Step 1 Credit

Review: Step 1 credit did nothing to help with my credit.In fact my credit got worst. I call numerous times checking on the status of my credit. The lady told me 70 letters had been sent out. And I should be getting letters in the mail. The only thing I ever received from this company was a credit score. The cost was 89.99/month This went on for four months.

Product_Or_Service: credit repairDesired Settlement: See Complaint Text

Business

Response:

February 11, 2014

[redacted] Revdex.com 4747 Viewridge Ave. #200

San Diego CA 92123

Re: In response to Ms. [redacted] complaint ([redacted])

filed on September 30, 2013

Dear [redacted],

Ms. [redacted] was a client with Step 1 Credit for 3 months.

Ms. [redacted] signed up for service on June 4, 2013 with a

monthly service fee of $79.95 per month, not $89.95 as stated.

Ms. [redacted] never cancelled service with Step 1 Credit or called

to change her account status after our attempts to reach her

via phone or email. Step 1 Credit cancelled her service for non-

payment on September 10, 2013.

Step 1 Credit spoke to Ms. [redacted] via telephone on July 12 at

11:45am PST. We went over the time frame for results and

explained she should receive them from the bureaus in the

coming days, we additionally explained to her that under

Federal Law the credit bureaus have 30-45 to investigate a

dispute and respond to a consumer. Most people get the

responses in the mail at about the 45-day mark. Ms. [redacted]

had multiple results sent from the credit bureaus. According to

the credit bureaus, responses were sent to Ms. [redacted] on July

16, August 21, and September 24, 2013. Ms. [redacted] had

multiple deletions on her credit report(s) as for unverifiable,

inaccurate or incomplete information being reported on her

credit report(s), thus improving her credit report history.

Additionally, Ms. [redacted] stated she never received any help

and that her credit got worse. It is very important to note,

credit report repair cannot damage a persons credit or their

score. The only things that can cause damage to a credit score

or credit report is for a consumer to have a negative account

report on their credit report.

We have attempted to reach Ms. [redacted] on multiple occasions

to no avail. We attempted contact on August 21, September 10,

11, 12, 13, 14 and September 20, 2013 and February 11, 2014.

Step 1 Credit is available to all our clients and consumers to

answer any questions Monday thru Friday from 9am to 5pm

PST and our clients have 24-hour access to their accounts.

They can send email message 24- hours a day as well. Our

policy is to return every call and email same day, but never

longer than 24 hours, if their advisor is unavailable at the time

of their call or email. We have no records of any calls or emails

from Ms. [redacted] that went unanswered.

We are happy to discuss her result with her at any time. Our

clients are very important to us and we always want to make

sure they have accurate information about their credit so they

can make informed decisions.

Step 1 Credit

Review: Step 1 Credit does not deliver services stated or billed for. Contact by phone will result in a different sales representative parroting the same sales pitch and run around with the final sentence to the affect of: you will be billed a month from now for services provided. When asked for an itemized bill to show what services have been rendered the response will be we cannot provide that. A receipt for services rendered, an explanation of what work they have completed should be available for any legitimate business and readily available as basic customer service.

We made multiple attempts to understand what work had been completed. We requested a breakdown of what work had been completed. We paid this company several hundred dollars and tried to utilize their website to track the work they completed (which they claim you can see). Initially, this is true; however, months go by without explanation of service being provided, a call results in the response you will be billed, we have a new dispute started, you will see results. Same pitch, but not proof that work was ever completed.Desired Settlement: Cancel the final billing (charges after cancelling the service). These charges are showing pending on my bank account this morning, and will be disputed through my bank immediately.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com of San Diego & Imperial Counties Attention: Inna BrickerDelivered via EmailRe: ID [redacted]Dear Ms. [redacted],Step 1 Credit is the trusted leader in credit report repair. We are dedicated to the credit education of our clients and helping them to understand their credit and improve their credit through our credit improvement program.Step 1 Credit does and always will operate under the laws Fair Credit Reporting Act and in accordance and compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act. Step 1 Credit provides exemplary service to our clients. We provide complete and accurate information to all clients and the information is available to our clients at all times.Our billing is in compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act ([15 USC 1679b(b)), we perform service before charging our clients for that service. The first work fee is charged after all work had been completed on a client’s account. Thereafter, each month a client chooses to remain a client of Step 1 Credit, monthly work is done and fully completed and performed for the month and the monthly service fee is charged at the end of that period. When a client cancels, they may have a balanced due for the work previously performed. Just like a utility company, we provide service and payment is due for service after service is complete. This is also in compliance with Federal and State Law(s). Furthermore, Step 1, Credit’s credit service program is cancellable at anytime. This is not a policy on billing the Step 1 Credit created; it is the applicable laws that require billing in arrears. Under Federal Law the credit bureaus have 30-45 days to investigate and respond to a consumer request. Therefore, a client does have pending investigations every 30-45 days on average, as this client currently does as well. Even after cancellation the work we have completed prior to cancellation is in process for the benefit of the client.Our clients have an account advisor and every effort is made for clients to speak to their advisor when requested. The client spoke to the same advisor on the majority of the telephone calls. Furthermore, clients have an online profile that displays the information regarding their account. It includes but is not limited to a breakdown of their account history, and each client receives email communications throughout the month regarding their account. This is available for review on the client profile at any time. They also receive email notification of all payments received, a receipt of billing. This information and more is all available on their client profile for them to view 24/7. Additionally, we have exceptional customer service. Any client request for information is responded to via telephone and/or email within 24 hours. We have spoken to the client frequently via telephone at every request and kept client fully updated and answered all questions to client satisfaction on each call. Most importantly, the client had exceptional results! Step 1 Credit has provided and delivered the service as is evidenced in the improvement the client has experienced in his credit. Step 1 Credit is happy to speak to the client at any time if he wishes further information regarding his closed account. Thank you,Step 1 Credit

Review: Upon signing up with Step 1 Credit for credit repair services, we were told by them that there is a monthly payment involved for there services that totaled around $138/month for both mine and my wife's account. We signed up on April 22, 2014, and we were told that our first month's payment will come out on Aprill 28, 2014, and the payment came out as agreed. We were also told that we could cancel at any time. The 2nd months payment came out on May 28th, 2014. It is now June 23, 2014 and we called to cancel our account. Upon canceling our account, Step 1 Credit told me that I will have a payment coming out on June 28th. The manager at this company also proceeded to tell me that the first payment taken out on April 28, 2014 was not a monthly fee, but a "Service Fee." When asked to provide me with an itemized list of what services they have provided, the manager refused. I have payed 2 months payments and have received 2 months of services, yet they want me to pay 3 months payments for 2 months services. When signing on we were told the first payment was a monthly payment not a "Service Fee." The company is unwilling to do anything about this and I will be putting a stop payment on the June 28th fee, as I will not pay 3 months of payments for 2 months worth of services. This company outright lied to us to get us to sign up with them and then want to tell us an entirely different story upon cancellation of services.Desired Settlement: Step 1 Credit should not be allowed to withdraw this payment from my account that is not owed to them. I would also like some investigation into their practices, as to prevent them from doing this to anyone else.

Business

Response:

June 25, 2014

Revdex.com of San Diego & Imperial Counties Attention: [redacted] Delivered via Email Re: ID [redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted],

Step 1 Credit is the trusted leader in credit report repair. We are dedicated to the credit education of our clients and helping them to understand their credit and improve their credit through our credit improvement program.

Step 1 Credit does and always will operate under the laws Fair Credit Reporting Act and in accordance and compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act. Step 1 Credit provides exemplary service to our clients. We provide complete and accurate information to all clients and the information is available to our clients at all times.

Our billing is in compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act ([15 USC 1679b(b)), we perform service before charging our clients for that service. The first work fee is charged after all work had been completed on a client’s account, usually within 6 to 15 days of a clients sign up date. Thereafter, each month a client chooses to remain a client of Step 1 Credit, monthly work is done and fully completed and performed for the month and the monthly service fee is charged at the end of that period. When a client cancels, they may have a balanced due for the work previously performed. Just like a utility company, we provide service and payment is due for service after service is complete. This is also in compliance with Federal and State Law(s). Furthermore, Step 1, Credit’s credit service program is cancellable at anytime and clients only pay for services that have been fully rendered.

Client signed up for service April 22, 2014 and paid the First Work Fee on April 28, 2014. The Client’s monthly service fees were due and payable on the 28th of each month thereafter that the client chooses to participate in the program. As explained above, Step 1 Credit bills in compliance with State and Federal Laws that require we bill for our services in arrears. The Client’s account was cancelled via a telephone conversation on June 23, 2014. Step 1 Credit did a full and final account review with Client. Client received exceptional service and results and greatly benefited from the service provided by Step 1 Credit. Additionally, we again reviewed the final balance that was due and payable and would be charged on the regular billing date, June 28, 2014, for the services that had been fully rendered. It was acknowledged and understood by Client. A cancellation email was sent to Client which confirmed the account cancelled status, which again reiterates that a final payment is due and payable stating in part “Your final payment will be drafted for your scheduled monthly payment. The fee is for work which was done the previous month and not for work yet to be done. In compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act [15 USC 1679b(b)] we perform service before charging our clients for that service”.

We have worked diligently with Client to answer all of his questions on multiple occasions, we have been very responsive to the Client, regarding his final payment for his balance due, and we feel our multiple conversations and email history has shown this to be accurate. His account is closed.

Our clients are very important to us and we always make sure they have accurate information about our service and their credit so they and make informed decisions. All information about their accounts is available every day to our clients.

Sincerely, Step 1 Credit

Review: started program on 06/12/2013 and paid 79.00 for the first bill and since then 59.00 a month for the services, I called to cancel the service and the lady I spoke to said I would not be charged any more. the service stopped on 04/11/2014. on the 04/18/2014 my credit card was billed again for 59.00 I called to get a refund and they said they would not refund my credit card because they do the work first then charge me. They had no problem charging me the first payment . They are double dipping people. Can this be fixed and made right. I know its not a lot of money but they should do better than this.Desired Settlement: I just want the 59.00 refunded.

Business

Response:

May 1, 2014

Revdex.com of San Diego & Imperial Counties

Attention: [redacted]

Delivered via Email

Re: ID[redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted],

Step 1 Credit is the trusted leader in credit report repair. We are dedicated to the

credit education of our clients and helping them to understand their credit and

improve their credit through our credit improvement program.

Step 1 Credit does and always will operate under the laws Fair Credit Reporting Act

and in accordance and compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act. Step 1

Credit provides exemplary service to our clients. We provide complete and

accurate information to all clients and the information is available to our clients at

all times.

Our billing is in compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act ([15 USC

1679b(b)), we perform service before charging our clients for that service. The first

work fee is charged after all work had been completed on a client’s account, usually

within 6 to 15 days of a clients sign up date. Thereafter, each month a client chooses

to remain a client of Step 1 Credit, monthly work is done and fully completed and

performed for the month and the monthly service fee is charged at the end of that

period. When a client cancels, they may have a balanced due for the work

previously performed. Just like a utility company, we provide service and payment

is due for service after service is complete. This is also in compliance with Federal

and State Law(s). Furthermore, Step 1, Credit’s credit service program is

cancellable at anytime and clients only pay for services that have been fully

rendered.

Ms. [redacted]’s account was cancelled via a telephone conversation on April 11, 2014.

At that time we did a final account review and went over the fantastic results Ms.

[redacted] had, her credit is greatly improved. Client received exceptional service and

results and greatly benefited from the service provided by Step 1 Credit.

Additionally, we again reviewed the final balance that was due and payable and

would be charged on Ms. [redacted]’s normal billing date for the services that had been

fully rendered. It was acknowledged and understood by Ms. [redacted]’s representative,

who relayed it was “ok”. A cancellation email was sent to Ms. [redacted] which confirmed

the account cancelled status, which again reiterates that a final payment is due and

payable stating in part “Your final payment will be drafted for your scheduled

monthly payment. The fee is for work which was done the previous month and not

for work yet to be done. In compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act [15

USC 1679b(b)] we perform service before charging our clients for that service”.

We spoke to Ms. [redacted]’s representative again on April 28, 2014 when he called

asking for a refund we once more explained that the client had additional results

due from the service provided and explained the balance is due for that work that

was previously performed, we always bill in arrears, he responded ok, and thank

you.

We have worked diligently with Ms. [redacted] to answer all of her questions, regarding

her final payment for her balance due, and we feel our multiple conversations and

email history has shown this to be accurate. Her account is closed and no additional

payment is due.

Our clients are very important to us and we always make sure they have accurate

information about our service and their credit so they and make informed decisions.

Sincerely,

Step 1 Credit

Review: I sign up with stept1 credit repair 3/13/2015,I was told they could help me to remove bad infor.off my three credit reporting agency.I was very excited ,because they stared on it very aggressively that day disputing my credit report.I saw this on there online site.my cost would be $79.95 each mo.I did received my report from the credit bureau.I was told after each dispute it would take at lease 30 to 45 days.( key word after each dispute )before hearing anything,I call step1 asking why nothing had change. due to the fact it was over 45 days. a matter of fact it was five mo's.I had been looking on the site it was the same pending from 3/13/15. on transunion .12 was deleted, equifax 4 deleted.on experian nothing. I called in may,asking why no dispute,they said experian needed to know it was me requesting info.so I sent my driver lic .and ins info.I was told they got that info. and started the dusput.that was back in june. I call today 7/29/15.still nothing. so I ask for a cancellation .I got that after over 30 min.trying to talk me from leaving,I was told aug. 13th I will still be charged $79.95. I don't think that's right.they default their contract.they did not do work with all three creditor .if they had I would have never file this with the Revdex.com. I honored my part as a good paying customer ,only reason they knew about this ,I brought this to their attn.. I said to the agent the only thing they did right was take my money, he had the nerve to laugh. They block me from the site as of today,but they still going to charge me for aug. 13th. that's not right.Desired Settlement: I feel I was scam, I want them to make it right. they did not hold their end of the contract.the deletion I only saw on their site is just that, I had my bank to pull my credit and five mo's. later still nothing has been taken off my credit report. this was done 6/22/2015, as of today I pull again today still not showing any deletion.I am disable on a fix income, I do not have money to give away to them. I want a refund.I did not ask to be scam.the thing im saying they should have worked on all three, like they said . I trusted to do so and they did not.I know they was not working on it because they stated they was going to start the dispute today 7/79/15. I ask if am canceling today why do I get charge for aug. I was told so they can keep disputing ,I told him that do not make since.I said I would file this with Revdex.com and he act like he did not care at all.

Business

Response:

August 3, 2015 Revdex.com of San Diego & Imperial Counties Attention: [redacted] Delivered via Email Re: ID [redacted] Dear Ms. [redacted], Step 1 Credit is the trusted leader in credit report repair. We are dedicated to the credit education of our clients and helping them to understand their credit and improve their credit through our credit improvement program. Step 1 Credit does and always will operate under the laws Fair Credit Reporting Act and in accordance and compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act. Step 1 Credit provides exemplary service to our clients. We provide complete and accurate information to all clients and the information is available to our clients at all times. Our billing is in compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act ([15 USC 1679b(b)), we perform service before charging our clients for that service. The first work fee is charged after all work had been completed on a client’s account, usually within 6 to 15 days of a clients sign up date. Thereafter, each month a client chooses to remain a client of Step 1 Credit, monthly work is done and fully completed and performed for the month and the monthly service fee is charged at the end of that period. When a client cancels, they may have a balanced due for the work previously performed. Just like a utility company, we provide service and payment is due for service after service is complete. This is also in compliance with Federal and State Law(s). Furthermore, Step 1, Credit’s credit service program is cancellable at anytime. Under Federal Law the credit bureaus have 30-45 days to investigate and respond to a consumer request. In order to maintain our clients privacy, we will not provide information as to a particular clients results, but we will respond to information the client has provided to you on their own. As Ms. [redacted] states, she has had significant improvement in her credit reports during the 4 months she was a client with us. Additionally, we requested that proof of address be sent to Experian so that her results would be sent out accordingly. The credit bureaus can ask for information to confirm a consumers information, confirmation of address can be necessary if the information they have does not match the information provided. As we relayed to client, the bureau then has 30-45 days to respond once they receive the requested information. The credit bureaus respond directly to the consumer. Any and all information is sent directly to Ms. [redacted] from Experian, Equifax and Transunion. Additionally, we have during many conversations with Ms. [redacted] reviewed her account and the status of her progress to her satisfaction. During these calls we reviewed reports provided by Ms. [redacted] from her monitoring company (Equifax and Transunion) to review the items that had been removed and the additional positive changes in her credit, during the dispute process on Equifax and Transunion, (Experian was still pending due to their request for additional information). Everything we reviewed was information Ms. [redacted] provided to Step 1 Credit. Ms. [redacted]’s account was cancelled via a telephone at her request. At that time we did a final account review and went over the fantastic results she received and that her credit is greatly improved. Client received exceptional service at all times and results and greatly benefited from the service provided by Step 1 Credit. Additionally, we again reviewed the final balance that was due and payable and would be charged on Ms. [redacted]’s normal billing date for the services that had been fully rendered. It was acknowledged and understood by Ms. [redacted]. A cancellation email was sent to Ms. [redacted] which confirmed the account cancelled status, which again reiterates that a final payment is due and payable stating in part “Your final payment will be drafted for your scheduled monthly payment. The fee is for work which was done the previous month and not for work yet to be done. In compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act [15 USC 1679b(b)] we perform service before charging our clients for that service”. Once an account is cancelled, it is no longer accessible due to cancellation of service by the client. Again, all billing is charged in arrears, so continued access would not be for services already paid for but for those yet to be billed. To suggest services provided as outlined in the service agreement and according to applicable State and Federal law(s), are a scam is unfortunate and not at all accurate. Ms. [redacted] has received service and greatly benefited from the service provided. We have worked diligently with Ms. [redacted] to answer all of her questions and we feel our multiple conversations and email history has shown this to be accurate. Her account is closed. As the issue is the balance due on Ms. [redacted]’s account, as she herself notes she has had incredible results from the service, as an offer of goodwill we have waived her balance due and no additional payment is due. Our clients are very important to us and we always make sure they have accurate information about our service and their credit so they and make informed decisions. Sincerely, Step 1 Credit

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Regards,

[redacted] , stept1 has lied about helping me,step1 default there contract , they only did tranunion ,equfax. they did not dispute all three credit. I paid for three not two. I made all my payments , I kept my end of the contract, They only want to refund two payments,when they only work one mo. and than after getting my bus. they drop the ball.they took five mo,s of payments, and the deletion was done in march and april 2015, this is only showing on their site , after five mo,s still the deletion are not on my credit report.yes I was happy in march and april, how long dose it take,if step1 thought I was so happy, and if they did what they say , why are we here,they did not do anything,after I made the first payment on 3/13/15 ,I ask when would they start , I was told as soon as they got my payment. that was the same day, yes I was happy that day, they did nothing since . and when I read their respond , to the credit Revdex.com. They made it sound like they did nothing. shame on them, I think they should refund all my money back.Step1 told me two payments was a great refund. and I should take it. and they was not going to give it to me ,until I removed the neg.complaint. I told them I would take half ,due to them working one dispute. I thought that was fair, they said no and call them and let them know if I want to except their offer, When I read their lrespond ,,,,, I know for sure ,they have wrong me. im a disable woman living on soc.sec. my check not that much.I gave them something that I really didn't have to give. if I didn't get what I paid for, than give me my money back, im not asking for a hand out. u don't offer someone a refund if u think u have done your work.they are wrong, and they know it. As long as I tell the true, im going to tell the world, so they do not do anyone else like they have done me..Shame on u step1. I might not be but one person,im one person they lost my bus.

Review: Step One Credit charge me after I canceled my membership. This company is a total rip-off. (fraud)I canceled my membership before day I was told to cancel before my next payment date.Desired Settlement: $79.95 refund for 1 month worth off work. Charged me 2 in which I canceled my next payment date.

Business

Response:

June 11, 2014

Revdex.com of San Diego & Imperial Counties Attention: [redacted]

Delivered via Email

Re: ID [redacted]

Dear Ms. [redacted],

Step 1 Credit is the trusted leader in credit report repair. We

are dedicated to the credit education of our clients and helping

them to understand their credit and improve their credit

through our credit improvement program.

Step 1 Credit does and always will operate under the laws Fair

Credit Reporting Act and in accordance and compliance with

the Credit Repair Organization Act. Step 1 Credit provides

exemplary service to our clients. We provide complete and

accurate information to all clients and the information is

available to our clients at all times.

Our billing is in compliance with the Credit Repair

Organization Act ([redacted](b)), we perform service

before charging our clients for that service. The first work fee

is charged after all work had been completed on a client’s

account, usually within 6 to 15 days of a clients sign up date.

Thereafter, each month a client chooses to remain a client of

Step 1 Credit, monthly work is done and fully completed and

performed for the month and the monthly service fee is

charged at the end of that period. When a client cancels, they

may have a balanced due for the work previously performed.

Just like a utility company, we provide service and payment is

due for service after service is complete. This is also in

compliance with Federal and State Law(s). Furthermore, Step

1, Credit’s credit service program is cancellable at anytime and

clients only pay for services that have been fully rendered.

Client’s account was cancelled via a telephone conversation on

June 4, 2014. Step 1 Credit did a full and final account review

with Client. Client received exceptional service and results and

greatly benefited from the service provided by Step 1 Credit.

Additionally, we again reviewed the final balance that was due

and payable and would be charged on the next day, June 5,

2014, for the services that had been fully rendered. It was

acknowledged and understood by Client. A cancellation email

was sent to Client which confirmed the account cancelled

status, which again reiterates that a final payment is due and

payable stating in part “Your final payment will be drafted for

your scheduled monthly payment. The fee is for work which

was done the previous month and not for work yet to be done.

In compliance with the Credit Repair Organization Act [15 USC

1679b(b)] we perform service before charging our clients for

that service”.

We have worked diligently with Client to answer all of his

questions on multiple occasions, we have been very responsive

to the Client, regarding his final payment for his balance due,

and we feel our multiple conversations and email history has

shown this to be accurate. His account is closed and no

additional payment is due.

Our clients are very important to us and we always make sure

they have accurate information about our service and their

credit so they and make informed decisions.

Sincerely, Step 1 Credit

I worked with step one last year. They did for me exactly what they said they would do. I started with a 443 credit rating. they got a lot of my stuff removed. I was able to finance a 2007 mercedes with the help they gave me. followed their advice for how to work a loan in my favor. Now my credit report has a few things on it that have been added since I left them. My husband is having a horrible experience with another company so he's canceling with them and going to step one. I was nervous but as stuff rolled in they kept to their word. I will use these guys again for sure! were regretting not choosing them first for my husband, sad part is it was a mortgage broker that got us lined up with an F rated company and apparently has a long list of scams. These guys call you, they talk to you, they do exactly what they say they will….with no $1000 up front fee plus monthly maintenance. If you could see my before and after, you would agree!