program. You would need to stop using the credit cards which you have added to the program.


Submitted by on Sat, 03/27/2010 - 04:06

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimball_Steven
In Charge Debt Solutions Scam:
In Charge Debt Solutions complaints, incharge.org. I would like to hear some feedback from anyone who has used this company or anyone who has information/background on this company. I see positive reviews online and no unresloved complaints.
I have over $25,000 in debt and have had my hours cut at work and can no longer afford my minimums. My accounts are all current and I have a FICO score of over 700 so debt consolidation/settlement is a huge adjustment for me....
Any thoughts?

although, you are unable to continue charging, the end and most positive result is that you are saving thousands of dollars. I recently had them with 8 credit cards and cannot say enough about everything..easy to enroll..easy to pay and very helpful and knowledgeable staff whenever you call. I would definitely recommend them and wll as I was able to eliminate my debt within 33 months. I had a small settlement so I applied most of the money to incharge and was debt free in only 18 months!!


Submitted by on Thu, 04/15/2010 - 08:50

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I was in about $26000 debt when I called InCharge in 2006. They set me up on a payment program, lowered my interest rates and the creditors stopped calling within a week. They did ask for a donation and I gladly gave it to them because they were saving me thousands after all. After about 2 yrs, times got a little tough and I called them and told them I could no longer afford my donation and they gladly stopped charging me one. For 4 yrs, I paid a monthly payment to InCharge. It was a long hard road but VERY well worth it. I finished up my very last payment on April 15th, 2010. I checked my credit score and it was 762!! I couldn't believe it! I thought for sure that being with a debt mgmt program would hurt my score...but when I think about it, they helped me make on time credit card payments to 4 different credit cards every month for 4 yrs!! I feel SO good about myself that I took on that goal and accomplished it rather than bailing out and taking the easy road, and filing for bankruptcy. ONE TIME in that four years they made one mistake, and it was on my last payment. I gave them my payoff balance for my very last credit card and said that I wanted that amount taken out rather than my normal amount. They accidentally forgot to stop payment on my normal amount and took out both amounts. It cost me $245 in overdraft fees...but you know what? They quickly took care of it and paid for the overdraft fees that mistake caused. I imagine that it was an honest mistake and hardly ever happens. My opinion, this counseling service gets an A+. Hope this helps!


Submitted by on Thu, 05/06/2010 - 05:14

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous
i have 14 k in cc bills. they will charge me 2100 for their service, and reduce my bills to 6300, payments of 175 per month for 48 months


They are charging you how much for there services - I have a set up fee of 25.00 - I am confused?
Just making sure I am going wit a good company. I have 4 kids and pregnant with 5th and can't handle anymore right now.

Thanks!


Submitted by on Mon, 06/21/2010 - 09:28

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous
Most of the InCharge Debt Solutions reviews I've heard of are positive. I personally know people that have used InCharge and know some people that actually work for the company. They are local here in Orlando... I heard that they have over 80,000 clients that they deal with and 18 complaints over a 3yr period is nothing... In Charge Debt Solutions complaints, see them in BBB.
I did check out their website and they are also sponsored by the Department of Defense because they provide education to the military as well. I did not find any CCC company that came even close to being sponsored like that...
I would give them a call, because I heard that they are completely an honest and great company. That's hard to find with all those scam companies out there now!
Hope that helps...


The DOD doesn't ''Sponsor' or endorse private companies. This comment shows you are a shill. How musch were you paid to write that...or do you or a relative have an interest in the company?


Submitted by on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 08:52

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I used In Charge and the program worked beautifully. I even missed a payment one month and the company was very understanding and worked with me to accommodate my ability to pay. I have paid of 1000's of dollars now in exactly the time they said it would take and all my credit cards / accounts were settled. They always treated me with respect, professionalism and respected confidentiality completely. I am VERY pleased with In Charge.


Submitted by on Tue, 08/03/2010 - 06:49

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I've been with InCharge now for just under 3 years. I had close to $15 000 in debt. They managed to wipe all my interest rates so I am only paying the principle. For a while I did pay a voluntary donation, but stopped that when times got tough. There was no problem with it.

I have skipped payments a few times when times were tough as well and they were great to work with.

My final payment will be in June 2011 and I can't wait.

Also, it's true about the credit - I saw my score the other day and was shocked. It does help you build credit.


Submitted by on Sun, 08/08/2010 - 14:21

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I am so broke my kids got air pudding for sainte chapelle day. I signed up and will look over the paper work, but if it can cut the crazy interest rates these banks charge, I think I'll join. Moreover, the banks cut my limit and stabbed me in the back and left me for dead. I pray they all burn in hell. Amen.


Submitted by on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 20:12

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I enrolled with Incharge Debt Solutions 4 years ago with $20,000 in CC debt. My final payment is next month and I couldn't be more pleased with their service. They were able to reduce my interest rates from 25-30% down to 5-10% which made a huge difference. My monthly payment was set up as an automatic withdrawl from my checking account so I never worried about missing a payment and there was never a problem -even when I moved and changed banks. My FICO score has been increasing and I'm looking forward to being totally debt-free in 30 days...with the help if Incharge Debt Solutions.


Submitted by on Fri, 10/15/2010 - 14:40

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I had around $17,900 in credit card debt when I first joined In Charge. I have been with them for four years now. Next year in October I will be 100% debt free. They have really helped me a great deal. I would highly recommend them to everyone. It also saved my credit score. :)


Submitted by on Mon, 10/18/2010 - 12:30

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I have been with incharge for aproximatly 3 years and nearly finished. They reduced my monthly payments and got all of my cards interest to 0%. I do not have any complaints with them, however I spoke to a credit card collector (who called my number by mistake-looking for someone else) but I asked him about debt solution compaines and he said that I might as well have claimed bankrupcy...he says it's horrible for your credit...I am waiting for my score to come in the mail but getting worried...anyone know what the truth is?


Submitted by on Fri, 10/29/2010 - 06:39

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Here's the deal: Of course your credit is going to be affected because most of your creditors will close your accounts bringing your available credit to zero. As you pay, your balance goes down and your scores will gradually go up. It is a process.

There is a notation that some of the creditors put on the credit reports saying you are in a dmp or something similar. Some creditors do not put the notation. However, the notation is removed once you have completed the program or terminate the program.

You pay back 100% of the balance with less interest with a debt managment program. That is better than bankruptcy or debt settlement. Debt settlement is not a road I would choose. What people don't understand is that even when you settle with a creditor or collection agency for less than full amount, sometime you will still be harassed for the amount you did not pay or worse yet, get sent a 1099C from the agency saying you owe money on the amount you did not pay and this is reported to the IRS. Also, you will have a notation of "settled for less than full amount" attached to that tradeline on your credit report which is extremely difficult to get removed.

The bottom line is: You got yourself into debt...you need to man up and get yourself out. Personally, I am one that believes you should pay back every dime you owe and prefer the debt management programs. Every one is different and every financial situation is different. You need to research programs that are out there and ask questions. I did this and decided to go with Incharge. They have been very honest and helpful. I would highly recommend them.


Submitted by on Wed, 11/03/2010 - 18:37

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I just finished paying all my debt in 4 years!! Now I have $225 extra every month. Not much but atleast I don't have any more debt. This works as long as you keep up with the balance. People who neglected their monthly statements are usually the ones that feels like they got ripped off. People have to understand that the creditors still have control of your bills. They can change their mind and stop complying with the program. Sometimes, they don't have the updated balance which can accumulate if not closely monitored. You still have to work but very little. Yes ur credit will be negatively affected initially but it's at the end when it pays off. Your credit will eventually go up.


Submitted by on Wed, 01/05/2011 - 09:24

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I used incharge for 5 years. They did everything that I was expecting them to do. I had about 18,000 in credit card debt. I am not sure if they can do anything if you are not past due on the cards but you will have to call them. They negotiated with all of my cards and lowered the payments. They charged a nominal fee of 20 bucks a month but was well worth it since it stopped all the collection calls. The only downside to the consollidations is that you can not take out anykind of new loan or they will kick you off the program, but I was able to talk them into letting me take out a small auto loan because my car was breaking down and i needed someting better. All in all though I would HIGHLY recomend giving them a try. They took alot of stress out of me.......:D


Submitted by on Wed, 01/05/2011 - 19:30

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Well I contact In debt after talking to 3 CC reps in regards to lowering my Chase, Amex, and citi. 3 CC was able to lower it from for example 25% to 15%, 2 CC 29% to 12% APR. I was happy about CC companies negiotiating my rates. I called In Dept because I wanted to find out my other options. I spoke to the In dept rep over an hour. Gave all my financial data and they inputed and gave me a budget. They mentioned they'll take out about 35.00 a month in fees, about 10.00 one time fee, and something like 50.00 for processing fee. I have no problems with this, but I could have also gone directly to CC companies. THe only thing I needed to do was download the application and sign it. It would take bout 4-5 yrs but at a lower monthly cost from what they said and I understand it. After my wife and I slept and thought about it I decided to do it on my own and just pay my cards myself directly. Hence I already negioted with the CC companies in lowering my APR. I contacted the In Debt rep to let them know and how appreciative I was in helping me yesterday, but declined to go with In Debt at this time. THe In debt rep was so helpful and couteous that she even stated to come back if I ever need assistance. She also told me to contact the CC company and request that I contact someone in the Hardship Dept and plea and negiotiate. I called the Amex and even lowered my 15% to 0% for 6 mos, and then after 6 mos. it'll go back to 9% for bout anohter 6 mos. I still have to make payments of course, but i'm in the program. Of course there's stipulations in doing this program, but felt it was necessary to stop the interest!! I no longer can use my amex card, but at least I can catch up. I saved about 1200 a yr on my amex card originally when I went from 35% to 15%, and then from 15% to 0% APR but in hardship program. I'd probably go with In Debt if I ever need them and cannot deal with going directly to CC companies. However, I dealt with the CC's and will contact my other 2 CC companies and go to hardship program just to stop the APR rate bleeding. I should be able to pay my CC in less then 3 years as indicated in my statement.


Submitted by on Sat, 01/08/2011 - 14:57

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I was close to $20,000 in debt. I found Incharge Debt online. They set up a manageable payment plan with me. I made my last payment earlier this month. It took five years to pay this off. I had no problems with Incharge. Payments got to my creditors on time each month. Funds were taken from my checking account each month. The staff was very professional and helpful when I called. Anyone looking for an affordable way to get out of debt, I highly recommend Incharge. I am a very happy customer. :p


Submitted by on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 21:06

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My husband and I joined InCharge in July 2008 with just a hair under $70,000 in credit card bills.... credit cards alone mind you. Fast forward to 3 years later and with steady payments and compliance with our program, we will be completely credit card debt free in 14 more months.. It is the light at the end of a very dark, depressing almost marriage ending tunnel, and getting brighter and brighter as each month passes. I would highly recommend this company to anyone. When we are done, that will be an extra $1400.00 dollars in our account each month and that is a blessing! Also, not that we truly need to be patted on the back, but, getting praise from our debt manager when she told us how much we had cut our debt and how proud she was, well yeah... that just made us beam! Silly I know, but every once in a while everyone needs that pat on the back, that "way to go, keep it up" or sometime it just doesn't seem worth it. So this is LovelyOne with a great BIG THUMBS UP! to InCharge.. :D


Submitted by LovelyOne on Thu, 09/29/2011 - 09:36

LovelyOne

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You need to get your facts straight bankruptcy stays on your credit for 7 years after the fact. With our program its 2 to 5 years once done it shows that debt is paid in full. Hmm what would you rather have bankruptcy or paid in full? Next time you speak on a company do your research...


Submitted by on Thu, 04/26/2012 - 09:16

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Hi -- I'm researching InCharge Debt Solutions and found this site after a Google search.

I'm just taking a look, so I don't have all the information, but InCharge absolutely IS a non-profit. You can look it up on the Florida Secretary of State website, Sunbiz. I just did, and it's listed as a foreign (out of state) non-profit.

I'd chalk that up as a big point in the company's favor. Many, many debtor's services are scams, but they're not non-profits.

The red flags for dishonest debtor services would be anyone offering to lower your debts but not fully explaining how they plan to do it, *and* typically asking you for a steep monthly payment. The scam is basically that they'll send a few letters to your creditors to slow them down, while taking as much of your money as possible. But nothing actually gets resolved, and in some cases, the "debt assistance" company will just pass you along to a bankruptcy attorney once they've milked you.

As I said, I don't know much about InCharge, but it looks as legitimate as anything I've seen, and the fact that there is substantial positive feedback tells me it's an honest business. The scammers don't please anyone, because they never solve anything, because they don't know how. An honest debt relief company will still have some complaints, because, yes, the clientele will include people in difficult situations who may have unrealistic expectations.


Submitted by on Mon, 07/30/2012 - 13:22

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