Debt Free Asscoates, Carlsbad, California Kaitlin Ledger Kaitlin Ledger told me to stop paying my credit cards so they could negotiate my debt. Frisco, Texas

I signed up for a debt reduction program with Debt Free Associates in December 2009. I was out of work.

I spoke with Kaitlin Ledger. She was an aggressive sales agent and advised I was approved for their program. We agreed on an amount that I would pay each month automatically from my checking account.

I then realized that what I was approved for was $6,330.52 for their services to be paid over 24 months. The first 3 months were front loaded.

I had not yet defaulted on any credit card. Kaitlin advised that I stop paying my cards. I paid Global Client Solutions, their accounting vendor, $805.02 on 12/17/09. This was for a $199 set up fee and $606.02 for what I thought was to go towards the debt that would be negotiated. I was assured DFA had successfully negotiated debt with my credit card companies, Chase, Bank of America and others.  

I called Bank of America who referred me to their credit counselor. I was advised that Bank of America NEVER negotiates with these companies and also that neither does Chase. 

I contacted an attorney.

Written notice is required to opt out of the program. I sent Kaitlin an e-mail and asked that she call because I had a second payment coming due. I called and she promptly transferred me to Brian Bars (sp).

I asked what refund I would receive. Brian said he did not know the answer to the question as money may have already been paid out to arbitrators and such. I asked for an accountng of the $600.

I put a stop pay on that second payment.  I have not heard from DFA.

I check the BBB and Debt Free Associates is not a member.

Since then, I have determined that the address at 2768 Locker Ave. # 101, Carlsbad, CA is a suite shared by 10 companies, none of which are identified as Debt Free Associates.

The address at 7668 Warren Parkway # 315 in Frisco, Texas is an apartment building. There is no Debt Free Associates at this address.

None of the documents from DFA indicate the type of organization it is. I could not find DFA in Texas either.

I located a company called Debt Free Associates, LLC via the California Secretary of State Office. They are in Newport Beach, CA.  I have not determined if it is the same company because there is no phone listing.