Consumer complaint received 2026-05-14 00:00:00
Product: Debt or credit management — Debt settlement
Issue: Didn't provide services promised — 
Company: Five Lakes Law Group PLLC
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
In XX/XX/XXXX, I enrolled in a debt settlement program through XXXX XXXX XXXX and was subsequently enrolled with Five Lakes Law Group for debt negotiation services. At the time, I was struggling significantly with debt and looking for guidance regarding my options. During my initial inquiry call with XXXX XXXX XXXX, the representative described my creditors as predatory and stated they were taking advantage of me. The program was presented to me as the best and most realistic solution to my financial situation, which made me feel as though this was my only viable option. When I said I wanted to speak with my mother before deciding whether to enroll, I was questioned about why I needed to involve my mother and was told that the representative was the expert. I felt pressured to enroll in the program despite expressing hesitation and wanting additional time to consider the decision. During onboarding, I was instructed to stop creditor autopayments, block creditor phone numbers, and replace creditor account contact information with Five Lakes Law Groups phone number. I was also asked to sign power of attorney/authorization forms allowing the company to communicate with creditors on my behalf. I made regular semi-monthly deposits of approximately {$260.00} into the designated account beginning in XX/XX/XXXX. Over several months, only one creditor ( XXXX XXXX ) appears to have been actively negotiated. My account records show approximately {$2900.00} deposited into the account, with approximately {$1500.00} withdrawn in fees and only approximately {$570.00} paid toward the XXXX XXXX settlement during the statement period. During the program, I received emails stating that additional funds deposited into the designated account could help speed up future settlement offers with remaining creditors. I repeatedly requested updates regarding the lack of progress with my remaining creditors and questioned why most of the deposited funds appeared to be going toward fees instead of settlement payments. My credit score and account statuses substantially deteriorated during this period after following the companys instructions regarding creditor communications and payments. In XX/XX/XXXX, I requested cancellation of the program. During a phone call regarding cancellation, I was informed that XXXX XXXX might not continue honoring the negotiated settlement arrangement if I stopped working with Five Lakes Law Group. I believe the services and operational practices I experienced were materially different from the expectations created during enrollment, and I am requesting review of the companys practices, fee handling, and communications regarding the program. I understand that I ultimately chose to enroll in the program and acknowledge that I should have spent more time researching the potential risks and impacts of debt settlement programs. However, I believe the program was presented to me in a way that minimized those risks and created expectations that did not align with my actual experience.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation