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Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67 Filed 03/05/18 Page 1 of 3 

DAVID C. SHONKA 

Acting General Counsel 

SARAH SCHROEDER, Cal. Bar No. 221528 

ROBERTA TONELLI, Cal. Bar No. 278738 

EVAN ROSE, Cal. Bar No. 253478 

Federal Trade Commission 

901 Market Street, Suite 570 

San Francisco, CA 94103 

sschroeder@ftc.gov, rtonelli@ftc.gov, erose@ftc.gov 

Tel: (415) 848-5100; Fax: (415) 848-5184 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 

OAKLAND DIVISION 

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, 

Plaintiff, 

vs. 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS CENTER, 

a corporation, also d/b/a AFB and AF STUDENT 

SERVICES; 

AMERITECH FINANCIAL, a corporation; 

FINANCIAL EDUCATION BENEFITS 

CENTER, a corporation; and 

BRANDON DEMOND FRERE, individually and 

as an officer of AMERICAN FINANCIAL 

BENEFITS CENTER, AMERITECH 

FINANCIAL, and FINANCIAL EDUCATION 

BENEFITS CENTER,

 Defendants. 

Case No. 4:18-cv-00806-SBA 

RELATED TO: 4:17-cv-04817 SBA 

DECLARATION OF STEVE 

RHODE IN SUPPORT OF 

FEDERAL TRADE 

COMMISSION’S MOTION FOR 

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION 

DECLARATION OF STEVE RHODE IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL TRADE 

COMMISSION’S MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION 

4:18-CV-00806-SBA 
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DECLARATION OF STEVE RHODE 

1. My name is Steve Rhode and I reside in North Carolina. The following 

statements are within my personal knowledge and if called as a witness I could and 

would competently testify thereto. 

2. I am an investigative reporter and journalist who specializes in covering consume

debt and the debt relief world. From 1994 to 2004, I ran a large non-profit organization 

that helped people find a path through their financial troubles. During this time, I also 

had a syndicated Q&A advice column that ran in approximately 50 newspapers and wrot

three books, including "How to Get Out of Debt Without Getting Scammed and What to 

Do if You Have Been." I have made numerous television and radio appearances as a 

consumer debt expert, including appearances on FOX, CNN, ABC, NBC, MSNBC, and 

local stations. 

3. Since 2007, I have operated the website "Get Out of Debt Guy," getoutofdebt.org,

which provides consumers with free information about the debt relief industry. One of 

the features on my website is a program called "I Buy Junk Mail." A true and correct 

copy of the "I Buy Junk Mail" page on my website is attached as Rhode Attachment A.

I pay consumers $5 for certain types of debt relief solicitations because the best way to 

protect consumers is to use real examples in my articles. 

4. In June or July 2013, a Canadian consumer sent me a student loan debt relief 

mailer through my "I Buy Junk Mail" program. The consumer requested that I not 

publish his name or address. On July 19, 2013, I published photos of the mailer on my 

website, with the consumer's persona] information redacted. A true and correct copy of 

my July 19, 2013 article about the mailer is attached as Rhode Attachment B. 

5. In January or February 2014, a consumer named Emily sent me a student loan 

debt relief mailer. I do not have contact information for Emily or the original message 

from her. The fme print at the bottom of the mailer identified the company sending the 

offer as "AFB, 311 Professional Center Drive, Suite 200, Rohnert Park, CA 94928." On 

February 26, 2014, I published photos of the AFB mailer on my website, with Emily's 

Rhode Declaration - Page 1

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e 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67 Filed 03/05/18 Page 2 of 3 
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personal information redacted. A true and correct copy of my February 26, 2014 article 

about the AFB mailer and an image of the mailer Emily sent me are attached as Rhode 

Attachment C. 

6. In December 2014, a consumer sent me a student loan debt relief mailer through 

my "I Buy Junk Mail" program. The consumer requested that I not publish his name or 

address. The fine print at the bottom of the mailer identified the company sending the 

offer as "AF Student Services." On December 18, 2014, I published photos of the AF 

Student Services mailer on my website, with the consumer's personal information 

redacted. A true and correct copy of my December 18, 2014 article about the AF Student 

Services mailer and an image of the mailer the consumer sent me are attached as Rhode 

Attachment D. 

7. In December 2014, I called the phone number listed on the AF Student Services 

mailer, 1-888-402-4006. The representative who answered the phone said the company 

was called American Financial Benefits Center ("AFBC") and its website was 

afbcenter.com. I did some research on AFBC and discovered that according to public 

records, a Brandon Frere served as President of the company. In December 2014, I tried 

to send Mr. Frere an email at brandon.frere@afbcenter.com, but the message bounced 

back to me as undeliverable. 

8. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed 

on Am1<--_3 '2017, in North Carolina. 

~-

Steve Rhode 

Rhode Declaration - Page 2 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67 Filed 03/05/18 Page 3 of 3 
Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 1 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A 
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

IAlll--•~1----· ... l .......... ,.,...w...., Jc.- 1 .... ~1 ..... Ask a Question Report a 

• 

Scam Sulml a Top Subscnbe Stbnd Guest Post 

f)' Get Out of Debt Guy"" 

Home> Debt Articles> I Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Your Junk Mail. Search the Site 

Call tho Got Out of D ebt Guy 

FREE Debt Help Hotll ne Search 

-

Get Out of Debt Hotline 

Call the Get Out of Debt Guy 

FREE Debt Help Hotline 

or Answer the Questions Below 

- 1-888-919-3323 

What may we help you with? 

Student Loan Debt 

How much do you owe? 

select ... 

What type of student loans do you have? You wil help protect people when you sell me your j1J1k mail. 

select ... 

I Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Your Junk Mail. What is the status of your loans? 

Posted by: stEVe Rhode JIJle 14, 2013 in Debt Mieles, I Buy Jook Mail 

select ... 

Get Help 

-..•.. ~"'~·:,.-. , De t.com WhmlffehaPf)ffls... 

Subscribe to Get Out of Debt Guy 

via Email 

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog 

and receive notificatioos of new posts by email. 

Email Address I'm back in t'le market for advertising letters and mailers (no emails) people receive promising some sort of 

debt or credt help. As a reward for helping me scout out the latest mailers so I can review them I'm 

reinstating my •1 Buy Junk Mail• program I offered a few years ago. Subscribe 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 2 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 1
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

Why I Do This Blazing Hot Topics 

Borrower Defense for Student Loans 

I've found the best way to protect consumers is to use real examples about offers they may be approached Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharge 

with. 

By reviewing specific offers people are actually receiving I can use them as a tool to educate and warn Very Important Calculators others so they don't fall for it or understand t he offer better before accepting it. 

Get Out of Debt Calculator 

Think. of this program as a real world financiaf literacy tool. What Repaying Your Debt Will Cost You in 

Retirement - Calculator 

Want to see more mailers I've reviewed as part of this program? Cl ick Here 

Important Article Links 

How Much I Pay Report Typo - Report Error 

At this time I am paying the fotk>win,g amounts: 

More Available Help • Debt Relef Offers - $5 

• Eliminate Your Debt 

• Auto Loan Modification Debt Settlement Help 

Cite~ Here • Debt Settlement 

• Credi Counseling 

• Debt Consolidation Loan Student Loan Help ) 

CIiek Here • St1P Your Mnrtgai:JP Cnmp;my 

• stop Foreclosure 

Credit Counseling Help • Reduce Your Student Loans CIiek Here 

• And other similar offers 

• Credit Card Offers - $0 right now I Buy Your Junk Mail 

CIiek Here • Credit Repair Offers - $0 right now 

• Debt Colection Notices - $0 right now 

• Regular Junk Mail - You pay me $10. (Just kidding, I don't want that stuff.) 

My Most Popular Get Out of Debt 

I Pay Promptly Because I Hate to Be In Debt Guides: 

Popular Guides 

Those That File Bankruptcy Do Better Than In the past I stopped the program simply because I became so over1oaded. So this time I'm making the 

Those That Don't process stfi<:ter but simpler for all. But once your submitted material is accepted I pay promptly. 

Why Income Based Student Loan Payments 

Can Be a Terrible Trap 

I Will Make Every Attempt to Remove The Fine Art of Getting Out of Debt 

Personal Information Before I Publish How to Try to Get a Refund From a Debt Relief 

Company 

The U ltimate Guide to Dealing With Student 

I keep my eyes open and remove personal information from material people send me like names, Loans You Can't Afford 

account numbers, addresses, etc. I always do my very best to remove this information before I publish the Money Personality Quiz and Test. What Are 

material on the website. Your Spending Habits? 

The U ltimate Consumer Guide to Checking Out 

conwmers time, However, a Debt Relief Company Before You Sign On the in Older to help prated I may, from time to 'forward mailers submitted, 

Line that I accep/ and pay fof, to stale, local, ex federal regulator,;. ff I do forward those specmca{/y to These Private Student Loans Can Be Easity regulators I wiR leave your per.;onal information intact They need to see it for their enforcement Discharged l'l Bankruptcy 

e/fofls. Top 10 Reasons You Should Stop Paying Your 

Unaffordable Private Student Loan 

I Love Simple. Don't You? See All My Free Guides Click Here 

Here is how the new program works. to search type arxl htt entl!r 

In order to minimize back and forth communications if I need a mailer or nol I'm afraid I'll have to shift a bit Recent Comments 

of responsitility on your end. Using the form below you can upload your fronl and back well scanned Steve Rhode on Will My Car Get Repoed if I images of the mailer you received, including the envelope. If I don't have it and will review it and will Take it to the Dealer for Service? - Mike 

eventually p1Jblish it on the site (after removing your personal information), I will promptly pay your email Aaron Robinson on W ill My Car Get Repoed if I address you give me via PayPal. Take it to the Dealer for Service? - Mike 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 3 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 2
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

You will kno'N if I used your piece because I will credit the name you give me to credit and you will receive a Steve Rhode on Reader Raises Concerns 

PayPal payment from me for the piece. There will be no surprises. About Peak Legal AdVocates and Ventas Legal 

Plan Gets Tossed Under Bus 

Steve Rhode on Reader Raises Concerns You send it n and I need it - You Get Paid. Simple! About Peak Legal Actvocates and Ventas Legal 

Plan Gets Tossed Under Bus 

Angelo Anzalone on Reader Raises Concerns 

About Peak Legal Advocates and Ventas Legal 

Plan Gets Tossed Under Bus 

Steve Rhode on Reader Raises Concerns 

About Peak Legal Advocates and Ventas Legal 

Plan Gets Tossed Under Bus 

Benjamin on Debt Relief Company Review 

Submission Form 

mike hok1en on The Easiest Wayt::> Stop a 

Sh.Jdent Loan Wage Garnishment - Loan 

Rehabilitation 

Steve on How to Tum Your Car Payment Into a 

Retirement Check 

MSTARS on Reader Raises Concerns About 

Peak Legal Advocates and Veritas Legal Plan 

Gets Tossed Under Bus 

You will help protect people when you sell me your junk mail. I agree. It's a stupid picture to use but you 

get the idea how it wor1':s. 

Keep in mind, I might get multiple scans of t he same mailer so just to be sure I have not received it or 

reviewed it on the site, please search the site using t he search box at the top right. 

Technical Specs 1. You can upload e ither good close up photographs, scanned images or PDF copies of the mailer using 

the form below. 

2. I prefer oolor scans of at least 150 DPI (dots per inch) where I can read all the printed words and 

images. 

3. 1'11 need the front and back of the envelope and all internal pages that have any printing on them. 

4. Quality scanning gets noticed and paid first. 

5. If you can, zip the files into one zip file to upload. 

6. I only pa·, via PayPal. Period. Sorry to be so strict about that. 

Charitable Donation Option 

AmeriCares If you want your junk mail to do double good stuff, you can 

select the charitable donation option on the form below and I 

will donate the money I would have paid you to a great nonprofit group, AmeriCares 

I am not affiliated with them in any way. They just do a lot of good and are highly rated. 97% of every 

donated dollar is used to support their efforts around the world. 

Get Out of Debt Guy - Twitter , G+ , Facebook 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 4 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 3
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

Need More Help? 

1. You can call my Get Out of Debt Guy toll-free hotline and be connected 

with a service provider who can assist you. The number is 888-919-3323. 

You can call 24 hours a day. 

2. If you would like to connect with a great independent debt coach and get 

individual help for your situation, contact my friend Damon Day at 

DamonDay com ,;,_ I've known Damon for years and mentor him. He's 

awesome and works hard to develop individual solutions for tough debt 

problems. 

3. You can always contact me and ask me your question for free. Keep in 

mind, I can't get to every question so there is no guarantee I'll answer it on 

the site. 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 5 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 4
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

I Buy Junk Mail Submission 

The information you give me is not sold to anyone else. 

Name - (Not Published) • 

lJ 

first Last 

Nil.me or Identity You Wiln't Me to Credit • 

Email - (Not Published) * 

Address - (Not Published) • 

Street Addr!!ss 

Address Line 2 

City State / Province / Region 

Postal / Zip Code Country 

Anything You Wilnt to Sil.y? 

" 

Attach Your Files to Upload 

You can zip your fil es into one zi p file. rm looking for good quality scanned images. Prefer col or scans or 

great photographs of at least 1 SO dpi or higher. 

Attach a File • 

Browse ••• 

Attach ii File 

Browse ••• 

Attach ii File 

Browse ••• 

Attach ;a File 

Browse ••• 

Attach ii File 

Browse.u 

I'd like to Do Good ilnd Oonilte My Payment to AmeriCaru 

 Yes 

I Agree to the I Buy Junk M,ail progrilm and ~ - • 

li!I Yes 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 6 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 5
Buy Junk Mail. Sell Me Yom Junk Mail. 

Related 

... ----·- I ·-- :--_::.---- --- I ---­ -----1 

--------------- Student Loan Consolidation & Federal Student Loan Notice Life Financial Plaornng Debt 

Payment Reduction Program Mailer Review Relief Offer - I'm Calliog 

Mailer Bull:,hit 

August 15, 2014 

December 15, 2015 December 1, 2015 

In "Debt Arltdes" 

In "Debt Anides" n "Debt Artides" 

. 888-919-3323 :. . 

Tagged with: CEBT RELIEF OfFERS FINANCIAL.LJTERACY I BUY AJNK MAil JUNK MAIL SEU. ME YOUR Jl.H( MAL 

SB.l YOUR JUNY. MAIL 

About Steve Rhode 

Steve Rhode is the Get Out of Debt Guy .wid has been helping good people with bad debt 

problems since 1994. You can learn more about steve, here. 

https://getoutofdebt.org/52705/i-buy-junk-mail-sell-me-yom-junk-mail 3/29/2017 

I 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-1 Filed 03/05/18 Page 7 of 7 

Rhode Attachment A - 6
Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 1 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B 
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

. Ask a Ouesbon Report a Scan Sutml a TIP Subscnbe St.t>mA Goes! Post 

.. f)' Get Out of Debt Guy"" 

I Ailes- 1 QUNben I Rport • Scm 1, Buy Junk Mail I Dell4 ReW lnduwy I Contact I Sulml I TIP I Subltri>e 

Home> Debt Articles> Cana1iians Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

da 

~ 

Call the Get Out of Debt Guy 

FREE Debt Help Hotline 

1-666-834-4 739 

Current Plan 

•Monthlv P~mfflt $595 

•Aver.11e Interest Rates 7 . 35\ 

'"Payoff Term 

Proposed Pl1n 

$61 

Subsidized 

10 Yea.rs 

Nopavm"nH 1orYOaay upon ~nrotlment. 

• NO NEGATIVE effect oo your' credit score 

1~ forgive _ S!o on son .. student loa.n.s 

N red qu 11cation rec,ulred 

BBB • ' 

Hilllll 

This \i)Cci.al offer ls gooc:! fOI' up to $63 900 00 in loan re, f and~ onty be available for oi hm1ted tmle. Take 

;ctv.1nlJge of your prH:>proved I tu q, ~- nd ,a\ rocessIn1 by al n& TO0AY for your F1~nct1I Analy,.,is; 

1-888-76-3-2757 ~- - - :.'=:==--~==--..:=--.... ~-_;~-:.~?:~·; ____________ ~=~~~-;:-:-::;_~..;~~---

Canadians Targeted in Student Loan Assistance 

Scheme From U.S. 

Posted by: Steve Rhode JlJy 19, 2013 

in Debt Articles, Debt Relef lruustry, r Buy Junk Mail, Marketing, studeol: Loan Resrue or Assistance 

The flurry of student loan assistance programs exploding is the latest debt reltef pitch rolling oot. I've 

covered these here , here • here • and here 

Search the Site 

Search 

Get Out of Debt Hotline 

-

Call !he Get Out of Debt Guy 

FREE Debt Help Hotline 

or Answer the Questions Below 

1-888-919-3323 

What may we help you with? 

Student Loan Det1: El 

How much do you owe? 

Select. .. 

What type of student loans do you have? 

Select ... El 

What is the status of your loans? 

Select ... 

Get Help 

o~tcom Whenl1fe h•PP'fl'-• 

Subscribe to Get Out of Debt Guy 

via Email 

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog 

and receive notificatioos of new posts by email. 

Email Address 

Subscribe 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 2 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 1
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

An amazing reader sent in a new debt relief mailer through my I Buy Junk Mail program. 

The consumer lives in Ca11ada but the mailer came from the same notorious postal permit 1297 in 

Sacramento, California. Toe same postal permit used in many other debt relief mailers I've covered. 

This mailer is targeted towards Canada residents who have some level of student loan debt. 

As you can see, the self-mailer sent to Canadians appears to be an official looking dorumenl 

~, :--.... ..-e.- ~ .... --.1 ~IIWll lflH :;;-~ 

N9Wtf lit 

ITVUlllrT WAX c1.1 urr a1Jtv1ca• 

.,IND.,,..,,,. I Dllmt•- DIYtllC:11 

_j The inside of the mailer says it is Notice# SLBPON-01-A a Student Loan Benefits Program - PreQualification Notice. 

t says the consumers sh.ldent loan debt can be significantly reduced so instead of repaying $71,400 the 

proposed plan says they will be able to repay $7,500. 

The mailer also states: 

No payments for 90 days affer enrollment. 

No Negative effect on your credit score. 

100% loan forgiveness on some student loans. 

No credit qualification required. 

The mailer also hosts a big BBB Accredited Business logo but coincidently fails to identify the business 

hP.hin'1 t hP. m;iiilP.r 

SIUDINT.... . ..ms PROGRAM - PAE-QUAUPICATION 

-01..A C.....n~(:;ile~rHdent1!'"fdoc~men1gref.tllr) I .-.rNITNDIIICI J 

._ dlarougfl ttvteW of public records, this Opportof"llty has tiee:n ~t to i select 1roui, of 

ean.t.n rttMdn1t\ who ~e been pre--appn:,,ed for• 'ltUde,,t loin benefits program 

Due 10 tht tunl'fl SliltUI o f vcu1 ~ns, V04if p,t-aPl)l'ova l rnall!:l you c-l•iblc \o reduce your curron1 

monthty paymtnts of aw,roxmauty $595 down to ~ k>w as $63, and ~y also allow flX complete 

100,. lo.an fOfgM!'ltSS 

cu,nnt 

~ 

Pbn 

.. MontNy Pay""Mnt a!i<J 

·A11en1.@ Interest RatH 7 . 351 

•PayQffTe,m 

No payments tor !:IO o.,y-s upon entollmenL 

NO NEGATIVE oft~ on yovrcrecht M:Ofe 

tOJ forg \:lo on n .. nudent loans 

Nocredlt q\ f~UOI ~ulrf:d 

Jfn W>K ;)I o(fer b pW f1>1 \IP to fC ')0 00 ., lo:ln and n,~onPy bf! av11Qbwt fort limltt"d tme. Take 

klv•"-lt' c,lyour prt-tpptOtld I 11ltk de \Y 11CftSin& ti,- .1lh"I TODAY for ','Out" Fi.,al'\Ci,I ANIVMi 

1-888-763-2757 

Blazing Hot Topics 

Borrower Defense for Student Loans 

Student Loan Bankruptcy Discharge 

Very Important Calculators 

Get Out of Debt Cak:ulator 

What Repaying You Debt Will Cost You in 

Retirement - Calcutitor 

Important Article Links 

Report Typo - Report Error 

More Available Help 

Debt Settlement Help 

CIiek Here 

Stuctent L.:oan Help 

CIiek Here 

Credit Counseling Help 

CIiek Here 

I Buy Your Junk Mail 

CIiek Here 

My Most Popular Get Out of Debt 

Guides: 

Popular Guides 

Those That File Bankruptcy Do Better Than 

Those That Don't 

Why Income Based Student Loan Payments 

Can Be a Terrible Trap 

The Fine Art of Getting Out of Debt 

How to Try to Get a Refund From a Debt Relief 

Company 

The Ultimate Guide to Dealing With Student 

Loans You Can't Afford 

Money Personality Quiz and Test. What Are 

Your Spending Habits? 

The Ultimate Consumer Guide to Checking Out 

a Debt Relief Company Before You Sign On the 

Line 

These Private Student Loans Can Be Easily 

Discharged in Bank~ptcy 

Top 10 Reasons You Should Stop Paying Your 

Unaffordable Private Student Loan 

See All My Free Guides Click Here 

to search type and h~ mter 

Recent Comments 

Steve Rhode on Will My Car Get Repoed if I 

Take it to the Dealer for Service? - Mike 

Aaron Robinson on Will My Car Get Repoed if I 

Take it to the Dealer for Service? - Mike 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan-assistance-scheme-from... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 3 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 2
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Consumer Said 

The consumer who received this mailer shared the following statement: 

•1 noticed info on this company hadn't been updated since 2011 so I guess they have been tying low but 

they're at it again. Before I start I just want to say thank God for your site as after using three search 

engines and a million different search term configurations thtS is the only place I found out the truth about 

this company. I knew there was something fishy but they have worked very hard at dosing all their old web 

addresses, anonymizing t1eir new website whosis info and getting all new phone numbers and a whole 

new scam. 

I recetved in the mail a ve-y official looking notice from ·srudent Loan Client Services· when I opened it it 

had my name, my loan amount, the state I ltved in along with a chart of my average monthly loan payment 

next to what their company could bring it down to for me as well as offering a subsidized interest rate, and 

my old payoff amount next to what that amount could be if I used their service. 

There is a huge BBB logo on the inside along with a final notice date to take advantage of this and one of 

those fake checks at the bottom made out to me with "This is not a check· printed across it. 

I didn't even stop to consider it might be a scam and called their 1-888-763-2757 number. It was answered 

by a machine telling me to hold for the next available operator to help me process my student loan 

reduction. I held for quite awhile and finalty had a voice come back on saying "we are experiencing a high 

call volume or you have called after our work hours. If you have called after our normal work hours leave a 

message and your case number found on your letter and your phone number and we'll call you back. I 

hung up because I had c.alled in the evening and thought I'd call tomorrow. 

I called again at 1 pm and got the same please hold message t hen held for awhile then got the 

•experiencing high call vok.Jme• message again (which normally asks you to keep holding but it atways 

goes to the voice mail and hangs up) so that was my first weird moment but I len a message. Earlier that 

day I had recetved a call tom an 888 number but didn't answer assuming it was a sales call but t hey len a 

message. Out of curiosity I listened to it aft.er leaving the message and sure enough it was •patty• with the 

·Benefit Center- returning my call about student loan forgrveness and please call her back. I did and 

although it was a different number (888-733--0149) it had the same exact hold music and messages as the 

other number. This was my second ch.Je as I hadn't left a message before to be called back so apparently 

they jUst go through their caller ID and call every number back which is spooky. 

OH! I forgot after asking you to leave a message the recorded voice says if you have any questions go to 

www .finalnoticeinfo.com 

I went there still not super suspicious and when I saw how generic it was, how you had to fill out personal 

info to get to the next page and how nowhere is there a company name listed anywhere on the site or 

mailer I got suspicious. I 4;Joogled all their phone numbers and not a single one came up in any search. Now 

what business doesn't warat to be quickly and easily found on the internet? I did a whosis on the website 

and that was all anonymo1Js and a million searches on Google. Bing and Yahoo. Finally I found your site 

and new it was correct because the image you have posted of the lady next to · Don't you deserve a fresh 

startr is the same exact image used at finalnoticeinfo com. 

I wanted to let you know about this because you are the only site that has figured out their fraud and now 

they are targeting already struggling recent graduates who wfll be easy pickins in hopes of having their 

student loans reduced or forgiven. 

Thank you for what you do and feel free to email me if you need any more information or have questions. 

Steve Rhode on Reader Raises Concerns 

About Peak Legal Advocates and Ventas Legal 

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Benjamin on Debt Relief Company Review 

Submission Form 

mike hokien on The Easiest Way to Stop a 

Sb.Jdent Loan Wage Garnishment - Loan 

Rehabilitation 

Steve on How to TllTl Your Car Payment Into a 

Retirement Check. 

MSTARS on Reade--Raises Concerns About 

Peak Legal Advocates and Veritas Legal Plan 

Gets Tossed Under Bus 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from ... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 4 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 3
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Thanks again· 

Who is Behind This Deceptive Mailer? 

The consumer referred to the website finalooticeinfo.com which had the screen below. As you can see it 

appears the company is identifying their mailing as coming from the U.S. and the reference number 

example looks like one given to a CA resident. 

Division: Consumer Support 

I~ (>rd@, tG,...... l...., ~ ~!li@a.11:om@f'~. - ·-~ l,p•--all~wf!bllll!.. TM ... 

l'lell tJ~Mturc»tMl"llneyi,i,r~Portl'ltPMQIIVl"I. 

"-"__,..IIUd"''°""-•,n.a1nu,r,«1...,iw.,rue1 _ _.....,.~._a1tt,, ~"-~"'i., ::=::.;::::~~,~~~::e~ ln¥dtr!P~~_,..,,t_.'f'O',lr-ij JJ yo.. neN •NIAlnce •-c:1111 i .soo.n1.11,12 

,...__.1.,.,...,.-..nain1i1-nlllrn,•~ln1he~,W,......,~ 

l!..,,,.11 . 

Brief Questionnaire 

P.,blic l'ICOl'dllll'likall tt,11m,yh01,,1MhQlan you, ~ ..... h-0-0. Qrd --.no.~ < ortffmtl)' higll ~omt r11tts I\K may N!Vl!lt M Plod off. Our pogr.,,.. dfffdol:lt t.tlp ll\-ou l~lnO lllndieal'IOl'I-Pl'(lfCSOt(C}l,Jir'IOll)t-pn:tll::~nlil@l'~prt,vl»r9cl'fO',lt lllll!'!0 

an NCOffle NM,,.. In >•5 .,..,. wtu, ~ l!lfea: on '/0,lr ~ IIOlln!. PleMII!! anpiete t!Mt~n1lN.,fl.illtobag11th•~-n.---~,a,..,... l'l!lht 

-

0Dyau11•w1<1t~ 

rl[GQ'llel'l2.,_7 

liltyO<.fll'llctlt-.U. 

rKII: 

_, hurt yaureffdlt 

,,..,., 

Please verify your contact lnfonnatlon 

Companla who 

par11dpate lnciuN: 

-~Exp•s 

• Ban( of America 

• ~•IOne 

• Chooe 

. c...,... 

, Oillcrdt 

• DISCDYerCud 

, GE ~ 

, H8ec 

, Port!oloDiaccvw 

.

_.... ,_ 

• USM 

• IJS!lanlc 

, W.atF'argo 

• +tOOO'sM:INI 

The company says they programs are offered through U.S. ·11censed and bonded non-profit 501(c)3· 

charities. among others. 

The domain FinanlNoticelrafo.com ownership is now hidden but as of October 23, 2012 the domain was 

owned by: 

Domain Name: FINALNOflCEINFO.COM 

Created on: 27-Apr-12 

Expires on: 27-Apr-14 

Registrant 

American Financial Benefits Center 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from ... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 5 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 4
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

925 Lakeville St 

175 

Petaluma, California 94952 

United States 

Administrative Contact 

Brandon Frere bfrere@hOOTlail.com 

(707) 758-0662 

The address is for a UPS Mailbox Store. - source 

t might just be completety coincidental but the consumer satd the representative who called back identified 

themselves as calling back from "'Benefit Cente(' and the company associated with the domain name in the 

past was American Financial Benefits Center. 

American Financial Benefts Center is a BBB Accredited Business with an A- rating. - source 

According to Corporationwiki the company is an active California company_ 

According to the State of California the company is located at: 

311 PROFESSIONAL CENTER DRIVE 

SUITE#200 

ROHNERT PARK CA 94928 

Entity Name: 

Entity Number: 

Date Flied: 

Status: 

lurlsclctlon: 

Entity Address: 

Entity City, State, Zip: 

Agent for Service of Process: 

Agent Address: 

Agent City, State, Zip: 

AMERICAN FINANCIAL BENEFITS CENTER 

C3359433 

02/11/2011 

ACTIVE 

CALIFORNIA 

311 PROFESSIONAL CENTER DRIVE SUITE #200 

ROHNERT PARK CA 94928 

PETER J. WALLS 

SO SANTA ROSA AVENUE, SUITE 200 

SANTA ROSA CA 95404 

A website (afbcenter com) for AFB Center lists the same address. and the last public ownership listed was 

the same as that associated with the mailer. 

Conclusion 

Restdents of Canada should proceed with c.aution if they receive similar offers promising student loan 

assistance programs. The government of Canada offers student loan assistance options directty without 

having to pay for such help. See this government website and learn more about the government 

repayment assistance of forgiveness programs. 

Canadian Student Loan Assistance 

Programs 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from ... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 6 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 5
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Repayment Assistance Plan 

The Repayment Assistance Plan helps you pay bad( wtJa/ you can reasonably alf<xd. 

Repayment Assistance Plan for~ with a Permanent Disability (RAP-PD) 

The RAM'D helps botrowers with a Deffnition of permanent disabi5ty pay back what they can 

reasonably afford. 

Se"""' Permanent Disability Benefit 

tfyou have a Detinmofl of severe permanent disability, you may be eligible to have your loans 

foraiven t>rouah the .se,,,,,,, Permanent Disabilitv 8er>efit croaram. 

Revision of Terms: Reduce Your Payment 

Under the Revision of Terms measure. you can ask to have your student loan payments 

decre8sat or iocrea-,.,,,,,. student loan payments if you are having difficulty repaying your 

student loan de/JI or wish to pay otr your loan debt more qu/c/<Jy. 

=-Student Loan Rehabilitation 

Is your C.nada Student Loon ,n coHection> GeltJng yolJf st.-it loan back on track is ea.ster than 

you think if you have missed payments on your student loan for more than 270 days and your 

loan is now in collection, help is available. 

=-Student Loan Fotgrvenes,; for Fam/y Doctors and Nurses 

tr you are 'MXl<ing a.s a tarn!y doctor, resident in family medidne, nurse or nurse practitioner in a 

designa/ed rural or remote cornrrunilY, you may be eligible to have a portion of Y0IJf Ga/Jada 

Student Loan forgiven. 

Get Out of Debt Guy - Twtter , G+ • Facebook 

Need More Help? 

1. You can call my Get Out of Debt Guy toll-free hotline and be connected 

with a service provider who can assist you. The number is 888-919-3323. 

You can call 24 hours a day. 

2. If you would lil<e to connect with a great independent debt coach and get 

individual help for your situation, contact my friend Damon Day at 

DamonDa:iu:om Ii'. I've known Damon for years and mentor him. He's 

awesome and works hard to develop individual solutions for tough debt 

problems. 

3. You can always contact me and ask me your question for free. Keep in 

mind, I can't get to every question so there is no guarantee I'll answer it on 

the site. 

This offer was able to be reviewed because a kind reader sent it in via my I Buy Junk Mail 

program. 

If you receive a credit or debt relief offer in the mail, do some good and let me pay you for it. Click 

here 

Want to See More Mailers? 

Want to see more maners I've reviewed as part of this program? Click Here 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from ... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 7 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 6
Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Related 

Federal Student Loan Notice 

Mailer Review 

August 15, 2014 

In "Debt Arbdes" 

I :. • 

Fake Looking Official Mailer 

for Student Loan Assistance 

February 26, 2014 

In "Debt Art,des" 

Disturbing Student Loan Client 

Services Mailer to Watch Out 

For 

November 5, 2013 

In "Debt Artides" 

888-919-3323 

-~ , 

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https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan -assistance-scheme-from... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 8 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 7
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Tagged w ith: 800-488-1490 800-985-7511 888-733-0149 888-763-2757 AFB CENTER MERICAN AN.AI-ICIAI... 

AMERtCAN AW\NCLAL BENEFITS CENTER BRANOON DEWND FRERE BRANDON FRERE CANADA CAKt.DIAN 

ANALNOTICEINFO.COM FRERECORPORATION FRERE ENTERPRISES PETER WALLS ST\JDENTLOANASSISTANCE 

About Steve Rhode 

Steve Rhode is the Get out of Debt Guy and has been helping good people with bad debt 

problems sioce 1994. You can learn more about steve, here. 

Previous: 

(( World Law Debt Still Hustling for 

Affiliates While Batlling States and 

Complaints 

Next 

USA Student Loans - Review. Are 

They a Scam? 

Related posts 

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Mark j' September 12, 2013 a: 5:14 pm 

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Can My Bank in Kuwa~ File 

a Case Against Me in 

Canada? - Trisha 

Jan.Jary 18, 2016 

I received the same exact mailer but the phone numbers were different? I didn't know of this article until 

after I talked with them. gave them some personal info should I be concerned? Are they legitimate? The 

BBB thing is confusing me 

Wary Consumer I' July30,2013at4:52pTI 

Thanks for info! I live in the US and also got this same letter with same Notice# and everything detailed 

above. I will not call them thanks to you! 

ti)\ , Jeannine a a July24,2013at3:27pTI 

Sounds doable. I'll try for some info and then be in touch. 

Jeannine 

July 24, 2013at 1:06 pTI 

https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan-assistance-scheme-from... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 9 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 8
s Targeted in Student Loan Assistance Scheme From U.S. 

Steve. I'm glad your reader sent this in and thank you for sharing it with your additional information. 

But I'm still wondering what is this company making their money from with these fake benefits pitched to 

Canadians? At what point are they charging them money? 

Btw, I am now a finance journalist, am now in Canada and I am willing to help you dig into this further. Just 

let m e know if you're interested. 

Steve Rhode 

-Uy- 24, 2013 al 1:24 pm 

You might wan to •secret shop• them and listen to their sales pitch and let me know what they 

claim to be able to offer as a first step 

t()\ , Jeannine 

a JJ J,.iy30, 2013at 6:52~ 

Steve, my tape gear needs replacing so a slight delay. But will g et back to you when I 

have results. Btw, I posted a link to this article on my site and have sent lt to several 

other sites as well. 

Share a Comment I Leave a Reply 

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https :/ / getouto fdebt. org/ 5 3 268/ canadians-targeted-in-student-loan-assistance-scheme-from... 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-2 Filed 03/05/18 Page 10 of 10 

Rhode Attachment B - 9
Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 1 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C 
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

I Alll._ Gualllall l '-'•._ I 111ur.wM11 I o.w...., I c:ia... , ..... - I....._ Ask a Question Report a Scam Submol a T ,p Subscnbe SlbM Goes! Post 

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' ' 2014 Student Loan Information held completraly confidential. 

Fake Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan 

Assistance 

Posted by: steveRhode Febuary 26, 2014 ff'IDebtArticles, Debt Relief lnc>Jsby, I BuyJi.ik Mai, Marketng 

An amazing reader, Emil y, sent in a new debt relief mailer through my I Buy Junk Mai l program. 

As you can see from the outside the mailer does not identify the company and pretends to look like an 

official mailer. 

Search the Site 

Search 

Get Out of Debt Hotline 

1-888-919-3323 

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How much do you owe? 

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https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 2 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 1
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

t comes from postal permit 1297 in Sacramento, California, which has been responsible for sending out 

other debt relief m ailers. The outside says rt is from Student Loan Services Pre-Qualification Adjustment I 

Disbursement Division. 

I Ir--~~~ 

~ . 2 014 Im.:::" Cm No 111111111rnmm11n rn11 , 11:·ur111nni,~ Ul-,OSl,U 

PAID ~,..IMI NlQC .. 

PUl'M1 • 1lt1 

g 

~ 

~ ~ 

STIJDElfT LOAN SERVICES PRE·OUALIFICATION 

ADJOSTMENT / OISBURSEM!!NT OIVlSION 

WiitKii'HMW!·i.PM@tt-tMlffiilM&F+i,·i·iffibi E+iitt®!!bd 

The inside of the mailer says the program is the AFB Student Loan Assistance and Benefits Program. and 

that consumers who bit oo this offer will be able to finance the service fee with Orion Acceptance 

Corporation. 

While the mailer makes all sorts of promises, what it does not disclose is that reduced payment programs 

are available for free through the Department of Education. 

In the fine print at the bottom the company is identified as AFB, 311 Professional Center Drive, Suite 200, 

Rohnert Park, CA 94928. There is a company named American Rnancial Benefits Center the BBB reports 

at that address. 

ATTENT ION: STUDENT LOAN/ SISTANCE AND BENEFITS PROGRAM 

fM ~TANT NOTICE 

Oeo1r 

After thorough m1iew of public records, this opportun,ty l,a,~ beH sent lo a H~let:! group of _ 

county re sidents who ha\le been prt-quallned" 10 flridl'Ct: iiMl 't' aind all cosh U>Ql""'"1ed with the AFB 

Student Loan .iusistance ilnd Benefili Pro1ram from $300 up to S600, 

Due to the current st.itus of yDtJr st~dent loa'ls, your pre-quahflu tion mav allow you to r~uce vour 

cunent monthly payments of approxm ately $4'80 down to as low as $50, and you may also quahfy 10, 

complete 100% total loan foraiv,ne.$5 with olh•r ilVilililble programs. 

•Estimated Month,V Paymient 

•utJm.attd Payoff Te.rm 

•Es:tlmated...fayoff Amou,,t 

Case No: 

State: TN Sutus: O?EN 

Curnnl P!.n 

$'80 

10 • 'te ars 

... _ .. _·_~·_:_: _ .. _··.., "». :t ,I 

BBB --- $1, oco , , tlii , 

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https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 3 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 2
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

POPULAR BENEFITS t 

NO paymtnn for 90 ditp upon e,.-o11ment t. 

NO NEGATIVE effect on your credit ratlnr. 

100% loan for1lveneu on some student lo¥1s. 

Thb special offer may bf: good for up to $51, 000. 00 In s1udent loan r@lld and may only be a ,aila.ble: for a 

11m11ed ttm t!, Tilke itl1Vi11'1ilgeof your prrqu•lirlecl 1u111s by~mnc ~ forvour Fl11a"ci~I Anlly~i$. 

1-888-415-2658 

E1tlm•Yd Pifty On11 Thou and Dolla rs and Jfo Centi 

SMop 

March 28. 2014 

I $51. 000 .00 

TlHS t.Gl N'O,.. 

A CHECK. 

You can choose to s top receiving " pre-screened " offers ol credit lrom thi5 and other 

companies by caHing loll-lree 888·567-8685. See the PRESCREEN g QPT QUT NQTICE 

below for more Information about pre$creened otters. 

PAESCREEN I QfI.QUT NQllCC:: JNs · pre,creenea- orm II( c;re~II 1• NMCI on 1111oima1'.oo.1n ruur _,,.011 •~ 

!ndiuit1ng "'-rou meel =•rtaln er11,t1• . This otter fa not r,.,ar.-J1Hd if y0udo nct1 meet our c"t.na lnc"-td•l'ISJ prollidlng .c:ceptall'le ~ .. IOftl. tf )'OU do not w•nl LO -.cit I Ye p,e .c...,.... ollue of ~It &om e.ie or any other COfflP•" ""- e,ell 

tM con,ur:ner r•pcw'tlng agendea IColl·trM, 1•8'8--M?-863& ot vall IN we~slt1 , 1 wwa1.op1111.11.pruc;r•n.co.-., 01 write 

T.-..n•Urion ~-Out ~I PO SOit 50&. Wooolyn. PA 190!k-0501i, £qul!u OpliOIW, P,0, ~ 740123 Allani.. GA 

3017•. &perbn lnfom1•1lon Syt:lll!lfflJ. Inc.. P,O.Bo:1 i19, Allen. TX 75013, 

•Terms and Condit/om: You Me pre--qtialif~ for finMcng WCh AFB III oonJunctlOn with Ofian A«GpUneo Corp. 1or 

a m111T1Jm term ol i pafffl&n1 (30 days) 10 a l!la.Xll'TN.Jm d. 6 peymerns (180 days) arli mJtWnum loan of SX>O up to a 

maxn:um ol S600 st a simple rneres1 ra1e a 0--o toc document pieparailOfl seMCes. EA:ami,e. !or evtfY $300.00 

hnanoed a·t O"'e loro penod ol 3 mct11hs, yourpaymant wll be $10000 per monlfl, therefor& d you fr.anoe S600 at 6 

months, )'IJUI paynem 'MIi be SIC0.00 per nonth, VOi.i ~ be a1 kiasl 2, yea'S al age. AFB, loca'.ed al 311 

Pri:ifH~Q!'lal C•nt•t o, Suite 200 Romett Paric. CA 94928 assumes no r,spons.ibility tor inco,..eci nf0fl'l'l3!10n 

provided by the vat1oos consi.rner aeefl1 repostones. 

•·fOI\IVlllllfiUrT$MDT .. C()l(JUtt(JIOSY.ITJtl».!Ol'FtlDfCN.Off 

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2. If you would like to connect with a great independent debt coach and get 

individual help for your situation, contact my friend Damon Day at 

DamonDay com'"· I've known Damon for years and mentor him. He's 

awesome and works hard to develop individual solutions for tough debt 

problems. 

3. You can always contact me and ask me your question for free. Keep in 

mind, I can't get to every question so there is no guarantee I'll answer it on 

the site. 

This offer was able to be reviewed because a kind reader sent it in via my I Buy Junk Mail 

program. 

ff you recewe a credit or debt relief offer in the mail, do :some good and let me pay you fOf it. Click 

he,e 

Want to See More Mailers? 

Want to see more mailers I've reviewed as part of thts program? Click Here 

Steve Rhode on Reader Rais.es Concerns 

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Plan Gets Tossed Under Bus 

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About Peak Legal AdVocates and Veritas Legal 

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Gets Tossed Under Bus 

https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 4 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 3
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

Related 

Federal Student Loan Nob::e 

Mailer Review 

August 15, 2014 

In "Debt Artides" 

I

-=:=- -- - Disturbing Student Loan Client AFBC and SI\Jdent Loan 

Services Mailer to Watch Out Payment Reduction 

For Department 

November 5, 2013 December 18, 2014 

In "Debt Artides" In "Debt Artides" 

fREE Call the Get Out of Debt Guy 

CO,,,."''" FREE Debt Help Hotline 

888-919-3323 

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• 6 Things I learned From Being Dirt Poor TheFruga!FilfTT1 K1ro 

• 7 Things I Do Every Day To Keep The House Clean A Deir Free life 

Tagged with: 888-415-2658 AFB STUDENT LOAN ASSISTANCE ANO BENEFITS PROGRAM 

AMERICAN Flr,w,«'.;IALSENEATS CENTER ORION ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION POSTAL PERMIT 1'197 

STI..oENT LOAN SERVICES PRE-OUALIFICATION ADJUSlMENT I DISBURSB.ENT DMSKlN 

About Steve Rhode 

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problems since 1994. You ran learn more aboot steve, here. 

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Have I Been Scammed by 

American Financial Benefits 

Center? - Deb 

Decerrt>erS, 2016 

::r·- -

::.. -· ,-. ···- .-==-~_::;...,.---·-·-

Mysterious Mortgage 

Reduction Mailer Lands in 

Mailbox 

February 27, 2015 

-·-~ ~--... -.---

-·- AFBC and Student Loan 

Payment Reduction 

Department 

December 18, 2014 

https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 5 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 4
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

Bicoastal Funding Debt 

Consolidation Loan Offer 

Review October 23, 2014 

12 comments 

ti}\ Ben Kaplan a I November20,2016at7:18pm 

-·==·-·- . ...,, ....... 

t • ; • : '1·•:1 L,t 

' ' - l ' , ,! 11 

__ ___ .,..._.. ...... ____ .,_ 

Federal Student Loan Notice BS CBAP Consumer 

Mailer Review 

st 1F r:o 

Balance Assistance 

Prooram Mailer 

August 11, 2014 

They are a TRUE SCAM, the absolute worst of the worst. The modem day equivalent of mortgage 

companies falsefying documents to get a loan, these guys at AFBC are convincing debtors that their famiry 

siZe can be anyone who you feed occasionally or who you give gifts to while the legal definition is someone 

who you proivd e at least 50% of their monthly financial necessities to. T hey are doing nothing that people 

cannot do t hemselves and the way they are getting customers a $0 payment is by making their family siZe a 

high number 7- 12. Once the debtor goes to apply for loan forgiveness they will be quickty audited to realize 

their family size is not that large and they will be stuck with their entire loan plus interest, having just paid a 

for profit company t housands of dollars for providing absolutely nothing other than ·Products and Services· 

all outlined in their fourteen page contract covering their ass legally. THESE GUYS ARE THE WORST, 

BRANDON FRERE NEEDS TO BE HAULED AWAY TO JAIL they are absolute scum of the earth, ruining 

peoples lives. 

ti)\ Marlee 1111 1' August:10, 2015at5:14pm 

They would not send me t he documents to review before asking for personal info such as social security 

and bank account numbers!! They said it all had to be processed over the phone. bull shit. The sales rep I 

spoke with, ·oavid, • kept referring the their BBB rating, but there is no way to even prove the person i was 

talking to was affiliated with American Financial Benefits. If they were legit, they'd 

be uptrontwith their paperwork. end of story. 

t()\ , NoAdditives a a Airi18,2015at1:42am 

All you have to do is find out exactly what repayment plan they are going to set you up with. Once you know 

the name of t he federal repayment plan you can find the forms on line and fill them out yourself for free. 

t()\ , britney II Q March 9. 201s .. 1:10 "'" 

Hi guys, 

I just signed up and am now trying to look for any information if I need to can cel or anything_ I'm really 

nervous about this whole thing so any information would be great! 

t(}\ , Darcy aa March11.2015at10:15pm 

me too britney! I am fearful I could have just made a catestrophic mistake handing over my 

persooal information. Pleas anyone with any additional information comment below 

j{l\ , Steve Timmons 

- a August 20, 2014 at 10:48 am 

I am with you H erNamels_Rio. Could someone please direct us on how to approach getting the loans 

reduced based on t he Ford Act? This story tells me that the company is a scam. But is t here bl.Jth to what 

they say and could they realty do what they s;r.;? If anyone reading this knows of how go about this 

legtimatety please tell us. 

Steve Rhode 

-

https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 6 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 5
Looking Official Mailer for Student Loan Assistance 

August 20, 2014 at 11:08am 

There is nothing sneaky, tricky, or magical about dealing with federal student loans. See 

https J/getoutof debt.org/51 O 1 3/the-u ltimate-gu ide-to-dealing-with-student-loans-you-cant-aff ord 

t()\ HerNamels Rio a I August 20. 2014 at 3 :34 pm 

I keep trylng to find articles on the American Financial Benefits Center and the only thing I am 

finding ts that people are saying it's "too good to be true· . There hasn't been anything stating that 

AFBC stole money, or identity or ruined credit so i'm on the fence 

&:ii Chad 

~ February 19, 2015 at 12:08 pm 

Any updates on this since then? Please let me know. Im also considering this. I want it to 

be bue but cant afford to be wrong! 

t(}\ Steve Timmons a I August 2. 2014 at 1:48 am 

I also got one of these. I talked to Tyler for a long time several times. He says I qualify for a greatly reduced 

loan payment under the Ford Act and the 2007 act He refers me to the companies A rating with Better 

Business Bureu. He also refers me to his linked in page to show how good they are. When I have talked to 

Salie mae they· tell me all I can do is go to a 25 year payment plan, and after 10 years since I work for a non 

profit two of my four loans will go away. the other two which are parent plus loans are not forgivable. i would 

love to reduce the k)ans. Is there some one out there who really has reduced a huge loan to a small amount 

under the William B Ford Act? 

ti)\ HerNamels Rio a I August 19. 2014 at 9:44 am 

I also got one in the mail, talked to Ruben for an hour. Very informational and thorough, then he 

stated that he grew up in a neighborhood close to mine before moving to Cali- sparking convo and 

building trust with me. Currently I pay $850 a month in student loan debt and he said that my total 

payments would be $140 unless my salary goes up, then causing my payment to go up roughly 

$60 every $10-$1 5K I eam. It sounds to good to be true, but I just can't find any sort of ·bad· 

information on them, just sketchy non confirmed info. t obviously sounds attractive be of how 

much student loan debt I have, so 1'm battling signing up for it 

Is this a true scam!? 

ll:i, chad lf'-( February 19, 2015 at 12:09 pm 

I also talked a long time with Tyler. He's a really nice guy but im still in doubt. Did you find 

anything else? 

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https://getoutofdebt.org/62339/fake-looking-official-mailer-student-loan-assistance 3/29/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 7 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 6
your pre-qualification may allow you to redu ce your current status of your student loans, Due to the 

as $60, and you may also qualify for monthly payments of approximately $480 down to as low current 

with other available programs. complete 100% total loan forgiveness 

TN Status: OPEN $40,000 State: Estimated Total Debt: 

Current Plan 

y Payment $ 480 • Estimated Monthl

10/+) Years 10 (-\ Years • est imate Pd ayoff Term 

Amount S58,000 S7.000 *Estimated..P~yoff I 

POPULAR BENEFITS t 

No payments for 90 days upon enrollment t. • 

NO NEGATIVE effect on your credit rating. • 

giveness on som se tudent loans. • 100% loan for

relief and may only be available for a up to $51, ooo. 00 in student loan This special offer may be good for 

pre-qualified status by calling TODAY for your Financia I Analysis: limited time. Take advantage of your 

1-888-415-2658 

Case No: 

Deadline: March 28, 2014 

ed One Thousand Dollars and No Cents $51,000 . 00 Estimat Fifty 

Savings 

Pav 

TIH S I S NOT To The 

Order Of ~CHECK 

offers of credit from thi as nd other stop receiving "pre-screened" You can choose to 

PRESCREEN & OPT OUT NOTICE ng toll-free 888-567-8688. See the c ompanies by calli

about prescreened offers. below for more information 

based on Information in your credit report This "prescreened" offer of credit Is PRESCREEN & OPT•OUT NOTICE: 

you do not meet our criteria Including providing cemin criteria. This offer Is not guaranteed if Indicating that you meet 

this or any other companies. call receive prescreened offers of credit from acceptable collateral. If you do not want to 

website at www.optoutprescreen.com; or write oll-free, 1-888-567•8688 or visit the consumer reporting agencies t the 

ax Options, P.O. Box: 740123 Atlanta, GA Ou Rt equest PO Box 505, Woodlyn, PA 19094-0505, Equif TransUnlon OptP.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013. 30374. Experian Information Systems, Inc., 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 8 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 7
 2014 z 

0 

~ c:: 

0 

~ STUDENT LOAN SERVICES PRE-QUALIFICATION w 

:,_ 

_, ADJUSTMENT/ DISBURSEMENT DIVISION .,. 

3 

~ 

t:. 

-1: 

u 

~ 2014· Student· Loan Information held completely confidential. 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-3 Filed 03/05/18 Page 9 of 9 

Rhode Attachment C - 8
Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 1 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D 
C and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

Ask a Ouesllon Reput a Scam Sulml a TIP Subscnbe Slbn!I Gtlesl Post 

I Alk Stevu Question I Report• Scam j I Buy Junk Mail I Debi Reill lldJaty I Contact I Sulml I Tip I Subltrh 

Home > Debt Articles > AFBC and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

-

Call t he Get Out of Debt Guy 

FREE Debt Help Hotline 

Hl66-834-4739 

3 

5 

Your st1.1de.nt loan has been identified as eligible for 

tha Stud e nt loan Reform Act w h ich c:a n save you 

thous.ands on vour current student loans. 

You are now e ligible to reduce your estimated 6 monthly payments of $1,110 down t o as low as $68 

which may save you $122,445 ove- the t erm of your 

,tudQnt loan. 

f Ur det ail~ a boot your ellg1btl1ty please contact one 

of o ur represent <1 tives fODAV. 

Rofc;ir ;;;nci;;i ~:-

Repty by; 1Z/31/Z014 

~.&.Lil., - :::J 

1-888-402-4006 

I Popular Program Benefits: 

No Ncg.itlve lmp;xt on your credit 

• No Prog,am Payments for up to 90 

da~ u p on enr ollment 

100% Total Loa n forclvene:$5 based 

7 on quallfleit lons 

AFBC and Student Loan Payment Reduction 

Department 

Posted by: Steve Rhode Oecerrt>er 18, 2014 

in Oett Articles, Debt Reief lnoostry, I Buy J111k Mail, Marteting, Student Loan Rescue or Assistnce 

An amazing reader, JMAN sent in a new debt relief mailer through my I Buy Junk Mail program. 

This one is for something called the Student Loan Document Preparation and Processing Services 

Program, Student Loan Payment Reduction Department, and AF Student Services. 

Search the Site 

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https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 2 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 1
C and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

The key here is nothing in this self mailer is dearcut. 

-

Outside of Mailer 

opinion. 

The outside of t he mailer looks like an official docu ment from a 

possible student loan servicer. notice that it does not identify who 

the sender is besides a generic name, Student Loan Payment 

Reduction Dept. 

The consumer who sent this mailer in said, ·1 actualty called the 

number and it was very sketchy. I realized it was a scam as 

someone answered after I was put on hoij. I said "yes, I'm calling 

because I wanted more information on your debt forgiveness 

program but I just realized this is a scam. So I'm hanging up now: 

The person was like •ah, I, I, ok.'" You could tell I called her out 

and she didn't know what to say. BUSTED!!!!! LOU!! I hope a 

case regulator wants to give them some •:;pecial attention.'" These 

people are the worst kind of scum m· 

Those were harsh words but I guess everyone is entitled to t heir 

I'm 1tul su11: I c.:uuk.J yo~ rdl lo c.:o:111 u ,i: rnc1ir~, c1 sc.:o:1111, lJul I c;c111 c~1lc1i11ly pui11l out sume yt.::1.1ir1y ~sues U1c1l 

raise some red flags for me. 

, STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REDUCTION - PRE-QUALIFICATION NOTICE 

2 Yo\! h.ivv been ~re • Quallfled to reduce your .st udent lo-,n p;;,ymcnO thNNgh the 

Student Loan D<1cumMt Preparation c1nd Proces.5ins Servires Program. 

@:tii *l·M'hiM.YM Miii3'1H2 'ii A-MW ii1131i·!U 'iii1leliM Mt1M3⁄4'M·U.ii1ri6M 

$91,000 $1,110 $129,220 10-25 YEAR5 

MiiMJWtHi,w+ Miiit'l3'42-iii1VI Mbi 1l;&'ihllliM MfiiMVFMlbB:M 

SUBSIDIZED $68 

3 

Your student loan h,;15 been identified as eGglble for 

ffieStudelll Loan Rerormkt w~ich ciin sau-e you 

lt"iouund.s on vour CL6rent student loans. 

You are now eligible to nutuc1111 ','(ltir iP<llm::rtqd 6 monthly payments of $1,110 down to as low as $68 

-which may save you $122,44S o ver the term of vour 

~udl'!nl k>an. 

for dEtails about you, ellgiblllty ple3«!: COl"\t.:ioct onci 

of our reprt.se!ltatlv""1 TODAY. 

Refe.ren.::e#:~ 

Reply by: U/31/2014 

1-888-402-4006 

Monday - ~tu1day 

7AM -6PMPST 

$6,776 $122,445 

1-888-402-4006 

Popular Program Benefits: 

N~ Ncgotlve Impact on your credit 

NQ ,-..ogram Paymt'.nt:,; for up to 30 

davs upon enrollment 

• 100% Tobi Loan Forgh,eness based 

7 on qu3Jific:1tlon5, 

Hai,,e this infotmation re;iidy· 

Reference¥:-

We cDn help with any sit11atian. 

•1,.,_ ;a,i,d Cor,di&n1: li.llprr.,gr~m r0Jr•<o<'11.t1lo,'II • • "' pr.,....ido,c:I fo, ih-'$l.-aton pu·po,:.c,< .,..,,-, ~.,d ~:Wtd ,.,.. b...-......-e ,nv,tlt 

•~P..-0•.$91,0CO iJl sWMfltloari debt ttiecompanv ~3\ hc~d Month&., pa-,,rtent amount.and tttm 1$wb~ to indlvidu•I 

• frf.~n-ci~1n ;,W11i ;,nd m~y b<t d1ffo,l"nl ,...,.., 1t1C1unplf b-osed 0"' progu,tMth;at;a~e """II"~ \Q 1,t,,,vwu lh""'4fl thl! ll,$ , 

Dtpartntent of l:d1.1<:U! F Student Se-rvtces p1<Wdes documMt pr~ar~tioo ;indp•ot'~~ing iervkies for d ee. 11\li offer i$ 

1,JQ !11Jl-'fKl"UU!eU a conr.e«ed wltl\ ltle &O'<t"mmtrn o, 00f. All ~ludt'lll tD<ln OSl~l-1111(11: 111,1"' ilU! 

l)proviil. Tl'ltl l~not no, l~ Al •Hili•tcd Wrth ii ~vt"fnlf!e,it a&efl-C\I. LO-in forgl~ is ti.~ OR ioverrment 

('31,d~lW Q J!Ulk111S and 111 .. 'fdPPl't'. Thl' i,,not &Joitri. rlellf'cllrenilll qutS!!Onl ,lrl(I iQqi_m1u to 1.a88-40Z-4006 

1. Student L oan Payment Reduction - Pre-Qual ification Notice: That's a lot of nice words but what 

does it mean? Is the mailer actually promising a reduction and how was the recipient qualified? My guess is 

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https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 3 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 2
C and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

they were discovered to have a student loan from a credit bureau mailing list. So what are they actually 

qualified for? 

2. Student Loan Document Preparation and Processing Services Program: So there is no government 

program with that name but it is a service most student loan assistance companies are selling. I think this is 

a bit deceptive to promote something under the name of a · program· that is actually just the product. It 

seems a bit like calling a car wash a Vehicular Soil Separation and Hydration Impact Program. 

3. Subsidized: By whom? Later in the fine print we will learn this is geared to only 1ederal student loans so 

in that context it makes a bit more sense. But federal student loan programs are already available for free, 

click here. So what rf you don1 quality for one of those existing programs, who is going to subsidize your 

payment reduction? I'm going with nobody. 

3. Payment Reduction Estimates: The fine print down below says, •All program representations are 

provided for illustration purposes onry and based on borrowers with approx. $91 ,000 in student loan debt 

the company has helped: The only problem here is we have no data to put the sta~ment into context or 

even to know who "the company- actually is. So this data is based on how many coosumers and do these 

estimates include the fees this unknown company will charge? What government p·ogram is this for? tf it is 

for an income qualification program, how many people that the company helped qualified and how many 

actually paid off their loans for that amount or is that just a wild guess? 

5. Identified: How? Is the government leaking information about the loans people hold or is this just 

because you have a federal student loan on your credit report. 

6. $68 a Month: So if you qualify for on e of the free government income based reduction programs where 

your government payment could be $0 per month, is this a clue the company is going to charge you $68 a 

month? If so, for how long, 20 to 25 years, the life of those programs? That would tie $16,320 - $20,400. 

7. Total Loan Forgiveness: So if the new payoff estimated above in the mailer is for $6,776 then how can 

this be for a 100% total loan forgiveness program? 

8. Fine Print: So the payment you have been · pre-qualified fo(' might be different than the illustrations 

show. What good is the illustration for then? They even say the programs they are offering are ·available to 

borrowers through the U.S. Department of Education.· 

The fine print says the company is AF Student Services but a search cannot locate a company with that 

name and they don't provide a clue where the company is located. How can a consumer check the 

legitimacy of this mailer before calling? 

The mailer says the company is available on Pacific Standard Time so I took a look in California just to see 

if there was a company named AF Student Services registered there. And guess w1at. no company found. 

I did call the number in the flyer and a very nice representative said the company is actually American 

Financial Benefits Center and their website is afbcenter.com . American Financial Benefits Center is a 

registered corporation in California. According to CorporationWiki, ·Brandon Frere serves as the President 

and has interests in other corporate entities including Frere Enterprises located in Petaluma, CA. Brandon's 

past corporate affiliations include Frere Corporation: 

The BBB currenUy gives the company an A rating_ - Source 

If I had to rank my concerns over this mailer and pick my number one red flag it WOJld be why American 

Financial Benefits Center was not more open about who they were in and on the mailer. Brandon Frere 

gives his telephone number and email address on his website so why not just continue the gracious 

openness in the mailer. In fact his letter to his website visitors says all the right things, the mailer seems so 

out of alignment with his posted positions. it almost feels like some marketing comiJany just ruined his good 

intentions with this low rate mailer. 

My second burning concern would be the lack of information about the quality of the illustrations give to 

consumers. But that's a matter for the regulators, not me. 

I'll sen d Brandon an email right now and ask him to comment on this post and observations. 

The email /Jounced: "braoooo.frere@albcenter.com 

Tochnlcal details of permanent failum: 

Google med to deliver your message, but ft was rejected by the server for the recipient cfomain 

afbcenter.com by aspmx./.goog/e.com. [2a00:14'50:400c:c02::1b]. 

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https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 4 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 3
and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

The error that the other server returned was: 

~5/M. 1.1 TIie email acrount Illa/ J,OO tTied to reach does not exist.· 

Get Out of Debt Guy - Twitter . G+ . Facebook 

This offer was able to be mvie\Wd because a kind reader sent it in v;a my I Buy Junk Mail 

program. 

ff you receive a credit or de/JI relief offer in Ille mail, do some good and let me pay J,00 for it Click 

here 

Want to See More Mailers? 

Want to see more mailers I've reviewed as part of this program? Click Here 

Related 

~ 

= ··----•"' ----- -------------- .. -------· - .... __ Disturbing Student Loan Client Student Loan Consolidation & Federal Student Loan Notice 

Services Mailer to Watch Out Payment Reduction Program Mailer Review 

Augusl 15, 2014 

November 5, 2013 December 15, 2015 

In "Debt Artides" 

https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 5 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 4
BC and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

1n "Debt Articles" In "Debt Articles" 

888-919-3323 

I :; • 

Tagged with: 888-402'"'1006 AF STUDENT SERVICES AFBC AFBCEITTER.CCM 

AMERICAN FIW\NCIAL BENEFITS CENTER BRANDON FRERE FRERE CORPORATION FRERE ENTERPRISES 

POSTAL PERMIT 1207 STUDENT LQIU.I DOCUt.ENT PREPARATION ANO PROCESSING SERVICES PROGRAM 

STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REDUCTK)N OEPARlMENT STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REDUCTION DEPT 

About Steve Rhode 

Steve Rhode is the Get out of Debt Guy and has been helping good people with bad debt 

problems since 1994. You can learn more about St.eve, here. 

(( Prewious: 

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Will he Industry Learn to Not Piss Off 

CT? 

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How Do I Get Navient to Settle My 

Federal Student Loan for Less? 

Related posts 

Have I Been Scammed by 

American Financial Benefits 

Center? - Deb 

Decerrt>er- 5, 2016 

l l • ' •! ' \'{ :,! ,1 >I >! 

' I • • ' ' i • I , , ,, /; 

'~::::.:::::::.::~:. .. -----­ =--=~-.;7_:-•~ ~ • .:.:---··· 

Mysterious Mortgage 

Reduction Mailer Lands in 

Mailbox 

FebNmy 'Zl, 2015 

_____ ... ,,.,::,: ...... 

__ ...,. __ 

----- --·~- Federal Student Loan Notice BS CBAP Consumer 

Mailer Review Balance Assistance 

August 15, 2014 Program Mailer 

August 11, 2014 

18 comments 

\ Seeemail I' December 10, 2015 at 12:59 pm 

Bicoastal Funding Debt 

Consolidation Loan Offer 

Review 

October 23, 2014 

Yet Another Bullshit Debt 

Relief Mailer From 

Anonymous 

JIAy 28, 2014 

Funny how you blast all these people and yet you offer the same services. And I bet you don, post this 

comment mister •get of debt guy-_ Loi! You're the worst kind of internet troll. 

Sieve Rhode 

Decent>er 15, 2015 at 1:41 pm 

I don't offer any services. What exactly are you referring to? 

)) 

https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 6 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 5
Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 7 of 11 

AFBC and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

Steve Rhode 

December 15, 2015 at 1:44 pm 

 

Forgot to add, was their something in my post that was incorrect or are you just generally 

bitching? 

Kane Citizen 

April 25, 2015 at 6:28 pm 

Thank you so much for posting this. I was thinking of giving this “AF Student Loan Services” a call myself. 

Scammed 

April 2, 2015 at 9:52 pm 

So this AF student services got me I think. I was on the phone with him for almost 2 hours and he got all my 

information. What do I do now????? Please help. 

D Miller 

February 24, 2015 at 4:39 pm 

Hello, I was also contacted by AFBS, but I do not understand what the scam is. They told me that my 

payment would be lowered from 230/mo to 69/mo, but my payment would extend from 120 months to 240 

months. Even with the longer term, my repayment on the loan would be 10,000 less than if I paid the 230 

for 10 years. I do understand that they are only providing a service, but are you saying that I can get a 

lowered payment like this on my own? And if so, who do I contact specifically? Are the phone numbers in 

the ads on this website endorsed by you, or are they just ads? 

Steve Rhode 

February 24, 2015 at 4:53 pm 

See https //getoutofdebt.org/51013/the-ultimate-guide-to-dealing-with-student-loans-you-cantafford for self-help. 

D Miller 

February 24, 2015 at 5:14 pm 

I have been to that site already. What I am attempting to find out now is what is the 

problem is with AFBS and if they are a scam. The payments they quoted me seems 

better than what I am presently paying. 

Steve Rhode 

February 24, 2015 at 5:28 pm 

Nobody can tell you if they are a scam or not. You have to be a smart and 

educated consumer and determine what a scam means to you. 

The Ultimate Consumer Guide to Checking Out a Debt Relief Company Before 

You Sign On the Line 

How to Check Out a Business or Company to Avoid Getting Scammed or 

Ripped Off 

How to Run a Clean Student Loan Assistance Program 

ea 

April 2, 2015 at 12:09 am 

You can contact your loan servicer but you will most likely get the run around and after a 

few years they jack up your bill really high to make up for the money they lost while you 

were in a repayment program, why dont you take a look at companies like sallie 

mae/navient and great lakes that are the real monsters. If you want to help so much ” get 

https://getoutofdebt.org/63223/afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Rhode Attachment D - 6
 

 

 

 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 8 of 11 

AFBC and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

out of debt guy” why dont you do a tutorial on how to decipher what type of loans qualify 

for what program and how to consolidate them proplerly if they dont and what conditions 

are required in order to achieve forgiveness. You definitely wont get that info from your 

website or your servicer do you rag on mc donalds because they are charging a 

riddiculous fee for cooking a burger that you could go down to the store and cook 

yourself ? ts convenient to pay someone else to do the work for you, thats how i see it. I 

pay turbo tax to fill out my own taxes on their website!!!! But i dont go on the internet and 

cry because they say “file free” on their ads but come to find out fed is free but you pay 

for state . t seems like your website has good intentions but i think you are on a bit of a 

high horse sir, capital one sends out “pre qualified mailers” they charge 29% 

compounding interest, are they a scam or a business? Think about all of your “red flags” 

do you think financial companies are going to send quotes and estimates for advertising 

or hard numbers? Dont be dense imagine you had to advertise to the American public 

would you sit at your dimly lit desk and write out 10,000 estimates a week or would you 

use a successful example from the past so you could encourage consumers to buy your 

product or service. I have no vested interest in any of the companies on your website i 

just think you are a little over the top. 

dl 

January 28, 2015 at 7:57 am 

I signed up for this program fall of last year. It was completely misrepresented and pitched as a 

consolidation program. I found out yesterday that I’m paying for their services, & I qualify for $0 as a 

qualifying payment according to the federal government. Is there any way to hold this company accountable 

for the predatory lending they are providing to students and workers in the service industry? This is 

absolutely disgusing, and find it very insulting that the BBB will endorse such a company simply for a fee. t 

was not made clear that they were simply providing a service that I could do it myself. I have a master’s 

degree and in my job frequently have to wade through federal guidelines and I believe most of us are more 

than capable of filling out paperwork and returning it to the federal government on time. Furthermore, they 

do not determine my loan repayment options that is determined by the federal government. So when they 

say they guarantee to find you the lowest possible rate its bullshit because you’re guaranteed that rate 

based off of federal guidelines. This in and of itself is misleading and deceptive practice. I live in Arkansas, 

this company is in California. I’m inclined to close out my account and quit my job just so they can’t get my 

money. AND file bankruptcy on top of that because when I should be paying $0. Now when I look at the 

website they have a posting that says that they are indeed just providing a service I wonder if they were 

already in trouble and has since changed with a presented to me more than 6 months ago. In addition to 

this whenever I ask for a forbearance or deferment because I need my payment pushed back they did not 

indicate that this indeed is not what I’m getting instead they continue to take money out of my account so I 

incurred more fees from my banking institution. I’ve called 3 times since October and each time I was 

promised it would be resolve. Yesterday they offered me to refund my 200 dollars to cover my Bank fees 

however I have to pay them $200 next month so they would be using my money to reimburse me for my 

fees incurred because of their employees not following through with doing what they said they would and 

not actually providing the services they say they are providing. I told them to keep their $200 that they 

needed to return my banking institution fees instead. However, this is simply not enough when you look at 

paying $145 for 10 years when you simply should be paying 0. I want to do everything possible to hold this 

company accountable for how they have been presenting themselves. Any suggestions or thoughts? 

Steve Rhode 

January 28, 2015 at 8:12 am 

I sense your frustration. I think this issue can be resolved fairly easily, hopefully. 

The first step would be for you to log back into your student loan accounts through the Department 

of Education and change your PIN so any such company no longer has access to your account. 

You’ll find your mailing address. email, and maybe phone number was changed to the company, 

so change it back to you so you can receive any important communications regarding your 

account 

Next, if you want to begin making your own payments again, advise the company and then advise 

your bank of the situation and ask how to cancel any future debits. You might have to change your 

account number 

At the same time you may want to follow this guide to resolve your differences with any company 

you are displeased with. See https //getoutofdebt org/20126/how-to-try-to-get-a-refund-from-adebt-relief-company 

dl 

January 28, 2015 at 5:57 pm 

Well the company contacted me today, after they found my post. I must correct my errors. They do 

indeed provide 100% customer service 100% of the time. See below 

They have good lawyers of course and they have it detailed extensively. I’m sure I just don’t 

remember all the info and was completely wrong in my rant. 

https://getoutofdebt.org/63223/afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Rhode Attachment D - 7
and Student Loan Payment Reduction Department 

My $145 in bank fees will be promptly refunded. They notified me that ifl was confident I could 

indeed complete all of the documentation and return it in time then I was more than free to opt out 

at anytime. 

I guess I missed that somewhere in the print. C learly I needed to review my contract. 

I reported to Michael the manager that I wanted to opt-out of the ·service· immediatety. He 

reported that he would do so and I have sense received a couple of emails closing the customer 

service ticket. He reported that I would receive emails in regards to my request for the audio 

during enrollment, not sure exactly what that will consist of, but I'm sure I will be satisfied. 

thanks for the resource guide 

di 

f) !.....2a, 201sat6:20pm 

In addition. Cameron (not Michael. my mistake) called me bact to let me know t hat they 

will also refund my $200 that was withdrawn this month. I appreciate that they were 

willing to do so. So even though I'm opting out. because I feel I can complete the 

docu mentation myself, I do so feeling satisfied with my experience. 

Brant Rotramel 

.r Jaruary 10, 2015at4:02pm 

Thanks for clearing this up. I just got one of these at my parents house (not my address) first red flag! I was 

also curious how do they know I have student loans?! The BBB approval is also dever misuse of who and 

what company is actually BBB approved. Steve, why is the financial market so predatory? It seems like, as I 

age ( i just turned 31) there are more and more pitfalls and near1y everything has a catch! I feel like I can't 

trust anyone with my money but me! 

Steve Rhode 

January 10, 2015 at 10:30 pm 

Brant, thanks for the comment. Typicalty these mailers are generated b~ marketing lists from 

credit bureaus. Somewhere your name is still associated with that address. 

I'd love to tell you the issues you mention are new. But they are not When t he extraction of money 

is Involved it seems some stop at nothing. And this is not new 

ti)\ , Baaablacksheep II /J Jama,y 20. 2015 at 3:01 pm 

Hi Steve, 

I recently got this exact mailer, called them, and while there wasn't anything glaringty bad 

about it, i couldn't help but still have a sketchy feeling after har;-Jing up. 

Who can i tark to about recommendations for the free programs you link to in this article? 

I'm nnt s 11rA if i qualify, nr if a s.pAr.ifir. nnA wnuk'I wnrk fnr mA 

Thanks for this article. I may have gone ahead with the AFBC program if i didnt read this 

first! 

steve Rhode 

January 20, 2015 at 3:29 pn 

My student loan resource page is at httpsJ/getoutofdebt.org/51013/the-­

ultimate--guide-to-dealing-with-student-loans-you-cant-afford 

Share a Comment I Leave a Reply 

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https :// getouto fdebt. org/ 63 223/ afbc-and-student-loan-payment-reduction-department 3/31/2017 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 9 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 8
I STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT REDUCTION - PRE-QUALIFICATION NOTICE 

: You have been Pre - Qualified to reduce your student loan payments through the 

Student Loan Document Preparation and Processing Services Program. 

EST. CURRENT LOAN EST. CURRENT PMT EST. CURRENT PAYOFF EST. CURRENT TERM 

$91,000 $1,110 $129,220 10-25 YEARS 

EST. NEW RATE EST. NEW PAYMENT EST. NEW PAYOFF EST, LOAN SAVINGS 

SUBSIDIZED $68 $6,776 $122,445 

Dearllll, 

Your student loan has been identified as eligible for 1-888-402-4006 

the Student Loan Reform Act which can save you 

thousands on your current student loans. 

Popular Program Benefits: 

You are now eligible to reduce your estimated 

monthly payments of $1,110 down to as low as $68 

• No Negative Impact on your credit which may save you $122,445 over t he term o·f your 

student loan. • No Program Payments for up to 90 

days upon enrollment For details about your eligibility please contact one 

of our representatives TODAY. • 100% Total Loan Forgiveness based 

on qualifications Reference#:--

Reply by: 12/31/2014 

1-888-402-4006 

Have this information ready: 

Reference ff: 

Monday - Saturday We can help with any situation. 

7AM-6PM PST 

*Terms and Conditions: All program representations are provided for i llustration purposes only and based on borrowers with 

approx. $91,000 in student loan debt t he company has helped. Monthly payment amount and term is subject to individual 

financial analysis and may be different from example based on programs that are available to borrower t hrough the U.S. 

Department of Education. AF Student Services provides document preparation and processing services for a fee. This offer is 

to provide such service and is not sponsored or connected with the government or DOE. All student loan assistance plans are 

subject to lender approval. TI1is is not nor is AF affiliated wit h a government agency. Loan forgiveness is based on government · 

regulated qualifications and may apply. This is not a loan. Please direct all questions and inquiries to 1-888-402-4006 

Rhode Attachment D - 9 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 10 of 11 
Loan Payment Reduction Dept. 

I llllll lllll lllll llll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll llll llll 

38* 1 *13599*** • • ••u•• ** .. *3-0IGIT 921 

San Diego, CA 92104·3!3"73 

11'1111 • 1 • 11• I• 1 • 11 1111 llill r, •

11111111•1111111111 1111 11 I• I• 1 h 11 

Deliver Directly to Addressee 

PRESORTED 

FIFIS.TCLASS MAIL 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAD 

5.ACRAME'ITO, CA 

PERMIT; 1297 

SEE TITLE 18 SEC. 1702- US CODE 

Case 4:18-cv-00806-SBA Document 67-4 Filed 03/05/18 Page 11 of 11 

Rhode Attachment D - 10