Pennsylvania’s Attorney General has announced that a settlement has been reached with Accelerated Debt Settlement, Inc and its affiliates concerning the misleading of consumers and the demand of illegal upfront payments.
On top of a ban from advertising in Pennsylvania until they receive proper licensing, the company will pay $550,000 to the state, with $500,000 going to those who were hurt by their actions. It was accused of not providing the debt-reduction services that they had advertised and accepted unlawful advance payments ranging from $1200 to $17,500, which is in violation of the state’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, the Debt Settlement Services Act and the Federal Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Refund checks will be issued by the State Attorney General’s Office and will range from $2,850 to $19,998. Before the settlement was reached, over $55,000 in refunds were issued by the business. Those who have been impacted by Accelerated Debt Settlement’s actions have 90 days to file a complaint with the AG’s office to be eligible for a refund. Those affected can call 1-800-441-2555, visit the office’s website at www.attorneygeneral.gov or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
