Consumer complaint received 2025-01-23 00:00:00
Product: Debt or credit management — Debt settlement
Issue: Didn't provide services promised — 
Company: Consumer Financial Services Solutions, Inc.
State: PA

Complaint narrative:
Ive been with a credit consolidation company called Beyond Finance since XX/XX/XXXX. They offered me a low payment plan of {$110.00} every two weeks, which was automatically deducted from my paycheck. Initially, everything seemed to be going well. Until I got a Court Notice from XXXX. 

Here is my current Statement from Beyond Finance : STATEMENT PERIOD XX/XX/XXXX - XX/XX/XXXX ACCOUNT OPEN DATE XXXX XXXX DEPOSITS/CREDITS {$4800.00} PAYMENTS/DEBITS {$4700.00} STATEMENT BALANCE ON XX/XX/XXXX {$130.00} However, despite the time that has passed, they haven't made much progress. One of the creditors included in the program was XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXX ). Before enrolling in the program, I had almost paid off my XXXX account, however, Beyond Finance advised me to stop making payments since it was included in the consolidation. Following their advice, I stopped paying. This is what Beyond Finance told me, " Delaying payments to creditors is a strategic choice that creates leverage for better terms. Initially, it may be viewed as a non-payment or delinquency, but creditors will still receive payment under new terms. Debt resolution companies help creditors resolve debts, but regular payments may not be accepted. Delaying payments shows financial hardship and encourages creditors to take the situation seriously. '' Unfortunately, XXXX ended up suing me, and Beyond Finance had not yet negotiated with them. When I went to court, their lawyer from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. met with me in the hallway before the hearing and pushed me into agreeing to a payment plan of around {$40.00} a month. Since I had never been through this process before, I didnt fully understand how it worked. Once we were inside the courtroom, the lawyer told the judge that I had agreed to the payment terms. I tried to speak on my behalf, and it was basically ignored. 

Later, when I received the official court documents, I discovered that I actually owed more than expected due to additional court fees. During the hallway discussion, I had even asked if they would consider a {$500.00} lump sum payment to settle the debt entirely, but the lawyer said they " Probably '' wouldnt accept it and usually require at least 60 % of the balance. I was confused because I knew I didn't owe much more than {$500.00}, as I had nearly paid it off before entering the consolidation program. Also I wondered, how could he know if he did not even ask the creditor? 

After the court date, I decided to call XXXX XXXX XXXX directly to discuss the {$500.00} settlement offer. Somehow, my call was redirected to a company called XXXX XXXX. They claimed to help identify discrepancies in my credit report but didnt guarantee any results. They ended up charging me {$500.00}, but after researching the company, I couldnt find any credible reviews or information confirming they were legitimate. As a result, I requested a refund and was able to get my money back. 

As of today, I received a call from Beyond Finance informing me that they have successfully negotiated two settlementsone with XXXX* and the other with XXXX, the creditor with whom I recently attended court. During the conversation, the representative mentioned that an additional ** $ XXXX was required to proceed with the XXXX negotiation, which is **in addition to my two monthly payments of {$110.00}. ** This brings my total payment for the month to ** {$320.00}. ** I provided the requested amount ; however, when I inquired about the status of the XXXX account, I was informed that there were insufficient funds in my account to cover the settlement. The representative further stated that, as a result, XXXX would likely pursue legal action again. I expressed my concern, noting that I had recently attended court and believed that a resolution had already been reached. This entire process has been incredibly stressful. I want XXXX to be aware that I have been making consistent payments for the past two years. 

Currently, I am unemployed as I am preparing to begin my **student teaching on XX/XX/XXXX. ** As you may know, the state of **Pennsylvania does not provide compensation for student teaching. ** I am pursuing my XXXX XXXX and working towards my teaching certification in order to secure stable employment and meet my financial obligations. Despite my best efforts, I am facing significant financial challenges. This limits my ability to make additional payments beyond what I have already committed to. 

During my conversation with the Beyond Finance representative, I emphasized that I have been making payments diligently and doing everything within my means. However, when faced with the choice between **feeding my children or making these payments, my family must come first. ** I have even had to borrow from my retirement savings to finance my student teaching period, which will last for 15 weeks. These funds are all I have to support myself and my family during this time. 

I can not afford to continue in this cycle of financial strain and uncertainty. I am doing my best to meet my obligations, but I need a feasible solution moving forward.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation