On October 2004 I almost fell scam to a group of people offering me a credit card (Everest Consumer in Atlanta = Fake Atlanta). I provided them by checking account number, never do this! But thanks to you Rip-off Report, you saved me from losing $299 and perhaps more!
So after this happened I definately put a stop to searching for credit cards. I focused on consolidating my several credit cards. I checked my phone book for a local consolidation company in Salem, Oregon. They seemed legit. I still think they are legit. But I decided to go with FEDERATED FINANCIAL because I talked to them first and the lady whom I talked with at first seemed sooo sweet and caring and very professional.
The lady told me how sorry she was about me almost getting scammed. But I come to find out as of March 11, 2005 that she is part of the "group of people" who have scammed me. And I want my money back!
Now back onto the subject with this lady. I assumed that for the next 2 years we would develop a professional relationship because she is taking over my credit cards. However, 4 months later, but total credit card balance increase by $2,100 dollars. Sure there are late fees and overlimit fees, but that does not occur in 4 months.
And I know exactly what would have happened. 2 months later, my overall balance would increase even more!!! They keep saying that it takes a couple of months to get things going with your credit cards and the credit card companies. But I am now 100% certain that after 6 months there is no progress whatsoever. This is horrible. What Kind of people would do this?
The funny thing is, is that i never checked this website beforehand to see if this company FEDERATED FINANCIAL was good or bad business. I felt so dumb and used. But this is how I see it. I almost got scammed, so to prevent myself from getting scammed I did the following:
1. cut up all my credit cards
2. searched for a consolidation company
3. started to use my money wisely
So it never occured to me about this consolidation company. I thought these types of organizations (non-profit) help people. But instead they can hurt people too.
March 11, 2005 6AM (pacific time) 9am (eastern Florida time)
I contacted the lady whom I initially started the program with. I have tried a couple times before to get hold of her, but they kept saying that she works in another department. So its kind of like a phase thing (they say) where I work with her and then for the next couple years with this other section.
But I demanded politely to speak with her. This is what happened: the first lady told me she was not there today. She said she would be there on Monday. I called back 5 minutes later. Another lady told me that she was on the phone and will transfer me to her voicemail. Now I realize that when a person says she "will transfer me to her voicemail" that its a 100% scam. I called again asking for the lady. I actually got to speak with her within seconds.
I asked "how can one person say that you are not here today and another says your on the phone". She said it was just a mixxup. That is scam # 2. So I caught all of them in the act. Its as if they are really all in one office. They have 2 different mailing addresses, but I really think they are all on the same page!
I then mailed out a letter today (with confirmation number) and faxed Coleman Law Offices AND federated financial one letter requesting my closing of the account. Funny thing - later that day i got a message on my answering maching from a guy from Federated Financial who "wanted to discuss my account with me". I didnt call him back! Its always difficult for me to get a hold of someone there. Now it will be difficult for them to get a hold of me.
I have been scammed the past 4 months. I will try to get my money back. I look at things on the good side though...you may have scammed me for 4 months but now I am 100% sure and certain that for the rest of my life I will not fall victim to anyone offering services. For example I did research about scammers and typical stuff they provide such as:
1. fake financial aid
2. fake credit card
3. fake consolidation
4. fake car (in good condition)
5. fake government grants
6. fake clothes i.e. leather jackets online
7. fake catalogs
8. fake jewelry
9. fake get rich schemes
John Doe
Salem, Oregon