California Is Hunting Deceptive Debt Settlement Companies — Here’s How to Report One
California’s DFPI is actively hunting deceptive debt settlement companies — and the junk mail you almost threw away could start an investigation.
deceptive marketing
Supreme Court Lets $7.93M CFPB Fine Stand Against Biweekly Mortgage Firm
Supreme Court won’t hear Nationwide Biweekly Administration’s appeal of a $7.93M CFPB penalty for deceptive mortgage payment marketing that cost consumers more than it saved.
Debt Relief Ads: What They Mean and What to Do
Quick Answer: Debt relief ads using fake news sites and government-looking forms are deceptive and misleading, particularly when they violate FTC telemarketing rules. Consumers should avoid completing forms that request personal information before providing specific details about services, as this is a major red flag for predatory practices.This morning I was online and I saw …
Halo Mac and American Debt Relief: Legit?
Quick Answer: Halo Mac and American Debt Relief appear connected to Budget Mailing Services, which sends potentially deceptive mailers resembling official government communications. Budget Mailing Services was suspended in California in 2001 and shares servers with multiple debt relief and financial companies, raising legitimacy concerns.Thanks to a tipster (send in your tips here) I wanted …
Credit Card Bailout: When It Helps Your Score
Quick Answer: There is no government credit card bailout program, and advertisements claiming such programs exist are deceptive marketing schemes. These commercials promote false debt relief solutions that don’t actually help credit scores or provide legitimate financial assistance.“Dear Steve,Does the credit card bailout program affect your credit scores?”There is no credit card bailout program. I …
USOBA Suspension Threats: Myth vs Reality
Quick Answer: USOBA’s Zero Tolerance Policy for deceptive marketing represents an attempt at industry self-regulation, but the organization’s credibility is questionable given that members were already engaging in the exact deceptive practices now prohibited. The policy’s effectiveness remains doubtful without meaningful enforcement mechanisms beyond membership suspension threats.The United States Organization for Bankruptcy Alternatives (USOBA) has …
Is Debt-Agency.us Legit or a Scam?
Quick Answer: Debt-Agency.us appears to be a scam that uses false claims about new federal laws allowing 50% debt reduction with fake urgent deadlines. The advertised “recent revisions to state and federal laws” allowing debt cuts in half are completely untrue, and legitimate debt settlement doesn’t involve government programs with expiration dates.Yesterday I came across …
UPS Mailbox Loan Mod Firms: Legit or Scam?
Quick Answer: Two San Diego men who ran Nations Housing Modification Center were federally indicted for defrauding desperate homeowners out of $2,500-$3,000 for fake loan modification services. The firm falsely claimed to operate near the White House with forensic accountants and lawyers on staff, but actually ran from Southern California with no professional staff.Federal prosecutors …
