Sill and Associates, LLC.

I spoke to *** on Nov 10th and he said he would "review the charges due to the fact a lawsuit did not materialize "He agreed to end my contract with Sill and AssociatesI Agreed that would bbe acceptableI agree to remove any and all reviews when this is resolved.Thank You *** ***

Sill and Associates welcomes the opportunity to submit a sentence-by-sentence response to the complaint filed by Ms. [redacted], as follows:
Sentence #1:
[redacted]: “ I contacted Sill and Associates, LLC,, to help me in the event I was sued for a past debt ¡n 2009.”
Sill and Associates...

response: On 9/18/13, Ms. [redacted] met with Sill and Associates and agreed to have us handle the referred to matter.
This agreement is contained in a contract, presented to and reviewed by Ms. [redacted] and voluntarily entered into and fully executed by her and Sill and Associates.
Said contract, the standard agreement offered by Sill and Associates, fully sets forth the terms and conditions thereof and the responsibilities of the parties.
In lieu of full payment at the time of execution, Ms. [redacted] chose a monthly installment option whereby she would make 36 small monthly payments, without interest.
Ms. [redacted] was fully aware that said Agreement contained no provision for cancellations or refunds and set forth as the jurisdiction of disputes the Superior Court of Sacramento County, California.
Sentence #2:
[redacted]: “The debt has run through the statute of limitations.”
Sill and Associates response: While Ms.  [redacted] is free to state legal conclusions of her choosing, she has been repeatedly advised by Sill and Associates staff and legal counsel as to the true standing of this issue.
She has been continually advised and even acknowledged that this matter remains a fully collectable debt and that the lawsuit is presently dormant as a direct result of our efforts on her behalf - in full accordance with the mutually agreed-upon strategy arrived at upon an assessment of her financial resources and capacity - severely limiting any alternative, more aggressive settlement options.
 
Sentence #3:
[redacted]: “They have done NO negotiations on my behalf.”
Sill and Associates response: As per the above, Sill and Associates negotiation strategies are most often guided by the evolving financial condition and capabilities of the client. To do otherwise is not In the client’s best Interest.
Ms. [redacted]’s  representation is self-servingly erroneous and purposely so. She is fully aware of our continuing efforts and results on her behalf - and was a party to and in agreement with, such evolving strategies. While client confidentiality precludes itemized disclosure in this regard, our file speaks clearly as to her participation in arid acceptance of these strategies, and the results thereof.
Sentence #4:
[redacted]: “They want to hold me to a contract for services that are not needed.”
Sill and Associates response: The contract mutually entered into by the parties, sets forth all terms, conditions and remedies.
Should Ms. [redacted] feel aggrieved, she has the recourse of litigation as set forth therein. We would welcome the opportunity to formally reply to any and all of her allegations.
Desired Settlement:
[redacted]: “I would like a refund and have my contract end.”
Sill and Associates response: As set forth above, Ms. [redacted] has recourse as set forth in the agreement.
Additionally, while under no obligation to do so, we have attempted on numerous occasions reach out to Ms. [redacted] in an effort to amicably resolve this matter. We have been met with vociferous threats - that she would go to the Revdex.com and Yelp in an effort to discredit us. In fact, she has posted a statement calling us “dishonest”.

I am rejecting this response because:I have not received service from Sills. I have been ignored, lied to and emotionally abused by several Sills employees. Sills bad advice and lack of doing their job as claimed as already lost me valuable funds when I hired them in my time of need. I will not be robbed by Sills again. I demand a full refund and complete cancellation.  I will be speaking to the local sacramento news channels to protect others from Sill's criminal activity.

On November 4th, 2014 we received the attached email from Ms. [redacted] taunting us In regard to her efforts to use various forms of media in the defamation of Sill and Associates because we would not cancel the agreement she voluntarily signed and executed. On November 10th, 2014 Sill and Associates contacted Ms. [redacted] in an attempt to amicably resolve her complaint. In that conversation she claimed that Sill and Associates had done nothing for her and demanded that any and all fees paid were to be returned and that her agreement, including future payments for our services be canceled. Without verification of the clam stated by Ms. [redacted], Sill and Associates agreed to revisit the terms of her agreement in the event that no work had been done on her account. Upon investigation it was found that Work had been done and in fact a favorable settlement offer had been obtained on the issue she agreed for us to handle. Through our efforts, we obtained a most favorable settlement offer on the debt listed in her agreement that the creditor had been attempting to sue her for. As of the filing date of this complaint the settlement offer is still available

Re business addressed the issue that a filing was made which is the brochure language. My cause and complaint was not properly presented to the business. My initial free consultation was based upon Sills determining that there was a valid suit A filing was recorded but there was no service. They were to determine IF there was in fact a valid suit and IF there was they would then “represent me regarding a settlement. That was my understanding and I believed I was paying them to investigate the validity of a suit as I was never served. Not only did the filing expire for lack of service but the filing collection attempt for the alleged debt in question was outside the lawful allowed time for a suit to be filed. Objection 1: counseling, negotiations and any offers to settle should be made upon validity of suit, amounts and adhere to any timely matters set by the Statutes. Filing was made outside the time allotment for debt collection, by a company involved in what looked like a bank swapping finagle for an unsubstantiated amount I did not receive a copy of the filing nor was I ever served (which must happen within the time allotted after the filing. Sill provided a copy to the Revdex.com in December 2014 as filed in June 2013. I have never been informed of any settlement offer and have learned that I would not as the filing is mute. I have not had any correspondence or communication from Sill since the welcome letter, other than the withdrawals from my bank account. The Revdex.com correspondence to me asks me to respond within 7 days but does not allow me to present a response on the website, saying that the business responded to the term used as “filed”. I objected to the complaint being resolved. (see copy of 12/16/14 message above) [redacted] gave me the phone number of the [redacted] at [redacted] as an avenue for further courses of action. Objection 2: Contract disallows any attempt by me or another party (except an attorney) from any discussion with the Plaintiff regarding the alleged debt. Brochure states “Our premier team of Attorneys and CPAs” ... will work my cause. It leads the reader to believe that professionals will be involved in any determination, validations or resolutions. This I believed during the initial free consultation discussion with the Sill counselor, would first include the determination of the validity of the action as timely and processed according to arid within the constraints set by law. I was concerned with common street knowledge that complaints may be filed for any cause but that does not constitute validity. I expressed my disappointment as I felt the Revdex.com was not interested in the protection of the consumer as this company’s claim ¡s deliberately misleading.  My contact with the Revdex.com was not only about the word “filing” but primarily about the implied promise by brochure and welcome letter to work my cause. He re-read the brochure comment “Our team of attorneys and CPAs…” and will keep this issue open for further investigation.

On July 22, 2015, [redacted] fully executed
a binding contract listing three debt related issues that Sill and Associates
was to assist in the resolving.  As
stated in the contract and in lieu of an upfront payment, we financed our fees
interest free into forty-eight successive,...

consecutive monthly payments.
In the course of helping Ms. [redacted] resolve
her issues our office communicated with her through multiple phone calls and
emails.  Not only was her assigned mediator
involved in the resolution of her issues, but the Assistant General Manager and
the General Manager assisted in the process.
Through the course of our negotiations
several favorable settlement offers were obtained on two of the accounts
assigned to our office.  The third debt
that she assigned to our office was dismissed in court and we were then told by
Ms. [redacted] to stop working the case. 
Although various settlement offers were
proposed, Ms. [redacted] instructed us to stall all settlement negotiations.
Once Ms. [redacted]’s lawsuit was dismissed she
demanded that we stop her payments.  Per
her request we stopped her automatic payments and advised her that she still
needed to make the payments so as not to breach her contract.

November 07, 2016 To:                        Revdex.com Re:                       ACH Stop;...

Cancellation; Reviews Complaint ID:        11790029 This is to affirm submitted responses to the matter brought about by Mr. [redacted] concerning services and the final and complete resolution of his contract with Sill and Associates, LLC. Our office has been in contact with Mr. [redacted] since the 25th of October and have received his concerns. Our office settled his debt on January 8th, 2015 in which time he received a 32% savings on his case which has been settled and dismissed.Our office was advised to close his remaining file and take no action on 02/02/2016. A recap conveying his wish for us to leave this file alone and have no further updates is attached.A fee to our office remained on 02/02/2016 which our office had continued to debit the remaining contracted balance as agreed in his contract attached and signed on 03/08/2016. At this time our office has reviewed his file and mutually both parties agree to cancel the contract which includes a full write off of the remaining balance. Our office has forwarded a notice to be signed by both parties. At this time, our office awaits a signed executed copy to fully satisfy the cancellation. [redacted]- General Manager, Sill and Associates LLC

I am rejecting this response because: I was contacted with a flyer that led me to believe there was a lawsuit against me.  The flyer states “A lawsuit has been filed against you by: Asset Acceptance (case number 14694), “Our Attorneys, CPA’s, and professional debt mediators are here locally and available to help you.   I agreed to have them help me with a Law suit. There is no Lawsuit and yet they have collected 63.00 from me monthly with a total 2268.00 for a “customized solution” to a lawsuit that does not exist.   My contract clearly states I hired Sill and Associate to help with a lawsuit.  Tom verbally agreed with me on the phone and I have never sent an email to him or his office.

On October 25th our office was in communication with Mr. [redacted] in regards to his request to cancel his ACH payments and not his contract. I responded and spoke to Mr. [redacted] on the 10/27/2016 after I received notification from the Revdex.com that he sent his request to stop ACH  to the Revdex.com instead of in writing to our office as directed by the Asst. GM, Ms.  E. P. on 10/25/2016. Mr. [redacted]s request to stop ACH was obliged and all auto pays were stopped.After speaking with Mr. [redacted], I presented to him an offer to separate our relationship and write off his remaining balance of $553.00. He advised that he needed time to think about it and would call us back. I awaited a call back and did not receive one. Our office then proceeded to send him the mutual ageement to cancel via email which he has rejected. ( attached )Unfortunately, at this time,  we must dispute the statements made by Mr. [redacted] regarding his appearance at trial. Our office negotiated and sent his stipulation on 1/8/2015 via email (attached) . Mr. [redacted] made his first payment to the attorney office on 01/8/2015 as well. Trial was set for 1/9/15, and due to there not being enough notice to the court to vacate off calendar, his appearance would be necessary. The Trial was then rescheduled for 03/13/2015 to allow time for the filing and execution of the agreement to settle and thus no trial was held. On  03/13/2015, case was heard and Mr. [redacted] was not present as the case was dismissed and stipulation filed. Attached is the courts case index and all minutes finalized for the hearings and at TRIAL on 3/13/2015 in which Mr. [redacted] was not present as we had resolved the issue and all documents executed as agreed. Account was settled and goods delivered as stated in our contract agreement with the client dated 03/08/2013.Mr. [redacted] states " In the beginning they seemed very helpful, however when I filed the answer to the complaint it cost $720.00 instead of the $360.00 that they had told me. At the time my family and I were ready struggling for money." Attached you will find the receipt for his Answerbeing filed in the amount of $370.00 on 04/12/2013 for the case in question 34-2013-00139389 Capital One v. [redacted].. Mr. [redacted] also admits, "After a long time they finally got a reduction. Sill and Assoc talks about a 32% reduction...." see attached Settlement letter and executed Stipulation and notice of payment made on stipulation. Mr. [redacted] also states, "Then I was served with paperwork that I had to go to court with the Capital One attorneys. I was really scared. I called Sill and Assoc and told them that the WHOLE REASON THAT I HAD HIRED THEM WAS SO THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO GO TO COURT AGAINST Capital One. What has Sill and Assoc really done? Besides take my money. They did not do what I asked." Unfortunately this is also disputed. Mr. [redacted] had already been served a lawsuit prior to becoming a client with Sill and Associates. Our office is retained for the purpose of settlement. Settlement was reached and although Mr. [redacted] would have liked to see this case dismissed for much less, our office did "settle" and present a savings as agreed on his Capital One file. Mr. [redacted] state we took a long time to settle his case. Unfortunately it did take time to negotiate a lowered amount to be made in payments as the attorney for Capital One was only willing to reduce the balance and settle in a lump sum and not in payments. After much negotiated communication our office was able to reach settlement in payments and push the trial date out additionally until March 2015 at which time his appearance was not necessary. Timeline: Lawsuit filed against Mr. [redacted] on 02/06/2013. Mr. [redacted] was served his Lawsuit on 02/22/2013.Mr. [redacted] signed and became a client on 03/08/2013 ( after being served ) His Answer was prepared and filed on 03/21/2013Filing fee was paid to courts on 04/12/2013 in amount of $370.00 (receipt #454279)Trial Assignment scheduled for 01/09/2015 at 08:30:00 AM in Department 47Our office received a stipulation on 01/08/2015. Mr. [redacted] did not  return it to our office to be forwarded to the attorney until January 13th that is why his appearance was necessary on 01/09/2015 to move the court to continue for the stipulation to be returned and filed. ( see case index) **Attached I have presented copies of conversations, our agreement to write off the remaining balance and cancel contract upon acceptance and execution which was rejected**Attached the communication regarding settlement and trial for Mr. [redacted] with our office, attorneys for Cap One and our office. **Attached receipt for payment to file Answer- amount of $370.00 ( dispute)Our office was also assisting Mr. [redacted] AT NO ADDITIONAL COST on a file for [redacted] International Inc who hold the Calley Yellow Pages collection account. Attached email shows our communication advising Mr. [redacted] we were to stop working this at his request. This account was added at no cost to him on 5/22/2013 and was not cancelled until 02/02/2016. r. [redacted] has spoken with me in the past and requested we cancel service in February of 2016 ( after settlement was reached) and I advised him I would not cancel as we had provided his service and settled his account as agreed over a period of 2 years. He has continued to pay on his account and has not requested to stop ACH until he contacted the Revdex.com. As of today Mr. [redacted]'s ACH has been stopped and his account is placed in direct pay. The contracted balance still due as executed on 03/08/2013 is $553.00.payable in consecutive monthly installments of $79.00. Thank you.

On June  20th, 2013 a lawsuit was filed in Sacramento Superior Court with the case title of “ [redacted] LLC vs. [redacted]”, (see attached) in regard to a debt that was owed. A letter was then mailed from Sill and Associates. LLC to Ms. [redacted] informing her that a lawsuit had been filed, that we could help her resolve this matter outside of court and offered a free, no obligation consultation to discuss how we could help her. On September 18th, 2013 Ms. [redacted] scheduled and appeared for a “Free Consultation”  in regard to the debt the above mentioned lawsuit had been filed on. During that consultation she voluntarily executed an agreement in which Sill and Associates would:      “... assist Client in resolution of the financial matter(s) set forth herein.  SA ‘s obligation is to attempt in good faith to mediate and negotiate the issue(s) set forth herein and provide guidance/advice to Client to promote sound financial practices.” As part of her complaint, Ms. [redacted] provided a copy of her signed contract claiming that,     “‘My contract clearly states I hired Sill and Associates to help with a lawsuit”. Nowhere in her contract does it mention that Sill and Associates will help her with a lawsuit. As outlined above, the contract clearly states that our purpose is to attempt in good faith to mediate and negotiate the debt issues set forth in the contract. The signed contract provided by Ms. [redacted] further states that we are not a law firm and that we do not provide legal advice. As mentioned in our last response and in fulfillment of the contract entered into, we obtained a most favorable settlement offer in July of 2014. On the date that this complaint was filed that offer was still available for Ms. [redacted] to accept.

I am rejecting this response because: I spoke with [redacted] on the phone and he agreed to end my contract and adjust the fees that I have paid  so far.

Review: I contracted Sill and Associates, LLC to help me in the event that I was sued for a past debt in 2009. The debt has run through the Statue of limitations. They have done NO negotiations on my behalf. They want to hold me to a contract for services that are not needed.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive a refund and have my contract end.

Business

Response:

Sill and Associates welcomes the opportunity to submit a sentence-by-sentence response to the complaint filed by Ms. [redacted], as follows:

Sentence #1:

[redacted]: “ I contacted Sill and Associates, LLC,, to help me in the event I was sued for a past debt ¡n 2009.”

Sill and Associates response: On 9/18/13, Ms. [redacted] met with Sill and Associates and agreed to have us handle the referred to matter.

This agreement is contained in a contract, presented to and reviewed by Ms. [redacted] and voluntarily entered into and fully executed by her and Sill and Associates.

Said contract, the standard agreement offered by Sill and Associates, fully sets forth the terms and conditions thereof and the responsibilities of the parties.

In lieu of full payment at the time of execution, Ms. [redacted] chose a monthly installment option whereby she would make 36 small monthly payments, without interest.

Ms. [redacted] was fully aware that said Agreement contained no provision for cancellations or refunds and set forth as the jurisdiction of disputes the Superior Court of Sacramento County, California.

Sentence #2:

[redacted]: “The debt has run through the statute of limitations.”

Sill and Associates response: While Ms. [redacted] is free to state legal conclusions of her choosing, she has been repeatedly advised by Sill and Associates staff and legal counsel as to the true standing of this issue.

She has been continually advised and even acknowledged that this matter remains a fully collectable debt and that the lawsuit is presently dormant as a direct result of our efforts on her behalf - in full accordance with the mutually agreed-upon strategy arrived at upon an assessment of her financial resources and capacity - severely limiting any alternative, more aggressive settlement options.

Sentence #3:

[redacted]: “They have done NO negotiations on my behalf.”

Sill and Associates response: As per the above, Sill and Associates negotiation strategies are most often guided by the evolving financial condition and capabilities of the client. To do otherwise is not In the client’s best Interest.

Ms. [redacted]’s representation is self-servingly erroneous and purposely so. She is fully aware of our continuing efforts and results on her behalf - and was a party to and in agreement with, such evolving strategies. While client confidentiality precludes itemized disclosure in this regard, our file speaks clearly as to her participation in arid acceptance of these strategies, and the results thereof.

Sentence #4:

[redacted]: “They want to hold me to a contract for services that are not needed.”

Sill and Associates response: The contract mutually entered into by the parties, sets forth all terms, conditions and remedies.

Should Ms. [redacted] feel aggrieved, she has the recourse of litigation as set forth therein. We would welcome the opportunity to formally reply to any and all of her allegations.

Desired Settlement:

[redacted]: “I would like a refund and have my contract end.”

Sill and Associates response: As set forth above, Ms. [redacted] has recourse as set forth in the agreement.

Additionally, while under no obligation to do so, we have attempted on numerous occasions reach out to Ms. [redacted] in an effort to amicably resolve this matter. We have been met with vociferous threats - that she would go to the Revdex.com and Yelp in an effort to discredit us. In fact, she has posted a statement calling us “dishonest”.

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: I spoke with [redacted] on the phone and he agreed to end my contract and adjust the fees that I have paid so far.

Consumer

Response:

I spoke to [redacted] on Nov 10th and he said he would "review the charges due to the fact a lawsuit did not materialize ". He agreed to end my contract with Sill and Associates. I Agreed that would bbe acceptable. I agree to remove any and all reviews when this is resolved.Thank You [redacted]

Business

Response:

On November 4th, 2014 we received the attached email from Ms. [redacted] taunting us In regard to her efforts to use various forms of media in the defamation of Sill and Associates because we would not cancel the agreement she voluntarily signed and executed. On November 10th, 2014 Sill and Associates contacted Ms. [redacted] in an attempt to amicably resolve her complaint. In that conversation she claimed that Sill and Associates had done nothing for her and demanded that any and all fees paid were to be returned and that her agreement, including future payments for our services be canceled. Without verification of the clam stated by Ms. [redacted], Sill and Associates agreed to revisit the terms of her agreement in the event that no work had been done on her account. Upon investigation it was found that Work had been done and in fact a favorable settlement offer had been obtained on the issue she agreed for us to handle. Through our efforts, we obtained a most favorable settlement offer on the debt listed in her agreement that the creditor had been attempting to sue her for. As of the filing date of this complaint the settlement offer is still available

Consumer

Response:

I am rejecting this response because: I was contacted with a flyer that led me to believe there was a lawsuit against me. The flyer states “A lawsuit has been filed against you by: Asset Acceptance (case number 14694), “Our Attorneys, CPA’s, and professional debt mediators are here locally and available to help you. I agreed to have them help me with a Law suit. There is no Lawsuit and yet they have collected 63.00 from me monthly with a total 2268.00 for a “customized solution” to a lawsuit that does not exist. My contract clearly states I hired Sill and Associate to help with a lawsuit. Tom verbally agreed with me on the phone and I have never sent an email to him or his office.

Business

Response:

On June 20th, 2013 a lawsuit was filed in Sacramento Superior Court with the case title of “ [redacted] LLC vs. [redacted]”, (see attached) in regard to a debt that was owed. A letter was then mailed from Sill and Associates. LLC to Ms. [redacted] informing her that a lawsuit had been filed, that we could help her resolve this matter outside of court and offered a free, no obligation consultation to discuss how we could help her. On September 18th, 2013 Ms. [redacted] scheduled and appeared for a “Free Consultation” in regard to the debt the above mentioned lawsuit had been filed on. During that consultation she voluntarily executed an agreement in which Sill and Associates would: “... assist Client in resolution of the financial matter(s) set forth herein. SA ‘s obligation is to attempt in good faith to mediate and negotiate the issue(s) set forth herein and provide guidance/advice to Client to promote sound financial practices.” As part of her complaint, Ms. [redacted] provided a copy of her signed contract claiming that, “‘My contract clearly states I hired Sill and Associates to help with a lawsuit”. Nowhere in her contract does it mention that Sill and Associates will help her with a lawsuit. As outlined above, the contract clearly states that our purpose is to attempt in good faith to mediate and negotiate the debt issues set forth in the contract. The signed contract provided by Ms. [redacted] further states that we are not a law firm and that we do not provide legal advice. As mentioned in our last response and in fulfillment of the contract entered into, we obtained a most favorable settlement offer in July of 2014. On the date that this complaint was filed that offer was still available for Ms. [redacted] to accept.

Consumer

Response:

Re business addressed the issue that a filing was made which is the brochure language. My cause and complaint was not properly presented to the business. My initial free consultation was based upon Sills determining that there was a valid suit A filing was recorded but there was no service. They were to determine IF there was in fact a valid suit and IF there was they would then “represent me regarding a settlement. That was my understanding and I believed I was paying them to investigate the validity of a suit as I was never served. Not only did the filing expire for lack of service but the filing collection attempt for the alleged debt in question was outside the lawful allowed time for a suit to be filed. Objection 1: counseling, negotiations and any offers to settle should be made upon validity of suit, amounts and adhere to any timely matters set by the Statutes. Filing was made outside the time allotment for debt collection, by a company involved in what looked like a bank swapping finagle for an unsubstantiated amount I did not receive a copy of the filing nor was I ever served (which must happen within the time allotted after the filing. Sill provided a copy to the Revdex.com in December 2014 as filed in June 2013. I have never been informed of any settlement offer and have learned that I would not as the filing is mute. I have not had any correspondence or communication from Sill since the welcome letter, other than the withdrawals from my bank account. The Revdex.com correspondence to me asks me to respond within 7 days but does not allow me to present a response on the website, saying that the business responded to the term used as “filed”. I objected to the complaint being resolved. (see copy of 12/16/14 message above) [redacted] gave me the phone number of the [redacted] at [redacted] as an avenue for further courses of action. Objection 2: Contract disallows any attempt by me or another party (except an attorney) from any discussion with the Plaintiff regarding the alleged debt. Brochure states “Our premier team of Attorneys and CPAs” ... will work my cause. It leads the reader to believe that professionals will be involved in any determination, validations or resolutions. This I believed during the initial free consultation discussion with the Sill counselor, would first include the determination of the validity of the action as timely and processed according to arid within the constraints set by law. I was concerned with common street knowledge that complaints may be filed for any cause but that does not constitute validity. I expressed my disappointment as I felt the Revdex.com was not interested in the protection of the consumer as this company’s claim ¡s deliberately misleading. My contact with the Revdex.com was not only about the word “filing” but primarily about the implied promise by brochure and welcome letter to work my cause. He re-read the brochure comment “Our team of attorneys and CPAs…” and will keep this issue open for further investigation.

Review: I canceled my contract and requested a refund from Sill & Associates. I received confirmation of cancellation, but still no refund.

On September 19, 2013, I met with Mr. Pavlich for a free consultation due to a pending lawsuit against me. He encouraged me to sign an agreement with the expectation that they could help me and they could get started right away. After paying a $150 administration fee, disguised as a Power of Attorney filing fee, I was told that someone would contact me next week or the week after, which surprised me. In addition, I was not given any copies of the contract at my initial consultation.

Upon returning home, I began having second thoughts and did some research on-line regarding contracts of this type. I discovered that the Power of Attorney I signed should have been notarized, which it was not. I also found on CA.gov that this type of business should have a cancellation policy clearly stated in the agreement, which there was none. After reading other complaints against the firm, I decided I would be better off seeking the advice of a bankruptcy attorney.

On September 23, 2013, I hand delivered a cancellation letter to the receptionist, requesting cancellation of my agreement and a refund of the $150 fee charged to my mother's Visa Account.

On September 27, 2013, I received a letter confirming my cancellation. However, there was no mention of a refund. On September 30, 2013, I called Sill & Associates, and asked for [redacted] When I told the receptionist what it was regarding, I was told that [redacted] was busy and would I like to leave a voice-mail. I left a message for [redacted] asking her to call me back, what it was in regards to, and I left my home phone and cell number.

To date I have not received any phone calls from Sill & Associates, and the $150 is still showing on my mother's Visa card. Desired Settlement: I want to receive a refund of the initial $150.00 fee, since the contract was canceled within five days, per California law. I also want to make sure that Sill & Associates does not charge my Visa account for any additional monthly fees that were to begin in November, since the contract was canceled in full.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response

On September 19111, 2013, [redacted] executed an agreement with Sill and Associates and paid a one-time administrative fee in the amount of $150 upon execution of the agreement.

We immediately began setting up her account preparing and distributing Power of Attorney's and sent her a welcome letter with a copy of her signed contract.

On September 23rd, 2013 the client hand delivered a letter requesting cancellation of services due to her intent to file bankruptcy.

On September 25th, 2013 Sill and Associates granted her request to cancel her contract including any future, scheduled monthly fees.

Sincerely'

Final Consumer Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

We met with Sill & Associates on a Thursday for the FREE consultation. On Monday, I canceled the contract. The only thing I received for the $150 was a welcome letter. Their contract, by law is supposed to have the a buyer's right to cancel statement, which it does not. In addition, if the $150 fee is non-refundable, the contract should have stated that it was non-refundable; it did not.

This company has done nothing to earn the right to keep my $150. I will be conferring with my attorney regarding this situation.

Final Business Response

To Whom It May Concern,

Claimant has indicated that she will be conferring with her attorney regarding this situation. In response we are referring this matter to counsel.

S&A take your payment monthly but do nothing to assist with sending information to creditors on your behalf. They will stop the EFT's and none of the requested accounts have been settled. This has been happening for 2 years at $99 per MONTH! I am also filing a complaint against them!!!

MY SUGGESTION IS DO NOT USE!

Review: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REQUIRES THAT A COMPANY HAVE SETTLED OR RESOLVED A DEBT PRIOR TO COLLECTING ANY MONEY FROM A CLIENT.

MR.[redacted] HAD SENT US A LETTER IN THE MAIL ON THE DAY THE CREDITOR FILED, KNOWING OUR LAWSUIT AND CASE NUMBER AND STATING THAT HIS COMPANY COULD HELP US AND REPRESENT US. MY WIFE AND I ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT TO PAY $99.00 PER MONTH FOR "3 YEARS". THIS WAS A PRORATED FEE THAT WAS CHARGED BASE ON THE AMOUNT OWING TO A CREDITOR THAT HAD FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST US. WE WERE CHARGED 20% OF THE FULL AMOUNT AS THE FEE TO SILL AND ASSOCIATES WITHOUT ANY NEGOTIATIONS OR RESOLUTION WITH THE CREDITOR.

I PAID A $150.00 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE ON 10-16-12. THIS SO CALLED ADMINISTRATIVE FEE WAS CHARGED ON THE BASIS FOR THE "POWER OF ATTORNEY" FILING FEE. MY WIFE WAS TOLD BY [redacted] THAT THEY WOULD NEGOTIATE FOR US A MUCH LESSER AMOUNT AND "DELAY THE PROCESS "THE COURT HEARING", SINCE WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE CREDITOR DUE TO OUR FINANCIAL CRISIS. THE CONSISTENT MESSAGE FROM [redacted] WAS TO DELAY, DELAY, DELAY.

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER, 2010, AND FTC RULING

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/debtrelief.shtm prohibits companies that use a debt settlement stratedy for clients should NOT charge a client upfront and/or monthly fees before said company has settled or otherwise "resolved" the consumer's debt.

WE HAVE BEEN PAYING SILL AND ASSOCIATES THEIR FEES. OUR COURT HEARING WAS NEVER DELAYED. THE ASSISTANCE FROM SILL AND ASSOCIATES CONSISTED OF BASIC FORM LETTERS ON HOW TO FILE AND APPEAR AND ONE SET OF PAPER ASSISTANCE TO "ANSWER" THE LAWSUIT. WE DID OUR OWN FILING AND APPEARANCES IN COURT. OUR DEBT WAS NEVER RESOLVED OR SETTLED.

I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THE SO CALLED "DELAY TACTIC" WAS BECAUSE WE COULD NOT PAY OUR FEES TO SILL AND ASSOCIATES IN ONE LUMP SUM, AND INSTEAD INSTALLMENTS WERE SET UP, BUT NO RESOLUTION WOULD BE IN SIGHT. [redacted] CLAIMED THAT HIS COMPANY HAD AN IMPECCABLE REPUTATION AND THAT THEY COULD HELP. THIS CAN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THE CREDITOR, THEN WHY WOULD HE TAKE MONEY FROM US AS CLIENTS???

THIS IS A "BAIT AND SWITCH" SCAM, PREYING ON VULNERABLE PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF, I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN. THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS IS CLEARLY A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.Desired Settlement: CLEARLY, THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS INTENT ON SILL AND ASSOCIATES TO HELP ME AND MY WIFE, BUT ONLY TO CHARGE US MONTHLY FEES FOR 3 YEARS. I NOW HAVE TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT OF WHAT THE CREDITOR CLAIMED AND THEIR COURT FEES AND SILL AND ASSOCIATES 20%.

I NOW OWE $5,000 MORE SINCE I STARTED WITH SILL AND ASSOCIATES FIRM. WE HAVE PAID APPROXIMATELY $1,050.00 WHICH WE ARE REQUESTING A FULL REFUND AND RESCIND FURTHER MONTHLY COLLECTIONS.

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

On October 16, 2012, [redacted] entered into and executed a contract with Sill and Associates, LLC to assist in the resolution of the financial matter set forth in said agreement.

At no time, have we ever communicated to [redacted] that we would represent her in court. In fact, this agreement, set forth in part, "Client understands, accepts and agrees that Sill & Associates is not a law firm ."

On December 17, 2012, we informed Mrs. [redacted] that we were in negations with the creditor, but needed for her to continue saving toward a settlement. At this point she stated that she was thinking about filing for bankruptcy.

On June 3, 2013 we again spoke with the (Creditor) through the negotiating process and there was a settlement offer. Mrs. [redacted] refused this settlement.

Mrs. [redacted] also independently chose her course of action to appear at trial. She was issued a judgment for the full amount of her debt and she then directed her anger with our office stating that, "we haven't done enough for her."

In summary, Mrs, [redacted] rejected multiple settlement offers and contrary to our advice, chose to proceed with the court process. Mrs. [redacted] alone is responsible for the resulting consequences.

Lastly, contrary to the assertion of Mrs, [redacted], we offer all of our clients the opportunity to pay their Sill & Associates service fees in a lump sum at any time with a 20% discount.

Consumer's Final Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

REBUTTAL TO SILL AND ASSOCIATES RESPONSE: ON OCTOBER 16, 2012 MY WIFE AND I SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH SILL AND ASSOCIATES WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF A DOCUMENT SENT BY SILL AND ASSOCIATES IN THE MAIL THAT STATED THAT THEY WERE A+ RATED BY THE Revdex.com(WITH Revdex.com LOGO) AND A MEMBER OF THE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, WITH THEIR ATTORNEYS, CPA'S AND PROFESSIONAL DEBT MEDIATORS THAT WERE LOCAL AND AVAILABLE TO HELP US. THEIR INFORMATION GOES ON TO SAY THAT THEY CAN EFFECTIVELY(AND AFFORDABLY) RESOLVE THIS MATTER OUT-OF-COURT, SAVING US TIME, WORRY...AND MONEY AND HANDLE EVERYTHING FOR US! NOW AS FAR AS I KNOW ONLY A LAW FIRM CAN CHARGE UPFRONT FEES TO HELP AND REPRESENT US, BUT A DEBT RESOLUTION AGENCY CANNOT CHARGE UPFRONT FEES FOR UNSETTLED CLAIMS ACCORDING TO THE FTC AND STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

WITH SILL AND ASSOCIATES RESPONSE STATING THAT IT IS "NOT A LAW FIRM" CLEARLY SHOWS A DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICE. THE FEE THAT IS CHARGED UPFRONT AND MONTHLY WITHDRAWALS FROM OUR BANK FOR THE AMOUNT OF DEBT THAT WE WERE BEING SUED FOR CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES FEDERAL AND STATE LAW VIOLATIONS. LAW CLEARLY STATES THAT THESE TYPES OF COMPANIES WHO PREY ON PEOPLE'S MISFORTUNES ARE TO BE REPORTED AS WE HAVE DONE SO WITH THE FTC.

WE WERE NEVER SENT A SETTLEMENT OFFER FROM THE CREDITOR THROUGH SILL AND ASSOCIATES WHICH IS REQUIRED TO NEGOTIATE A SETTLEMENT. WE COOPERATED WITH ISSUING ALL REQUESTS OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP LETTERS AND MONTHLY EXPENSES AND CURRENT INFORMATION TO SILL AND ASSOCIATES AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE ATTORNEY IN FACT TO COMPLY WITH ANY POTENTIAL SETTLEMENT. WE WERE SUMMONS TO COURT, NOT BY OUR CHOICE OF ACTION OR DESIRE, BUT OUR ONLY COURSE SINCE SILL AND ASSOCIATES DID NOTHING TO NEGOTIATE A SETTLEMENT OFFER ON OUR BEHALF, BECAUSE THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY NO INCENTIVE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER SINCE THEY WERE ALREADY COLLECTING FEES BY US, WHICH SHOWS A DIRECT CONFLICT OF INTEREST. THE RESPONSE BY SILL AND ASSOCIATES DENIGRATING MY WIFE DEMONSTRATES THE CONFLICT OF "WE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU" CONCEPT TO "IT WAS HER CHOICE AND RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES" EVEN THOUGH SILL AND ASSOCIATES STATED THAT ALL COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE CREDITOR HAD TO GO THROUGH THEIR FIRM OR THEIR ATTORNEY IN FACT STATUS WOULD BE ANNULLED. I STAND BY MY STATEMENTS THAT THIS FIRM MISLEAD US AND HAS CHARGED US VIOLATING THE LAWS.

Business' Final Response

On December 3, 2012, there was a settlement offer from Sill & Associates and the creditor denied the offer. The creditor stated that if they came up with more funds they would be willing to settle.

On December 13, 2012, the creditor countered back with a settlement. The clients rejected this settlement offer and said to keep countering.

On December 17, 2013, one of our negotiators spoke with the creditor and they countered with a large lump sum settlement. Due to the type of debt, they wouldn't accept this offer. We made another offer and the creditor countered. We told our client to start saving as much as they possibly could towards a lump sum pay off.

On May 30, 2013, offered a lump sum payment to creditor to settle in full.

On June 3, 2013, Offer was rejected by creditor due to a lump sum settlement offer by creditor directly to client and client rejected this offer back in December 2011.

On June 10, 2013, Called the creditor to confirm that they received the settle in full offer and creditor said that she will return call the following day.

On June 11, 2013, called creditor and asked if our client should bring in a check to court to settle in full and creditor said no.

On June 12, 2013, trial date, judgment against our clients for full amount, but would offer a settlement of the balance if they had a lump sum payment or monthly payments towards the balance with interest frozen. This is due to income presented from clients at trial.

Lastly, due to our client speaking to the creditors directly, against our repetitive advice, caused us to not be able to negotiate on her behalf.

Review: I made multiple attempts to contact person in charge of closing accounts but was unsuccessful.

Their team was great in assisting me with my debt relief, but once my debt has been settled, I'm now having difficulties closing my account w/ Sill & Associates. I started my inquiry as to how to go about this process on March 29, 2013 via email, & phone calls. I always get the receptionist & the person in charge of my issue is always unavailable. I recieved 2 to 3 missed returned calls from [redacted], but each time that I call back, I either have to leave a message. I even faxed a written request to close my account. It is almost the end of May, & I'm still trying to reach this person. Desired Settlement: To close my account with Sill & Associates. There is no point for me to keep it open & pay my montly dues with them if my debt has already been settled.

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

I have on numerous occasions made an effort to contact this client without success I have enclosed 2 copies of emails I have sent in regards to her request to cancel services

Client entered into our Standard Contract calling for payments to be taken directly from her bank account on the 5th $53.00 per month for 36 months payments to be taken directly form her ban account on the 5th of each month We have received a total of 11 payments with 25 payments still remaining on her contract

Pleas contact me with any questions you may have regarding this case

Consumer's Final Response

(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)

It's fine, if I have to wait to complete 36 months, if that's what's in my contract. At least, let me know that so that I won't have to keep calling or making attempts to get information. I missed [redacted] call TWICE, but whenever I return her call, she was either at another line or out of her office. I asked the receptionist to just have her email me instead. I even sent her an email, asking her to communicate with me via email, hoping that I would hear from her, but no response at all. I NEVER recieved any email from her, like she was claiming. Until now, I only got my questions answered via their response through Revdex.com.

Review: Federal Trade Commission requires that a company have settled or resolved a debt prior to collecting any money from a client.

Entered into agreement to pay $28.00 per month for "three years" plus a $150.00 administrative fee on 10-12-12. The administrative fee was cloaked as a "power of attorney filing fee" which was my first red flag. I also knew that three years of $28.00 would be over $1,000.00. I told [redacted] that I could not possibly pay any creditors without money, which would be forthcoming, hopefully, in early 2013. This seemed OK with [redacted]. I paid the $150.00 in two payments in October and November, and started my $28.00 a month in December. Thus far, I have still received calls from the collection attorney at my home, and have had difficulty getting calls returned to me from the office. I have only "one" creditor attempting to sue me at this time. To date, I have made all my own court appearances, arranged my own filing fees and have received one set of paper assistance to "answer" my one lawsuit. Instructions from Sills relay how to do the answer(s) and filings on my own. So services to date have been form letters as to how to appear in court on my own.

I did some digging into the Federal Trade Commission rules regarding debt settlement companies. I realized I was paying this firm and could not settle with this creditor due to lack of funds. Effective October, 2010, an FTC ruling

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/debtrelief.shtm prohibits companies that use a debt settlement strategy for clients should NOT charge a client upfront and/or mnthly fees before said company has settled or otherwise "reslved" the consumer's debt. As of this date I have not settled any of my debt, yet have paid a $150.00 Administrative fee disguised as a power of attorney filing fee, and have been paying $28.00 service fee each and every month since December.

After learning [redacted] did not tell me there could be no resolution without upfront monies, I have apparently been paying monthly fees for the "delaying" of my resolution, which has been since October of 2012. I have never spoken to my creditor personally.

Frankly, Mr. [redacted] spoke at least six times about the fabulous reputation his company has with the Revdex.com. Your company is mentioned with pride, since your firm CARES about the proper treatment of consumers.

Mr. [redacted] has released me of any further payments in a letter of May 23, 2013. However, I feel I paid his firm "way too much" for the form letters they sent me to handle my own court appearances. I feel monies should be returned to me. My upfront monies amounted to $150.00, and my monthy fees are $168.00, for a total of $318.00. Naturally, Mr. [redacted]'s letter of confirmation did not contain one dime of reimbursement.

I think Mr. [redacted] should call the administrative fee just exactly what it is! He should not shroud it as a power of attorney filing fee. I knew that was bogus, and when I called [redacted] on it he became angry and defensive.

In summation, if I had no money to work with my creditors, why would [redacted] have taken me on as a client in the first place, if it were not to just receive monthly funds from me? Desired Settlement: I received "form letter instructions" on how to serve answers to my complaint. How much is this worth? [redacted] was not interested in offering any kind of a refund, since his company has such a stellar reputation with you, the Sacramento Revdex.com.

In summation, The Federal Trade Commission simply disallows any company doing debt settlements to take monies either upfront and/or monthly from any person for whom they have not performed any type of resolution. Is helping a client go to court a resolution?

Be advised I would prefer not to take the obvious next step.

Business

Response:

Consumer's Final Response

I heard from Sill and Associates today. The matter we have in dispute has reached a mutual resolution. Please consider this email a formal withdrawal of my complaint. I am sending a copy of this email to Sill and Associates so they will know I have kept the promise of withdrawing my complaint in return for the mutual resolution we discussed.

Review: On February 11th, 2014 we met with Mr. [redacted] at [redacted] in Modesto in regards to a debt consolidation. We pay the $150.00 power of attorney fee and sign a contract to pay them a monthly payment of 147.00 for 36 months. As per Mr. [redacted], after we filed our response to the lawsuit in Stockton court, we should take a deep breath and not to worry, they will handle everything from that time on. Throughout this time, Sill & Associates never get in touch with us, in regards with the progress of our case. Every time I call them or e-mail them never hear back from them or after significant delay. Never replay to our e-mails. Last phone conversation we have with [redacted] she said that they are not Attorneys or a legal firm, in contrary with the advertisements. On May 2014 I have stopped the automatic payments from our checking account, after they make first withdraw on April 2014 for the first payment of $147.00.I have a bunch of scrap paper from them with falls advertisement and promises. Do not believe that I have to keep my side of contract when they are not.They are in hurry to refer my account to collection agency.Desired Settlement: I request that they stop the collection action and terminate ASAP the service contract. Futher more, they have to advertizing all the staff that they are not delivering.IT IS A SCAM, and should stop.

Business

Response:

On February 11th, 2014 Mr. [redacted] voluntarily entered into a written, contractual agreement with Sill and Associates to assist in resolving a $13,000 that he had fell behind on. On the following day we filed a power of attorney with his creditor to begin negotiating on his account.

On February 19th, 2014, [redacted], Mr. [redacted]'s mediator spoke with him in regard to questions he had concerning the legal documents that were being prepared by a paralegal.

On March 18th, 2014 client called and spoke with mediator in regards to documents he had received from his creditor. Mediator advised client to forward a copy of documents to Sill and Associates so that we could send them to the paralegal. Client attempted to email a copy of the documents to us on several occasion, but was unsuccessful in sending us a legible copy.

On March 24th, 2014 mediator called and spoke with client in regards to the documents, gathering information needed to further negotiate his case. On March 28th, 2014 client scanned and emailed more documents to our office but all we received were several pages of illegible characters (see attached). Several emails and voicemails were left between March 28th,2014 and April 4th, 2014.

We called client on May 8th, 2014 to get an update on his ability to settle his account.

On May 15th, 2014 client called in frustrated and upset indicating that he was only able to come with $150 a month for a settlement on this debt. On June 5th, 2014, client stopped all payments to us for our services in breach of his contract.

Sill and Associates delivered results as promised. Our matter took some time to negotiate; however, as it turns out ,"time" was on our side. S & A handled everything on our behalf, taking the stress and worry off our shoulders; we no longer had to deal with the pressure from our creditor's attorney and the legal action filed against us was kept out of court. We did have some minor issues with phone calls and emails being returned timely, but there were also some changes in office personnel during that time which resulted in being reassigned a personal representative a couple different times; pleasantly, these reassignments were with improved services. All in all our experience with S & A was very positive; the bottom line is our matter was resolved effectively with affordable representation. We are very satisfied with our end results and definitely recommend this company.

Review: I met with Sill and Associates to represent me in settling some credit issues. Sill and Associates charged me fees to represent me and proceeded to collect money from me monthly. In return, they were expected to represent my best interests with the creditors and negotiate re-payment. I went months without hearing from Sill and Associates. When I did have communication with them, they told me one thing and did something completely different. Finally, on January 7, 2014, I sent them a letter requesting that they discontinue automatic payments because they had failed to represent me properly and had not contacted me since November 2013. I had a conversation with a company representative on January 8th, but felt nothing was resolved or addressed properly. Again, I received no further communication from them. So, on March 12, 2014, I sent yet another letter requesting that all payments cease and that they refund all monies paid to them. Sill and Associates has failed to meet the obligations that were set forth upon our initial meeting. They are charging me for services that are not being rendered.Desired Settlement: I am requesting a refund of all monies paid to them and a closure of my file with no additional issues outstanding. I am also requesting that they let me know which companies they are receiving correspondence from so that I can change my address.

Business

Response:

On August 2nd, 2013 [redacted] executed a binding, contractual agreement with Sill and Associates to help resolve 12 debt related issues. In lieu of paying our service fee upfront, Ms. [redacted] agreed to make 36 successive and consecutive monthly payments to Sill and Associates in which Sill and Associates did not charge interest.

On August 6th, 2013 Limited Power of Attorney’s were filed on accounts to begin negotiations with Trina’s creditors. On November 8th, 2013 Ms. [redacted] informed her mediator to hold off any negotiations on her account until at least January or February 2014. We continued to send and receive communications from her creditors stalling any negotiations until client requested that we begin settling her accounts.

On January 7th, 2014 we received a “Cease and Desist” letter from [redacted] demanding us to stop collecting our monthly service fee, refund all paid fees and informed us that she would no longer be needing our services. While under no obligation to do so, per her request we immediately ceased debiting the monthly fees from her account. The last debited fee was on January 6th, 2014. Per the binding agreement that was executed by [redacted] on August 2nd, 2013 there were no provisions for the refund of any monies paid. Per her request that our services were no longer desired or needed her relationship with us was terminated and we ceased working on her accounts.

A 2nd “Cease and Desist” letter was received on March 13th, 2014 from [redacted] demanding us to stop collecting fees from her account (which we had already done in response to her first letter), accusing us of not communicating with her or her creditors (we had stopped working on her accounts as requested in her first letter dated January 7th, 2014 that our services were no longer needed or desired), requesting a refund of all monies paid (again, there was no provision in her contract for a refund of monies paid) and asking that a letter be sent confirming that all charges would be stopped and that all monies paid will be refunded.

On March 13th, 2014 we sent a letter confirming that we had stopped collecting fees as of January 7th, 2014 and sent a copy of the binding contract she executed on August 2nd, 2013.

Pursuant to the terms and conditions of our agreement, we have fulfilled the requests of Ms. [redacted]