After only 3 short months I learned that the $750 I committed to this program did not go towards my debt, but directly to the company. I paid $750 into this program and was offerred a refund of only $200, less than 27% of what I paid into it, upon learning that the program was not debt relief efficient. After three months of participation I learned that the company did nothing to improve or further my debt settlement, despite reasonable offers from creditors. A representative advised me to eliminate any existing payments I was making and dissolve all contact with creditors while Credit Answers resolved these problems for me. Prior to enrolling in this program I was on payment programs with these creditors working towards debt relief. I was advised to drop payment and stop communication with these creditors and now I am in further debt. I recognize that a fee would be involved for the assistance of this company however I did not know it would be so great. Clearly, if I was in a position to afford this type of service I would not be so upset with my recent discovery of how much I am losing by being enrolled. Again, not one phone call, email, or communication was made on my behalf. If I were in a position to afford giving away $750 for the sake of commission then I probably would not have looked into these services in the first place. I was mislead and not properly informed of the structure of the program. Additionally, I never signed or returned the 'Welcome Packet' in which a representative should have formally formally walked me through the program. I was originally told that if I ever needed to access my funds for emergency use, it would be available to me. That was the safeguard that lured me in, it didn't make it feel like such a threatening program. After all, it is MY money that is 'like a bank account committed to saving for debt settlement' as per the sales representative. What was left out of that conversation was the process. The part about having an ADDITIONAL savings account set up on top of what the agreed payment was and that ALL the money that I was submitting immediately went to cover the costs of Credit Answers partnership not towards debt settlement relief. These details are paramount to making the appropriate decision to decide whether or not this program is suitable or reasonable for ones current situation. I find it interesting that the payment is determined by your income, cost of living, and debt. This payment is supposed to be in direct proportion to what is affordable and realistic in improving or eliminating debt. However, for the program to 'effectively' work I would need to contribute way more than the calculated amount to make any significant improvement in my debt, because the fees that Credit Answers is absorbing is greater than the amount designated for debt payment. Again, the payment is determined by what you can afford, so if I can afford no more than what was agreed and Credit Answers is absorbing the majority, the program is designed to fail me, or bleed me financially. Hence, this program is not an effective one for someone with as limited resources as myself. I assure you, this sentiment was left out the consultation. Shame on this company for alleging to help Middle Class America get back on track and find relief in debt. This company is not part of the solution but part of the problem. Taking money from those who have the least to spare under the guise of "escape from the anxiety and the hopelessness that accompanies debt problems." (company motto)
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