Family Credit Counseling Corporation Stole my $1400.00 Deposit ripoff Lauderdale Lakes Florida

On or about May 22, 2006 I contacted Family Credit Counseling Corporation and advised them that I had received a sum of money and would like to pay off all of my bills. I have been with the company for over 2 years now. I talked to a counselor named Starr and told her of my situation. She explained to me that if I wanted to pay off all my bills to get the payoffs of all the accounts and send them a money order. I asked her if I
paid them myself what would happen. She told me I would not get a certificate of completion. I then asked her if I would have any problems getting my $1400.00 retainer back. She told me NO. So I proceeded to call all the credit card companies to get payoffs.

While calling for the payoffs I discovered that 3 of my payments were late. At this time I decided to payoff the accounts myself as I did not want any delays and more interest accruing and Starr had told me there would be no penalty for this. There was over $46,000 involved in the payoffs. I then paid off all of the accounts and sent FCCC an Email notifying them of this. I never got a response from them.

On June 2,2006 I called them to verify them of the Email. I talked to a woman named Latasha. She told me they received the Email. I then asked her when I would be receiving my $1400.00 in retainer money. She told me that I broke the agreement and would not be receiving any money back. I explained the conversation with Star and she continued to give me the same answer. I only paid these accounts off myself based on information provided by one of their counselors.

I need this money and would not have done this if I knew my money wasnt going to be returned. I was ill advised and should get my money back. Over the course of 2 years with this company I received many nasty letters from the credit card companies about late payments. Also dealt with the so-called hurricane ordeal. It was a long 2 years with these people and I am glad it is over. Well most of it except my $1400.00 they owe me.

Jeff
Lacrosse, Wisconsin
U.S.A.