Scam

ComplaintsFinancesThe Consumer Law Group,P.A.

Complaint

0
Rick
Country: United States
The Consumer Law Group P.A. are scam artist, don't be fooled by people saying that there great, those people basically have worked or worked for them.  I told eric that I can look into the program, but Eric told me that I was being recorded.  I got another call from them expressing the importance of signing and sending the contract to them.  I told them that I'm not interested and today June 12, 2009 they still went ahead and withdrew 349.00 dollars from my account, BE VERY AWARE OF THE CONSUMER LAW GROUP P.A.  nOW I HAVE TO GO AND FIGHT FOR MY MONEY AS i HAVE NO MONEY FOR MY GROCERIES OF BILLS.  DO NOT LET THE CONSUMER LAW GROUP ROB YOU OF YOU HARD EARNED MONEY.  THEY ARE NOT LAWYERS, THERE TELEMARKETERS, BE AWARE OF THIS SCAM

Comments

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  • 0
    Pamela Ward
    | 1 reply
    I have been "taken" by this so called consumer law group. I faxed a letter to have them cancel the agreement and stop taking money out of my checking account, but they have continued to do so. I will be closing my checking account out to stop them from taking any more money from me. How did you get your money back? My email address is bsnward@yahoo.com
    • 0
      Done replies to Pamela Ward
      Might be late but go to your bank and file a complaint. Citibank gave me all my money back and started an investigation. Also, if your bank refuses to help, tell them you will complain to the FOS (Financial Ombudsman Service) and they will help you out.
  • 0
    Pamela
    If I were you I would not do business with this group of people. I got burned bad and if you are smart you will not do business with this company. Warn everyone you know about this company.
  • 0
    pamela
    Well answer this question then why does this so honest company keep taking money from my account when I faxed a letter for them to cancel my agreement? How much more dishonest can a company get? Taking peoples hard earned money.
  • 0
    sailing
    would be helpful to know what was wrong. I am thinking of going with this company
  • 0
    sailing
    Can you tell how things are going with consumer law group at this point??
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    Deloris
    | 1 reply
    On October 1st the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division in North Carolina filed a law suit to bar The Consumer Law Group from collecting money for debt settlement. The suit also demands that refunds are issued to more than 3 thousand residents of NC that have paid fees to The Consumer Law Group, all contracts cancelled. They also seek civil penalties and to freeze assets of The Consumer Law Group and American Debt Negotiators. It's illegal to charge an upfront fee for help with debt adjustment or debt settlement under North Carolina Law. The state does however allow qualified credit counselors to charge limited fees to help someone set up a debt management plan to make timely payments. According to Florida's division of corporations, the Consumer Law Group is located at 23123 US Hwy 441. Company president Michael L. Metzner is named as a defendant in the case along with Ran David Barnea, Daniel T. Post, and an affiliated company, American Debt Negotiators Inc., according to the suit. The Attorney General's suit contends that Consumer Law Group deceived consumers by promising to reduce their debts by half and leave them debt-free without bankruptcy, but in reality settlements were rarely achieved. Although Metzner is a Florida attorney, he is not licensed to practice in North Carolina and the company isn’t a law firm, the suit said. It also mostly uses telemarketers to pitch its services, not lawyers, the suit alleged. In an affidavit filed in the suit, a retired Raleigh couple on a fixed income turned to the Boca business for help with credit card debt after hearing about its services on a local Christian radio station. The ad touted its services as "part of the government's debt relief plan," but after forking out nearly $3,000 over 10 months, the couple is yet to receive help with their debts. "If you need help digging out of debt, don't get trapped in a scam that puts you deeper in the hole," NC Attorney General said. "Find a non-profit credit counselor in your community who can offer real help instead."
    • 0
      paul normandie replies to Deloris
      I sign up to have  my credit score fixed by berges law group it comes too my attension  that there  have a lots of claimes filed aganist them cant log to a website to cancel entmy agreement  need one   t/u
  • 0
    blandi
    I was wondering if it worked out with you canceling within the 10 day period.  Did they still try to take money from you?
  • 0
    answers
    Let me inform you all that "The Consumer Law Group" is a partial law firm. The Consumer Law Group uses multiple enrollment agencies to get clients for the actual law office. There are about 10-15 other agencies that set up contact information either in the telephone book or on the internet so when you call they address themselves as enrollment agents for the law group. These are the people you first talk to when you call in, they  enroll new clientele into Consumer Law Group programs, they are located all over the country. The first person you talk to is commonly referred to is a credit counselor or a sales representative, they explain how the program works and how the "Consumer Law Group" will perform in helping resolve your debt. These agencies also can enroll for other companies debt programs as well, so if one program doesn't suit your needs they might have agreements with another company to help with your bills. If you have all of your creditors information they can do some kind of free consult for you to see what monthly payments and debt can be reduced. If you are satisfied and would like to proceed they will then take all of your information and I assume will put it in a data bank that is networked with all parts of The Consumer Law Group (a lead system). Your full name, phone number, social security number and address will be taken. I'm sure after all the information has been entered in their system they would do some kind of verbal recording and assure you this is for your security. Common sense shows it's a weak way to back what they had explained to you just incase they have any legal issues with you. It would make sense if the recording stated the fee they would charge for the service, monthly payments and any other crucial information that would prove everything to be sensible beyond a reasonable doubt if taken to court. Recently (Again if you have been doing your research kiddies) Attorney Generals in many states have been enforcing strict laws on up and coming and current credit counseling agencies since there have been more than an overwhelming amount of complaints(This I will not go into detail about to much to type, look it up yourselves). After the recording is done your representative will introduce you to a new representative at a "new department" maybe referred to as a legal assistant or some kind of verifier. The quicker your first representative can get you on and off the phone the sooner they can take a new call. The new call is a new sale which potentially creates a greater commission for the representative and more money for the company. Your new representative will more than likely review what you and your previous representative have came to an agreement on. If you are satisfied and have no complaints they send you out your paperwork I’m assuming by mail, fax or email and you are all done! If you think the information your new representative reviewed with you didn't match what your previous representative had explained to you at that point you will be directed back to your original sales representative so they can re explain. Folks, these are people who are trying to sell you a program, people who work on commission. These are people who are very good with their words. Now let me explain a few new things to you. Allot of credit counseling agencies work for law firms and many law firms provide what’s known as "debt reduction". Debt reduction is where you owe "x" amount of dollars; for example $100,000 and out of that they say they can have you pay back a fraction of what you owe! Some say they can reduce your debt by %50, some by %30, I’ve talked to some that said %5 percent. There is no consistency for one simple reason; Your creditors don't have to agree to reduce your debt at all! They are not legally bound to reduce anyone’s debt. So now you are paying thousands of dollars for a service that isn't even guaranteed to work; Ask your counselor "Can you guarantee to reduce my debt to the percentage you had persuaded me you could?" they will say no. Then, take it one step further and ask "Well how can you quote me a monthly payment?". Another important fact about these programs is that the monthly payments you are making do not go to your creditors. Yes, you are making a monthly payment but it goes into some kind of FDIC Insured account while the law office is negotiating with your creditors in hopes for a reduced pay off amount on each of your bills. If a creditor eventually agrees to reduce the amount of debt you owe, only at that time in a lump sum of money will they accept that settlement. On the contrary if the creditor does not agree to any reduction of your balances over an extended period of time they have the right to sue you for that bill. Here's the problem with settlement programs; Since your creditors don't get a monthly payment and your money is being deposited into an FDIC Insured account it doesn't protect you from being sued, even if you're working with a law firm. If you start to miss monthly payments on your own or with a credit counseling agency you will still be pursued by collection agencies; This typically happens after you have missed more than 5 or 6 monthly payments.  If a creditor pursues legal action you will have to appear in court and there will be a demand to pay the money you owe them. If you fail to meet that demand or you can't pay they will do one of the following; Garnish your wages, Put liens on property you own or have a tax lien put on next years reported wages. The creditor can also add the attorney fees onto your existing unpaid bill making the balance skyrocket. If you and counsel agree on a court appointed payment that is good. However, If you miss that payment one month, you have violated a court appointed demand, you have broken the law and you can be arrested and put in jail. I know this sounds far fetched but it does happen allot. More and more people are being mislead as to how this program works. It's a very simple science, you need to do your research before buying your product. Being educated deters any quick talking sales man or woman from over glorifying an under ranged product that’s bound to cause your future any discomfort. In sales, the less you, the buyer knows, the more of an edge it gives the representative. With that said, more knowledge, more power.
  • 0
    J
    Good morning. My name is Jonathan . I am the manager for a Credit Company. My firm has been trying to reach someone in this office now for over 5 months, with no return call...no email...no follow up of any kind. And when we do call into their office, the reps are extremely rude and unprofessional, and appear to be secretive about the overall operations at their company. The company name says that they are a "Law Firm"...however, the representitives they have fielding your calls are not only rude to their clients, but to creditors and other companies outside of their business who are trying to HELP resolve these poor clients debts. And these reps on the phone and their company...could CARE LESS about actually helping anyone out!  As I said before, we have been trying to reach out to someone responsible in this company for over FIVE MONTHS now. And frankly, I have been treated with more respect from customer service reps at AT&T and bumbs on the street! The debtors our firm deals with our nicer than the taff at this "so called law firm" is being. We have called there several times, and each time, someone answers the phone saying, "hold on" and then just leaves you on hold. Or the reps are extremely rude and unhelpful. I have never in my life dealt with such unprofessionalism.  And all we are trying to do is speak to someone with some authority and responsibility that would be willing to help get these mutual clients closed out. Do they care? No!   However, everyone, including a rep by the name of "Bonnie" will not only not let you speak to anyone..she hides names and titles and refuses to give any kind of contact info or be helpful in reaching someone that can assist our firm. As is stands now, we are reviewing the possibility of sending ANY AND ALL accounts that are with The Consumer Law Group, PA to our legal department to be reviewed for legal suit. As this appears to be the only way we are going to get anything resolved with your company. Good luck to anyone signing up with this company...as your debts and your financial well-being is of NO importance and is not priority to the good folks at The Consumer Law Group, PA.
  • 0
    Ken
    Dan Post convicted felon --  "Premium Sales"
    Dan Post is Ken Thenen's son-in-law

    http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet? ... &Age=&x=74&y=12

    1.     DANIEL POST        07599-112     54    -   White-M     08-28-1996          RELEASED
    =================================================
    When the SEC shut down the bulk grocery trader in 1993, the $500 million raised from roughly 2,000 investors amounted to the largest Ponzi scheme in Florida history. More than two dozen company executives were charged, with most pleading guilty. Executives Kenneth Thenen, his son, Scott, and Daniel Morris funded lavish lifestyles, homes, yachts and jets.
    ===================================================
    http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/realtime/2011/ ... uit-against-ag/
    Boca Raton-based Consumer Law Group files suit against AG
    by Kim Miller

    The Boca Raton-based Consumer Law Group has filed a lawsuit in Palm Beach County against the Florida Attorney General’s office seeking a declaration that the office cannot investigate the company under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

    American Debt Negotiators, as well as Michael L. Metzner, Ran Barnea and Daniel T. Post are also named as plaintiffs.

    According to the Jan. 13 suit, the attorney general’s office has issued subpoenas for several former company employees and has deposed at least 10 people in conjunction with an investigation into the group’s legal practices.

    “As a result of the Attorney General’s continuing activities in excess of its statutory and constitutional authority, plaintiffs reasonably believe that the Attorney General will soon file suit under the guise of FDUTPA,” the suit states.

    It’s unclear whether the investigation is connected to the ongoing foreclosure inquiry being conducted by the state into four large law firms that represent banks in foreclosure cases.

    But, the lawsuit refers to a Palm Beach County judge’s ruling last year in one of those cases that affirms the attorney general’s office does not have the power to investigate under FDUTPA.

    That ruling has been appealed by the state.
  • 0
    John
    I used this company to negotiate my interest rates with my creditors.  I had various credit cards with over 15K in debt, some as high as 28% interest.  I was VERY VERY skeptical b/c I felt that no one wants to really help anyone get out of debt they just want to make money, but I was desperate.  With those kinds of interest rates it’s impossible to get out of debt.  I talked to this company & the whole process was very rushed.  They have you talk to like three different people all basically saying the same thing.  They really try to push you thru the whole process.  I had to continue to try & slow them down on the phone & get them to repeat things every step of the way.  I called more than once & had the same (hour long) conversations just to make sure that I received the same information.  Then they wanted me to agree & I said I needed to think about it more.  I sat on the idea for over a week & eventually agreed to start the program.  After I started, I got really pissed b/c my 1st payment (about $500) went in their pockets not my creditors. I called right away & they explained that it was a onetime fee & all the remaining payment would go to the creditors.  If I could give them any advice it would be to SLOW DOWN and make sure everyone understands every little thing.  If I had known it was going to them then I would not have been angry.  I have been in this program for about 8 months & with reduced interest rates & a good tax return I am already half way to paying off my debt.  It was a struggle the 1st month b/c I had to make them a payment & make all my regular payment so that I wouldn’t have any late accounts.  Other than the 1st payment, everything they said would happen has happened.  In fact, I recently made a lump sum payment to on one of my cards before my usual CLG payment went thru & the CLG called to tell me that I should have a credit on that account.  Anyway, if you are trying to reduce interest rates (& not settling your debt) then maybe my experience will help.  Remember to ask all the questions you can & be sure to understand everything before your start.
  • 0
    Gwen
    My husband has been paying the Consumer Law Group for over two years now, without ever receiving a statement of where the funds are going.  He recently received garnished wages due to credit card companies.  How would you suggest he handle this?  It is unclear as to whether or not this company is actually assisting his debt or taking the money in fees.  Please respond with advice to either get his money back from this company or to actually assist in paying the credit card companies.  Thanks.
  • 0
    Mrs May
    I just read your posting. Were you able to clear your credit with COnsumer Law Group?
    My father signed up with them four months ago and have taken over 10K from him and nothing has been paid off yet.
    I am very worried.
    Please let me know if your expirience worked out and if so who did you work with.


    Marcie May 408 202 9609
  • 0
    Marshel
    hired this company after they reviewed my case in detail and convinced me that there was no way I could lose with the improper practices this new mortgage company that had bought out my loan from my original lender whom went bankrupt.  I told them I could not pay them and keep up on my loan, they told me my loan had to go into foreclosure anyway for them to be able to help me that the WORST thing that could happen was I would get a loan modification by the judge when we went to court.
    I believed them since my APR was 13% on my house since the new lender, and really needed help, they didn't even show up for court like they promised and suddenly called in last minute and I lost my house and received no foreclosure defense as they promised and a 2 week vacate notice for my home of 15 years.

    DO NOT Trust this company!!! they will lie to you to get you to pay them and they don't care if you lose your house and don't even try to stop it, they don't return phone calls, or do what they claim to be able to do.
    The lied to me from day one just to take over 3,000 dollars over a period of 6 months from my bank account only to lose my home, when they guaranteed I the worst that could or would happen is a loan modification.
    Great modification now my family is homeless.

    I could go on and on about failure to call me back , or even have contact with me after my house went into foreclosure to pay them, but I will stop here.
  • 0
    Marshel
    Also after hounding them for 2 weeks with no call back right before my court date they told me I did not need to show up to the court date and they had an attorney to do so for me, well he didn't show up but I found out he called in.
  • 0
    S.W. Jamieson my real name
    USCLG EXPLAINED IN PLAIN ENGLISH - USCLG will do nothing that you can not do for your self. I started using their service. The initial deal sounded great but after a year and over 6k paid to them non refundable as their employee stated in an eariler post it is full refund before 6 month 1/2 after 6 months and 0 after 1 year.It takes a year to figure out that they are doing nothing for you hence 0 refund just as I got. They started at 10% fee on the amount forgiven by my creditors. After a few months I recieved a letter stating that the fee was being raised to 30% of forgiven amount by the cerditors. I did the math and the cost of thier servive would have cost me 123% of my origional debt. here is an example of how I figured it on $1000.00- up front fee 10% on full amount of debt =$100. they settle for 40% with the creditor( that was the settlement with the 1 creditor they covered) = $400 to the creditor your cost so far $500, 30% = $180 on the forgiven money by the creditor to USCLG $680.00 so far. Global client solutions that escrows your funds charge $55 customer fee per month plus $7.20 for every transaction if it takes 6 months to settle your $1000 account these fees will add up to $330(@$55per month X6) monthly fees, $43.20 ($7.20X6)= $1,053 so far your not done yet now you have to pay income tax on the forgiven amount in a 1099 filing with the IRS using my 25% tax bracket IRS gets $150 on the $600 forgiven your up to $1,203 1099form raised my accountant fee $25 = $1,228 is your final or 122.8% of the origional debt. Listen carefully before you sign up, do the math you will see I am right on the money(no pun intended) with these figures. Oh yeah I forgot what they said would take 39 months was going to turn into 77 months. Good luck and go directly to your creditors like I did they will make the same deal to settle and you will save the 40% and those rediculous fees.  Don't be afraid to talk to them that fear is exactly what USCLG feeds on
  • 0
    S.W.Jamieson
    Follow up, Even at the original 10% on forgiven funds I would have only saved $120 in fees to them so it would still have looked like this $1,228 - $120 = $1,108.00 or  110.8 percent of original amount of debit. I settled with all of my creditors in a year my debit was$67k settled directly with creditors or their collection agencies for $23,450 or 35%, $8,207 to IRS (on 2 year payment plan) for a total of $26,257. Using USCLG would have cost me $85,760 Savings not using USCLG saved me $59,503
  • 0
    S. Jamieson
    USCLG EXPLAINED IN PLAIN ENGLISH - USCLG will do nothing that you can not do for your self. I started using their service. The initial deal sounded great but after a year and over 6k paid to them non refundable as their employee stated in an eariler post it is full refund before 6 month 1/2 after 6 months and 0 after 1 year.It takes a year to figure out that they are doing nothing for you hence 0 refund just as I got. They started at 10% fee on the amount forgiven by my creditors. After a few months I recieved a letter stating that the fee was being raised to 30% of forgiven amount by the cerditors. I did the math and the cost of thier servive would have cost me 123% of my origional debt. here is an example of how I figured it on $1000.00- up front fee 10% on full amount of debt =$100. they settle for 40% with the creditor( that was the settlement with the 1 creditor they covered) = $400 to the creditor your cost so far $500, 30% = $180 on the forgiven money by the creditor to USCLG $680.00 so far. Global client solutions that escrows your funds charge $55 customer fee per month plus $7.20 for every transaction if it takes 6 months to settle your $1000 account these fees will add up to $330(@$55per month X6) monthly fees, $43.20 ($7.20X6)= $1,053 so far your not done yet now you have to pay income tax on the forgiven amount in a 1099 filing with the IRS using my 25% tax bracket IRS gets $150 on the $600 forgiven your up to $1,203 1099form raised my accountant fee $25 = $1,228 is your final or 122.8% of the origional debt. Listen carefully before you sign up, do the math you will see I am right on the money(no pun intended) with these figures. Oh yeah I forgot what they said would take 39 months was going to turn into 77 months. Good luck and go directly to your creditors like I did they will make the same deal to settle and you will save the 40% and those rediculous fees.  Don't be afraid to talk to them that fear is exactly what USCLG feeds on
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