In September of I was contacted by US Credit Management after filling out a form on the internet regarding debt reduction. I was initially contacted by a "BJ Gunn" from USCM regarding my situation, which I described as mounting debt after illness (cancer-specifically melanoma). Mr. Gunn went into a speech about how he himself was using USCM's program after being in an accident.
I was told the program involved signing a "Client/creditor Relationship Agreement" after which USCM would determine a monthly payment to pay down my debt at a much-reduced rates. I was told that USCM would serve as the sole contact to my creditors from this point on, and that my credit report would show no additional activity past what was there in October (at this time, there were several late payments showing and not more).
On October 9th, I signed and faxed their agreement and direct debit form, which contained all my bank and credit card information along with my Social Security number. I was set up on bank draft, where $158 per month would be debited and distributed to my creditors.
They sent me a "care package" of printouts on how to stop creditor harrassment (specifically phone calls) and a company booklet with a description of them, their contact information and a nice picture of football player Rusty Hilger, who was supposedly their spokesperson.
Several months, later I contacted my creditors to make sure they were being paid. They were not. They told me that they had not heard from USCM or anyone else on my behalf.By that time, my credit rating showed several charge-offs and I ordered a credit report online for printout. This credit report ranked me at a score of 540, or "poor", saying that my credit was superior to only 5% of US consumers.
Thanks, USCM!
I closed my bank account and never heard from USCM again—not even to inquire about a new account for debiting. I contacted an attorney to write them a letter on my behalf, and USCM sent me a check for $78, saying the rest went to creditor fees (none of which were paid). The attorned said he could not do anything more for me regarding my credit or the nearly $800 that was debited.
I still have this check and all mentioned records in my possession. I would like to see this company forced to pay my outstanding debt. Taking money from a person trying to start her life again after cancer was bad enough, but after this experience, I have not been able to rent a home, buy a car, or even open a bank account. My credit is THAT bad.
Trust no one, and DON'T GET SICK IN AMERICA.
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