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 Advocate's
Warning
DSI Financial
aka; Accelerated Financial
Complaint - DSI Financial - > > Issue Resolved - 7/15/2004 < <
Resolutions Page 3
Date: 03/19/2004
DSI Financial is a company that solicits business by telephone, or did last year. They promise to save you money and reduce your credit bills and interest, and say they guarantee to show you a savings of at least $ 2500 or they will refund your $399.00 fee in full.
Sounds good, right? However, when they sent me my lengthy computer printout of payment schedules, I discovered that they didn't show me anything different that the information I had already provided that I was currently doing, payment-wise.
When I asked for the refund, since they didn't show me how to save any money over what I was already "saving" by making over my minimum payments, they refused, flatly and very argumentatively.
They claimed that I was going to pay less as I got each card paid off - how would they know how I planned to restructure my payments? I was ripped off to the tune of $399.00, and I received worthless information and wasted a great deal of time. Word to the wise (wiser than I was): Stay away from DSI Financial! - Tamara Farrington.
Signature - Tamara Farrington
Update 7/9/04 - I have been promised a refund, now, only after the complaint was published on the website, then the website said "issue being resolved" - then another victim of DSI saw the posting & looked me up, called me & brought it to my attention. He told me that he had gotten a refund. I then called DSI, re-hashed the problem with the company owner. He said he had called you guys up & requested the chance to respond. Is that why there were four of us listed as "issue being resolved"? -
I didn't back down with them (he got another person on line for a conference call). At the end of the conversation, and after I told them about the gentleman who said he had gotten his refund but was still considering pursuing the issue with the attorney general, the woman on the line promised me a refund by cashier's check by overnight mail. I hope it is in my mailbox tomorrow. If not, I will post my complaint again, as I very clearly explained to the two at DSI. that I would if my money was not in my mailbox by Saturday (7/10/04).
I never received what was promised by DSI financial, which was that they would show me how to save at least $2500.00, or get a full refund of my $ 399.00. - No, in answer to your question, I was never satisfied.
I believe DSI only finally responded because of my persistence. In my past attempts to get my refund I was refused. The only reason, I believe, they are backing down now is because of the negative publicity on the web.
They try to use tricky wording, tape recordings, and other strategic maneuvers to keep from making good on their promises.
Update 7/12/04 -
DSI Financial should be avoided at all cost!
Here's the latest: DSI promised me a refund after all of the negative exposure on consumer advocate websites. They promised it overnight and in the form of a cashiers check; however, THEY SENT ME A WORTHLESS PIECE OF PAPER - IT WAS A REGULAR CHECK, NOT A CASHIER'S CHECK AND IT WAS UNSIGNED!!!!
I can only assume they are stalling.
Signature - Tamara Farrington
Update: 7/15/2004
 I did receive my refund, along with a small compensation and apology. I gave the company rep, Jennifer Whalen, my word that I would cease posting anything on the web. This is my last post concerning this issue.
Signature - Tamara Farrington
Complaint - DSI Financial -
> > Issue Resolved < <
Resolutions Page 9
Date: 06/23/2004
  DSI Financial is a company that solicits business by telephone, or did last year. They promise to save you money and reduce your credit bills and interest, and say they guarantee to show you a savings of at least $ 2500 or they will refund your $469.00 fee in full.
Sounds good, right? However, when they sent me my lengthy computer printout of payment schedules, I discovered that they didn't show me anything different that the information I had already provided that I was currently doing, payment-wise.
When I asked for the refund, since they didn't show me how to save any money over what I was already ""saving"" by making over my minimum payments, they refused, flatly and very argumentatively.
They claimed that I was going to pay less as I got each card paid off - how would they know how I planned to restructure my payments? I was ripped off to the tune of $469.00, and I received worthless information and wasted a great deal of time. Word to the wise (wiser than I was): Stay away from DSI Financial!
This is a statement that Tamara Farrington put on you site and it is how I feel to. I've wasted time and lost money because of the promises made to me. I can say it any better they she did.
Signature:
Dennis Abbott
Complaint - DSI Financial -
> > Issue Resolved < <
Resolutions Page 8
Date: 6/29/2004
  "6/29/04 - The same thing happened to me, except I lost $499.00. DSI Financial claimed they could reduce the interest rates on my credit cards, and when they couldn't, I asked for a refund. They said I needed the analysis report in order to get a refund. When I got the analysis report that said I could keep my payments the same as today as the balance goes down (duh), that fell within their guarantee. The Customer Service Representative seemed as if she were reading from a script when I asked questions. They provided nothing I couldn't do myself. If they call you, please do yourself a favor and hang up."
Signature:
Sandra Drewniak
Complaint - DSI Financial -
> > Issue Resolved < <
Resolutions Page 2
Date: 7/01/2004
 7/01/2004: I signed up with DSI on or around March 7th of this year...big mistake. Initial phone calls from their representatives/customer service people guaranteed me lowered interest rates on my credit cards of "6.9% permanently" and "never higher than 6.9%"...these claims were made by one of this companies CSR's, (Customer Service Representative), a lady named Sara Kelly.
I spoke with several people after her, but still was under the belief that DSI would be doing what THEIR representative initially told me they would do for me, namely lowering my cards interest rates to 6.9%.
As the other people who wrote in have said and I can echo, DSI has done absolutely NOTHING for me that I haven't in the past or couldn't have done in the future by myself! My husband worked for another consumer credit counseling agency some years ago, and left there due to improper/unethical business practices on that companies part...he has spoken with DSI representatives as well in regard to my situation (I paid them $449.00 for their service...) and feels that I was definitely 'mislead' by this Sara Kelly.
Managers within DSI have since told me in a phone conversation yesterday that Sara Kelly would not have promised me something that they couldn't deliver, all but calling me a liar.
I am contacting an attorney in relation to misrepresentation/fraud on the part of DSI, and am searching the internet for any information regarding possible class action lawsuits already in progress against DSI Financial...I'm sure that I am not the first and only person to be ripped off by this disreputable company!
To everyone else potentially dealing with DSI -- stay away from them! But please listen in your initial phone conversations with them for any promise of this mysterious but bogus offer of lowered credit card rates to 6.9%!"
Signature:
Lisa M. Fenton
Submitted as a "Customer Testimonial Praise"
Upon review by the Advocate, it is in our opinion simple advertising copy, as explained in detail below!
Paragraphs and point numbers added by the advocate to illustrate the explanation.
Date: 7/3/04
The Advocate's Opinion of this
Supposed "Praise Letter"
1) I was extremely disappointed to read the complaints lodged against a company that has worked so hard to help me with my credit card debt. When I first spoke to their customer service representatives, I was a little skeptical.
2) They had told me that they would work hard to get some sort of interest rate reduction for me. My rates are higher than average and so I was immediately interested.
3) They explained that nothing was guaranteed, but that they would continue to try every 90 days for me.
4) I was willing to try anything and so I went with the lifetime membership. Yes I paid the 499.00 dollars, but was hoping for the best.
5) What I wasn’t prepared for was that after I went though the initial appointment they had sent me a 20 page booklet that looked pretty confusing. I immediately called the company and told them I was really confused about what they sent me.
6) They transferred me to someone who walked me through the booklet step by step until I understood it.
7) Not only did DSI Financial achieve 3 rate reductions for me, they set me up with a monthly schedule that showed me how to save over 30,000.00 dollars!
8) This is money that I would not have saved if I had not trusted this company.
9) I am very please with the results of my first consultation and am looking forward to the many more.
Our Deductions, Point by Point
1) Possible,
2) Again, Possible, even likely with high interest rates
3) Possible, but then again every consumer can do the same thing themselves without any additional cost.
4) Possible, it is not wise to buy or pay for any unknown services' lifetime or long term contract, especially unproven services.
5) Again, Possible. Financial document can be a bit daunting for a novice, or an average consumer with high debt. If they had a through understanding of credit & financial documents, they would not be in the situation of having several high interest credit cards.
6) Possible
7) Here is where is starts to unravel, "3 Rate Reductions, at 90 days apart??", $30.000.00 ?? how much credit did this person have, and how did they get it, if they are "Saving $30,000.00" in interest payments??
8) As stated in point 3, any consumer can apply for rate reductions, and or pay off cards early, this has absolutely nothing to do with "Trusting This Company or Any Other Company"
9) Wait a minute, how can this be your "First Consultation" with you "looking forward to many more", 1) if you have already received your plan, 2) had it explained to you, 3) received three rate reductions and 4) saved $30,000.00 in interest payments??
Somehow this does not ring true, in any way. Would make a great commercial for radio.
Complaint - DSI Financial -
> > Issue Disputed by DSI < <
Colton Letter 1 -
Colton Letter 2
Date: 7/8/2004
It appears DSI Financial has contacted sneadsferry.com/advocate in order to have the complaints removed from view. Two of the complaints can still be seen by doing a Google search. Simply enter DSI financial and you will see Advocates Warning DSI Financial as the second post. Click on cached at the end of the statement. The other two complaints showing on the sneadsferry.com/advocate site were similar in nature, as was mine, before they were removed.
I got my refund by getting through to the company president;
Ken Schwartz,
DSI Financial, Inc.
7300 N Federal HWY, Suite 105,
Boca Raton, FL 33487.
Phone: (561) 999-0023.
Attorney Manoff represents DSI. He can be reached at (561)393-5000, also in Boca Raton. A Google search entering Yale Manoff will give you his address.
Manoff can be intimidating. Standup for your rights. This company has committed consumer fraud at the very least and I am now investigating to see if it has committed criminal fraud as well.
Manoff has sent me a threatening email should I take any further action. Company employee have told me that DSI Financial headquarters is a three person office in Boca Raton with all administrative work, including the processing of the plans taking place in Spokane, Washington where there are more than 200 employees. I was also told that there are 10 phone "rooms" in Florida and many others across the nation as well as a "room" in Quebec "where calls are beyond FTC regulation", according to the employee.
Signature: dhc
NOTE: Although on the surface it would seem that a "Phone Centre" in Quebec, Canada would be beyond the reach of the FTC, in reality since ratification of NAFTA, Canada and Mexico are both within the Legal boundaries of both the FTC and the FBI when a company is 1) Based in the US, 2) doing business with US Customers, and or 3) using a US Bank.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Below is a copy of the letter sent to the "President" of DSI Financial
Dear Mr. Schwartz,
As you are aware, I intend to provide a factual statement to the BBB regarding your company statement that a "personal specialist will provide the most efficient plan to eliminate the debt." I am once again requesting that you provide a plan based on my payment history submitted in order that I may show that rather than save me "X" amount of dollars, your plan would have cost me "X" amount of dollars; and rather than show me that your plan will payoff my debt in the year "X", it will actually be paid off in the year "X".
The BBB indicates that you agree to mediation and other resolutions. I would hope that we do not need to mediate "using my actual payment history" in order for me to submit a factual statement to the BBB.
Also, I am deeply concerned that you forwarded this matter to your attorney Yale Manoff and that Mr. Manoff has promised to sue me should I register a complaint. This makes it especially difficult working with DSI over a dispute in a company plan, which was paid for up front, and should be noted by the BBB.
Should you continue to insist that you will not provide me a plan as requested, please let me know at the earliest date in order that I may request mediation or other resolution as listed in your voice recorded BBB statement.
Sincerely,
DHC * Name reduced to signature used in initial complaint
Advocate's Advice
As for our research into the situation, consumers are reminded to "Do your Homework" before you give anyone your money! Check out the company's history, standing in the community, check with the Better Business Bureau, however remember that BBB's will generally give a good report for any "Dues Paying" member, regardless of the number or severity of complaints by "Non-Members" as consumers clearly are.
Checking into the DSI Company website, brought about several instant "Red Flags" to our investigator, we will not get into the specifics, (lest this become a check list for unscrupulous site operators to compare their site with, but a few of them are listed here).
Remember the basics, Look for a clearly defined Contact Us section, with physical location, not just a PO Box mailing address, phone numbers and email address for principal employees or officers. If the "Contact Us" section is a fill in the blank form, especially if that form goes to a third party or a common free service gateway, instant "Red Flag" They should also have a concise history or About the Company.
The domain name should be some form or derivative of the company name. Any "get rich, grow wealth, money for nothing type name is an obvious "Red Flag".
Should have a clearly defined "Privacy Statement", with your privacy concerns as the "Only Issue Addressed", if it funnels you to an information collection or sign up form or page, "Red Flag".
Letter from Mr. Schwartz
Date: 7/9/04
Consumer Advocate
PO Box 298
Mosheim, TN 37818
RE: Tamara Farrington
Dennis Abbott
Lisa Fenton
Sandra Drewniak
Dear Jerry,
Enclosed are the responses to the above referenced clients. We were able to speak with Ms. Farrington, Mr. Abbott and Ms. Fenton as of today at 12:00PM EST. We have attempted to contact Ms. Drewniak and are awaiting a return call. Although we voice record each verification for the protection of all parties, the possibility of miscommunication does exist. We have decided to credit all parties in full. If you should require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kenneth Schwartz
DSI Financial , Inc
The Advocate's Opinion
Update: 7/14/2004
We are still awaiting the information verifying the resolutions that Mr. Schwartz, informed us on the July, 8th that he was sending 2nd day priority mail. This "Absentee mail" and the "Certified Check" sent to Ms. Farrington, that turned out to be an un-signed company check, lead us to believe that the whole issue has been a stall.
The Advocate's Opinion
Update: 11/22/2004
 We have finally received the "Resolutions" for the complaints that were posted through July 2004. According to the receipts sent by Mr. Schwartz, these accounts have been refunded, not in appropriate, timely manner but once discovered that they have been posted online, and not simply "going away"!
An important issue we consider when forming our opinion and or advice in this or any matter is the complaint/resolution dates. In this case the resolutions only began after the posting of several complaints, and the fact that only the "Posted Complaints" have received any attention or refunds. In our opinion, an "Honest" effort, would also have provided documentation on other customers, complaints that this company has resolved.
However in the case of DSI Financials, during the ensuing four months, we have received six more complaints, and the only "Glowing Praise", comes from an individual whom just so happens to have the same contact phone number as the owner of the parent domain name of the company. I question how a legitimate customer has the same contact information as the company unless they are an owner, employee, executive officer or franchisee of the company, which would obviously disqualify them as a "Legitimate Customer".
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Refusal to Refund
Location: Columbus,
OH
43205
Country: USA
Description: They have refused to refund my money of $499.00 after they rendered absolutely no services whatsoever.
Signature: Bryan Boatright
Timestamp: 9/13/2004 11:43:02 AM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Refund
Location: Coldwater,
MI
49036
Country: USA
Description: After reading the other complaints about DSI, I am in the same boat. I too have requested a refund after my interest rates actuall INCREASED after their reprsentatives contacted them. A bunch of BS. Don't sign up.
Signature: Mr. Bushouse
Timestamp: 10/29/2004 12:33:31 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
n/a
Location: Dallas,
TX
75226
Country: USA
Description: I was contacted by DSI Financial unsolicited and by phone. The sales person told me that his company could help me lower my interest rate on my credit card debt. He asked for a reliable credit card company that would verify that I was in good standing. He got off the phone line and verified with the credit card company. After that he told me that I was in a "Diamond" category that meant that I could receive the service free of charge and that the service fees that I would normally pay would be absorbed into my savings from the program. After that I spoke to another person who verified the conversation that I had with the first sales person. Finally I was recorded agreeing to the program that stated that I had 30 days to deline the program for a full refund of my $400 fee charged to my credit card. I also agreed to the terms that if I did not save at least $2,600 in interest on my credit card debt that I would also receive a full refund. After looking up DSI Financial on a search engine I found numerous consumer complaints on the company and the information posted on the BBB website concerning a lawsuit against DSI Financial. The description matched my experience with DSI and I immediately called back to cancel. I was informed that I was cancelled and that my order had not even been processed. The very next day I received numerous phone calles from DSI which I screened with my answering machine. Finally, a man named Robert Dimidio called me from the quality control department at DSI Financial. He asked me why I cancelled the service and I told him that I could not afford the service. He used high pressure selling tactics to scare me into reconsidering. He also gave me misleading information about my creditors. When I politely said that I would handle my debt on my own without DSI Financial he became very rude and hung up on me. I would like to say that this company is obviously a fraud. I have seen many complaints already on DSI Financial. I am in full agreement.
Desired Settlement: No Settlement Requested - For BBB Info Only
Desired Settlement Explaination
I hope that this company is forced to stop soliciting consumers into their program.
Signature: Ineka M. Guerra
Timestamp: 11/16/2004 6:34:59 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Poor Business Practices
Location: Redlands,
CA
92374
Country: USA
Description: DSI Financial should be shut down for its extremely poor business practices. I was pressured into their service and when I attemted to cancel my membership was met with several times of waiting 40+ minutes on hold. When I finally got through the person was extremely rude and attempted to re-sell the service to me. I will get my money back if I have to use the legal system to do so.
Signature: Melissa Mollner
Timestamp: 11/17/2004 10:47:34 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Fraud
Location: West Hollywood,
CA
90069
Country: USA
Description: I was contacted by DSI Financial by phone. They caught me in a particularly vulnerable position, having accrued debt resulting from a long period of unemployment. They promised to save me tens of thousands of dollars and to reduce my debt by negotiating with the lenders and guaranteed me a savings of at least $ 25000 or would refund my $399.00 fee in full. All I recieived was a report of my debt, what the accrued interest would be in future dates and a proposed payment schedule. This information was not new to me and DSI has provided no service to me. They run a scam and just used up the remainder of my credit.
I have phoned requesting a refund three times and have been refused each time.
Attorney General Christine Gregoire announced in August that an estimated 1,000 Washington consumers who bought a debt reduction service may receive a full refund as part of a settlement with a firm accused of violating telemarketing and consumer protection laws. I live in California and sent a message to the California District Attorney's office and never heard back.
Is there anything I can I do to retrieve the money?
Signature: Carlos Stelmach
Timestamp: 11/18/2004 6:09:51 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Beware of DSI Financial
Location: Glenrock,
WY
82637
Country: USA
Description: I too have been contacted by DSI Financial. I didn't agree to pay the $549 fee, yes it's went up that much this year, however, I just wanted to share my experience after having read the other complaints. I was called by DSI telling me the same story of reducing interest rates, saving me at least $2500.00 (actually they promised to save me $25,000-$30,000- yes, I'm in that much debt), and they also threw in that they were regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. Needless to say, after I refused the second person I talked to, she put me on the phone with her manager!! He was actually getting a little irate that I couldn't "see the savings"!! He even told me "I've never had someone with that much debt say no to this program." I told him he had come up against a brick wall this time, because I had to think it over and talk to my husband about it. He finally gave up and almost hung up on me. After searching for DSI Financial on Google I have found out these complaints and am glad I presisted to him that he see my side of the story!!! So just for future reference, DSI is still calling people by phone and now they are charging $549 for their "services"!! I agree, I think people should stay away from this company.
Signature: Melanie Jones
Timestamp: 11/23/2004 8:01:32 AM
Business Name: DSI Financial, Inc.
Comment
Concerning: Company,
alleged consumer fraud
Location: The Colony,
TX
75056
Country: USA
Description: Thanks to this site and others I have avoided doing business with this suspect company. Note that DSI is under investigation in Florida and it is directed against the Washington "usual suspects". See case LO4-3-1120 on www.myfloridalegal.com.
Signature: Hugh
Timestamp: 2/1/2005 3:03:51 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
OTHER
Location: NYC,
NY
10304
Country: USA
Description: TSK, TSK, TSK
We received a call from a MS. Stacey Ybaben. promising us that they can reduce the interest rate on the credit cards.
Now she spoke to my boss first who told her to call me, his secretary. I spoke to her she was very nice. I gave her the telephone number to the credit card she referenced. I asked her to fax over info regarding this comapny, she agreed. All was well, at first. Stacey then called my boss back to verify the info I gave her. He told her that I had all the info and she could rely on me. He asked straigt to the point questions she couldn't seem to answer, what does this cost? Will he end up in some kind of organization? Are they affiliated with the credit cards she referenced? She said she'd call back. Her supposed boss, "Jack", called back for her and became belligerent, extremely rude and crass. He started off saying, "You are in debt, you should be glad we called you!"
He cussed, fussed and yelled. My bioss ung up on him and immedently asked me to call the Better Business Bureau. I typed the name into AOL Search and low and behold, several complaints popped up.
"Jack" had the nerve to cvall me back and report h=that we are now blacklisted from his company, and that they record all phone conversations. I told him how lucky we were to be blacklisted, since I am currently online reading the numerous complaints against their company. He said it wasn't them it was someone else, then he hung up.
I just though I'd add to it.
Signature: Jackie
Timestamp: 2/17/2005 12:47:03 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
Telemarketers
Location: Harrah,
OK
73045
Country: USA
Description: DSI Financial did nothing at all for me. They promised to save me at least 2500.00 and they did not. I received three phone calls from them, but the documentation I received showed me nothing, only what I already knew. The Washington AG filed a lawsuit against DSI and they agreed to refund all customers. The Florida Attorney General is investigating. I need to file a complaint and get a full refund.
Signature: James McLaughlin
Timestamp: 2/24/2005 7:17:52 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Comment
Concerning: Company,
Location: Chandler,
AZ
85248
Country: USA
Description: First, thank you to the Consumer Advocate for being there.
I was contacted today by Cheryl, a CSR of DSI Financial, and was given the spiel regarding what they could do for me. I requested more information in writting either from a website or by mail. But she resisted the request and even said their website was for current customers only.
Fortunately, I had a client call in and had to take the call, so Cheryl said she'd call back later. I then did a web search on DSI and found you and the complaints and the Washington AG's settlement. I also found their website, which was not customer-only, but a marketing site like I was requesting to be able to read.
Cheryl did call back and I told her I was not interested due to my search on the web, where I told her I found their website and the complaints. At this time she became argumentative, pushing me to say what websites I went to and that their website did not have their name in it. Since I did not have the screens in front of me, I was unable to give particulars (nor was I inclined to give it to her due to her attitude). She proceeded to call me a liar and that she didn't "want to deal with a liar", and hung up.
In conclusion, anyone reading this, stay away from them. Also, It's a simple enough idea to call your credit card companies and request rate reviews yourself. And make your own plan to pay off your higher rate cards first while paying minimum payments on your lower rate cards. And by all means pay on time always. And if you are having credit troubles get help quick, don't let them pile up on you. Just like being overweight, there is no magic pill or system to quickly solve your credit woes.
Signature: DB of Arizona
Timestamp: 3/16/2005 2:02:41 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial, Inc
Praise
Concerning: Company,
My experience
Location: San Antonio,
TX
78223
Country: USA
Description: I, too, signed up with DSI Financial back in December. I received the paperwork sometime in February, and after looking the paperwork over, I decided to look on the internet to see what I could find about the company. Imagine my shock when I found this website! I was very leary about going through with this membership, so I called the customer service number and talked to a customer service manager about my concerns at the beginning of March. He tried to set my mind at ease, but I was still a little concerned. After taking a few weeks to think about the information I had, I decided that, at this time, I would not need their services. I called today and spoke to Alicia. She informed me that I would have to send my information in, and once I got my financial plan back that I would have, I believe, 7 days to call and cancel, if DSI Financial was not able to show me the savings they guaranteed. I called another number I had for them, and I was connected to Kenneth Schwartz, the owner, no less! I told him of my concerns and we had a lengthy conversation. He could tell that I was leary about doing business with his company and he was VERY understanding. I felt very comfortable talking to him. He is a super nice guy, and I was tempted to keep my membership even though I do not feel it would be of benefit to me right now. If ever I need finacial services in the future I will definately do business with DSI Financial! He made me feel very at ease, even with all these complaints. I consider myself a very smart consumer, but I admit to letting all these negative comments I read color my opinion of the company and the service they provide. Since talking to Kenneth Schwartz, I believe that he is an honest person, and he is running an honest business. DSI Financial can be very beneficial to potential customers who need their services. My suggestion is find out for yourself if they can help you. Don't let these few negative comments leave you jaded about the company as a whole. My experience with DSI has been very positve, and I would recommend them to any of my friends and family who could use some help with their finances.! Every company has some kind of complaints. Sometimes they are no more than misunderstandings, my opinion of the complaints here, were just that, misunderstandings. We as consumers have a responsibility to ourselves to ask as many questions as we need to in order to make an informed decision. Reading only the complaints about a company, does not make us knowledgeable about them, it is only a tiny portion of the big picture. If you signed up with DSI Financial and you have recently read the complaints, do yourself a favor and and give them a chance. Their money back guarantee really is GUARANTEED.
Signature: Maranda Henk
Timestamp: 3/30/2005 4:26:24 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Web Site,
NA
Location: Bastrop,
TX
78602
Country: usa
Description: Can someone please give me some advice on how I can get my $499.00 BACK.
Is there any actions pending in Ohio or Texas.
Signature: Ed Curran
Timestamp: 6/17/2005 1:09:40 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Perkasie,
PA
18944
Country: USA
Description: I got a phone call from DSI Financial. I was promised to save $5000 with in the 1st couple of months. I was charged $549. for this life time membership. I went with DSI Financial in hopes to lower my credit cards interests rates. So far what I got was some colorful paper work that did not help me pay down any of my debt. During one consultation one credit card lowered my interest rate for 1 month only. That was all that I saved by using this company. I do not think that was worth my $549. What got me concerned was when I went to go to their web site and it wasn't there. I have contacted the company about getting a refund. I was told this conversation will not end with you getting a refund. After about 40 minutes I was told I would get a phone call back from someone higher up. That was 6 days ago, no one called me back. I called there again today I was told they would have someone call me back. When I got the phone call back the 1st thing the man said to me is you will not be getting a refund! Both of the men I spoke to were very rude on the phone and would not even listen to what I had to say. I was again promised a phone call back in 5-10 minutes and that was now over an hour ago. DSI does not keep any of their promises.
Signature: S. Kraekel
Timestamp: 7/11/2006 2:24:02 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
PA
Country: USA
Description: I got a phone call from DSI Financial. I was promised to save $5000 with in the 1st couple of months. I was charged $549. for this life time membership. I went with DSI Financial in hopes to lower my credit cards interests rates. So far what I got was some colorful paper work that did not help me pay down any of my debt. During one consultation one credit card lowered my interest rate for 1 month only. That was all that I saved by using this company. I do not think that was worth my $549. What got me concerned was when I went to go to their web site and it wasn't there. I have contacted the company about getting a refund. I was told this conversation will not end with you getting a refund. After about 40 minutes I was told I would get a phone call back from someone higher up today. That was 6 days ago, no one called me back. I called there again today and I was told they would have someone call me back. When I got the phone call back the 1st thing the man said to me is you will not be getting a refund! Both of the men I spoke to were very rude on the phone and would not even listen to what I had to say. I was again promised a phone call back in 5-10 minutes and that was now over an hour ago. DSI does not keep any of their promises.
Signature: S. Kraekel
Timestamp: 7/11/2006 2:29:12 PM
Business Name: DSI/Accelerated Financial
Praise
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: I was also an employee for the company for a long time. These other employees are NOT being honest saying that DSI lied, etc.... They really provided a GREAT service to the public. Can someone call their lender, yes, but people don't!!!! They don't know what banks can offer to them. And they don't know what to ask for. Heck, I never knew until I worked there. So, when these financial consultants say that people can do it on their own. Well, I guarantee, they had no clue of how to do what DSI did for client's until they worked there. Also, the debt elimination plan they create is amazing. Again, IF people can DO IT on their own, why aren't they? Good Question!!
Our national debt per household is climbing, so if people can DO IT, why isn't that number going down!!?!?!?
The ex-employees are just mad how the company shut down and to be honest, I can't blame them of how they did it. They were good to us and look the ex-employees go on these web sites and post this stuff is beyond me. They cared about us and the consumers.
Word to the wise, when reading all these complaints, remember, people feed off gossip and take things and twist them until they sound like it's good enough gossip to report. DSI/Accelerated is a great company!!
Signature: Happy Ex-Employee
Timestamp: 8/19/2005 11:28:17 AM
Business Name: dsi financial
Comment
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: For your information. Good News that you may not be aware of. The FTC and the State of Washington recently filed suit against Debt Solutions, DSI Financial, Accelerated Financial, etc I'll be looking for your post.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Dave Coltin
Signature: dhc
Timestamp: 3/27/2006 6:19:50 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: I worked as an employee for DSI as one of the financial consultants, that's until they changed their name to Accelerated Financial and moved to Seattle to escape the attorney general settlement and the growing amount of complaints on the internet. This company is a lie! A joke! They used me to lie to their clients. They used to send out business cards with the name Mary Snow on them. SHE'S MADE UP! NOT REAL! People would ask for her and she'd just conveniently be at lunch or out of the office. Stay away from DSI and Accelerated Financial. Let's take this monster away! Thanks!
Signature: Anonymous
Timestamp: 7/13/2005 11:49:41 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: I worked as an employee for DSI as one of the financial consultants. That's until they changed their name to Accelerated Financial and moved to Seattle to escape the attorney general settlement and the growing amount of complaints on the internet. This company is a lie! A joke! They used me to lie to their clients and every employee there, including myself, would tell you that they dreaded their job just for that reason. They used to send out business cards with the name Mary Snow on them. SHE'S MADE UP! NOT REAL! People would ask for her and she'd just conveniently be at lunch or out of the office. Stay away from DSI and Accelerated Financial. Let's take this monster down! Thanks!
Signature: Anonymous
Timestamp: 7/13/2005 11:51:46 PM
Business Name: Accelerated Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: I was an employee for DSI Financial as a financial consultant until they changed their name to Accelerated Financial to escape the Attorney General settlement and the growing DSI complaints on the internet. This is a JOKE! This monster will use any tactic it can to take your money and give NOTHING in return. You can call the credit card companies and lower your rates yourself. The plan? You just make the same monthly minimum that you pay now until the debt is paid off, regardless of the new minimum you recieve on your statement. This they sell for 649.00 and lie to you every step of the way. STAY AWAY!!!!!
Signature: Anonymous
Timestamp: 7/13/2005 11:57:34 PM
Business Name: Accelerated Financial
Comment
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City,
Country:
Description: Hello,
I am not angry or vengeful towards the company and my purpose for writing this is not for such reasons. Honestly, I didn't like working there, not because I felt that they were scamming people but because what they do, you can do on your own. In short DSI Financial will call your creditors and ask them to give you a lower interest rate. Then they will put your information into a canned computer program that will generate a report telling you which debts to pay off first then which ones to pay next. If you would like to sign up for a service like this then go ahead, but it really isn't worth it. They charge between $550-$700 depending upon which sales room calls you, so this alone isn't really fair in my opinion. In my experience some folks really appreciated the service because they didn't know they could do things like this on their own so they appreciate all the help they can get but if your an average person with even a cursory understanding of finaces, this isn't for you. About a month ago they informed us that they were changing the company name because of websites such as this one, so now DSI is called Accelerated financial. It sounds pretty hokey-pokey, I know. What was really sad is that there are a lot of folks that worked their where this job was their families primary source of income and the way the company shut it down was not appropriate for the way a company trying to change their rep should have handled it. Basically one weekend this month they came in and cleared out the offices and folks showed up to work that Monday and the doors were locked and they soon realized they were no longer employed. This is why I said earlier that it is sad for the folks who need that income. I can only hope that unemployment works out for everyone. The company went off to Seattle in the middle of the night leaving everyone high and dry. It just isn't a good way to do business. If the company would just have given everyone some notice their actions would be more understandable but alas little can be expected from a company with the reputation as this one.
I honestly wish this company the best in the future and maybe they can incorporate some services that would be a bit more beneficial for consumers and they can change the way they do business as to not damage the name they just created as they did with the DSI name.
Signature: anonymous
Timestamp: 7/23/2005 8:28:27 PM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Praise
Concerning: Company,
DSI Financial
Location: City,
Country:
Description: First, I would like to say that I worked for DSI Financial for over 3 years. What I read online, is soooooooooooo not true, it's not EVEN funny!!!! DSI Financial provides a great service. They treated there employee's very well and always put the customer first. I think DSI Financial is a great company.
Signature: Anonymous
Timestamp: 7/25/2005 9:31:05 AM
Business Name: DSI Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Cornelius,
NC
28031
Country: United States
Description: Our family has suffered financially over the last 5 years due to our daughter's medical condition. She was born with a rare brain tumor that causes her to have up to 20+ seizures a day. I lost my job in 2001 and within 2 months my daughter could no longer attend school. I began working part-time at our church. Drastic reduction in income. 88% to be exact.
We were desperate. We took a chance and placed the DSI fee on the last credit card with available credit and prayed for a miracle. DSI sent a wonderful report telling me what I already knew. We spoke to of our creditors in with no positive results. They told me to call back in a few months. I requested a refund at that time. I was told that the report proved that they could save us money and therefore we could not get our money back.
With our life, we have to deal with what is in front of us at the time. We forgot about DSI for a while. We ended up fixing our situation as best we could with a consolidation loan using the last of our home equity. This was still not enough to ease our situation. In 2004, I quit my job to care for my great aunt who had become disabled and had no children to care for her. There was no one else able to care for her. We had no choice.
This summer I realized that I had paid almost $500.00 and had not received anything but a few pieces of paper. I began trying to work with DSI again this summer. The CSR was incompentent. I told her that all of our accounts had changed since the information was originally compiled. I told her at least 5 times that one account, Discover, was paid off and closed. She repeatedly asked me about the account and even called the for information. When Discover's CSR told her there was no active account she continued to ask her for a balance and the terms. After a few days I received another report with the old, inacurate information. Everything I told the DSI rep. was disreguarded. There was one accurate account.
I could go on. After several calls...giving them a opportunity to make things right...more promises were made to help us find low introductory credit card offers to transfer our balances to. NO INFORMATION WAS EVER PROVIDED.He never called back. I still have not recieved the help they claimed to provide. I requested a refund again in September and gave them 30 days. I guess they decided to do something then because they called back to set up another appointment for a DSI rep to call me about the credit card offers. I told them "NO THANKS" that I requested my refund not another appointment for disappointment.
I have handled our credit card issues without DSI. I WANT MY MONEY BACK. My daughter's medicine cost over 100.00. That would buy 5 months worth of meds. I think I have given them more than ample opportunity to prove what they can do. They did not help us and we should be given our money back.
Signature: W.J. McAuley
Timestamp: 10/16/2005 11:22:51 AM
Business Name: DSI financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: 3451 Giles Place,
NY
10463
Country: United States
Description: I was promised a service of saving me over 2000 dollars in a couple of years. All I got was a credit card bill for 499.00 and nothing else. I have not been able to reach them via telephone or through there website in order to demand a refund.
Signature: Melanie F.
Timestamp: 11/3/2005 9:43:06 AM
Business Name: DSI FINANCIAL
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Edison,
NJ
08817
Country: USA
Description: I was defrauded as many others by the forceful and pushy sales reps at DSI. They continued calling me, a student, unsolicited and defrauded me out of $499 which they promised would be refunded if I saw no savings. No such luck. I got a huge printout that meant a lot of nothing and everytime I see their folder I am reminded by the deceit of this company.
Recently, I tried to call this company and make the most of their "services" by having them run a check on my account again since I am entitled to one every year. I've heard what they do, they simply call the credit card company and say:
Are there any better rates that are available to Ms. ___ at this time?
No.
Ok thanks.
This is not a service. Anyone can and should call their credit card companies and inquire about any additional promotions. It took me forever to contact them, they gave me an appointment to have a rep call me and and authorize her to call my credit cards. She never called! It took me several days to get in touch with someone again who again gave me an "appointment" to speak with a represenative. He finally called, and said he'd call back in two hours. Two hours passed, he made a few calls then told me he was closing for the night and would call the next day to complete the cards on file. He never called. It was not until weeks later when he called and stated that he was going to mail me my "analysis", that I reminded him he never finished the process. "Oh, yeah" he said. Then he purported to call and promised to send me the package. I never received anything!
My interest rates have never been higher and my debt has not decreased in the least. Instead, I have $500 charged to my credit card which I was trying so hard not to use. I am not a delinquent payer, nor am I a bad credit risk. Instead, they played on the naivete of a student, in debt because of school and books and defrauded her of even more money. I have now graduated law school and will be looking to take the appropriate course as it is clear to me that I am not the only one this has happened to.
Signature: Sandy A. Tadros
Timestamp: 11/9/2005 11:57:06 AM
Business Name: CitiFinancial Auto
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Fort Wayne,
IN
46825
Country: USA
Description: My brother is in Iraq, and I've been left in charge of his bills. His car was repossessed, mainly because I wasn't getting a bill, so I didn't even know I was to be paying anything. They had his address wrong. When I pointed this out, it was fiercely brought to my attention that legally they didn't even have to send a bill, yada yada. In short, I was fortunate they were even talking to me. My Power of Attorney status was an additional complication. After several weeks now of playing phone tag and meandering through the endless Voice Menus, I've paid what is owed, and now it appears they don't even have his car anymore, although I was told that an order to not sell it was posted. All the people at CitiFinancial are impossible to get in touch with, and I can't actually talk to a feeling human being 90% of the time.The automated menus often fail, making me start the process all over again. They don't return calls like they say they will, and so the entire process has drug out over weeks. Basically, CitiFinancial is the Evil Empire.
Signature:
Timestamp: 3/15/2006 2:48:25 PM
Business Name: DSI FINANCIAL
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
money refunded
Location: Loveland,
CO
80538
Country: U S A
Description: I too was a victim of the following company. (DSI) Who also told me that they could lower my interest rates. For a fee of $499.00 dollars, or fund all my money back. In receiving the information no diffence. I to called and requested my money back and was refused. I too would like my money back.. Was treated unfair. Thank you for your time. Back in June 21st of 2004
Signature: Sue L.L
Timestamp: 3/20/2007 3:01:52 PM
Business Name: Accelerated Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Riverside,
Ca.
92505
Country: USA
Description: Please, stay away from Accelerated Financial in Federal Way, Washington , also known as Debt Solutions Inc. (DSI). This is a SCAM operation who changed its name to continue to scam people in another state . Call the Attorney General's office
in Washington to lodge a complaint against Accelerated
Financial ( pH # 888-303-3830 2505 S 320th St .--Federal Way, WA ) . Companies like this need to be SHUT DOWN NOW. They called me but I didn't fall for their scheme . They wanted my credit card # and wouldn't supply me with "Happy" customers to talk to.
Signature: J. W California
Timestamp: 12/16/2005 7:36:51 PM
Business Name: Chrysler Financial
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: City Mitchellville,
Maryland
20721
Country: USA
Description: Third party collection agent was allowed to illegally view my cell phone call history and call family and friends not submitted as references. Severe harassment; posed as law enforcement; threats; offered bribes. Chrysler was informed of illeagal actions and took no step to stop "David Watson" . Calls blocked on my id box.
Signature: M. D.
Timestamp: 12/20/2005 2:30:18 PM
Business Name: Lear Financial, Inc. or Gold Central.com
Complaint
Concerning: Company,
NA
Location: Woodland Hills ,
California
91367
Country: U.S.A.
Description: Dear Lear Financial, Inc. Customer or Prospective Customer:
We represent a former employee of Lear Financial, Inc., a company that sells gold coins, other metals to individuals for their personal accounts and also for their IRA and other retirement accounts.
Our client has sued Lear and Kevin DeMeritt, its President, and other employees of Lear alleging that Lear and DeMeritt wrongfully terminated his employment in retaliation for his complaints about the widespread and systematic fraud and illegal tape recording of customers' phone calls perpetrated against Lear's customers, among other wrongful acts.
In the lawsuit, our client contends that Lear systematically misled its customers about the amount of commissions they were paying and overcharged them. Our client also contends that Lear also systematically violated the California Penal Code by unlawfully recording and eavesdropping on conversations between Lear salesmen and Lear customers without the customer's knowing consent. Under California law, Lear is subject to a $5,000 civil penalty payable to the customer for each such violation.
We have obtained a declaration from one Lear customer who has stated under oath that he was told that he was only being charged a 7% commission to purchase coins. The Lear documents we have obtained, however, reflect that he was charged 40%. We have obtained from Lear other documents reflecting that it charged another client 40%.
We are investigating whether you had a similar experience at Lear and would greatly appreciate it if you could call us to so that we could determine if you also were subject to Lear's wrongful conduct alleged by our client. Peter R. Dion-Kindem P.C. at Dion-Kindem & Crockett Office (818) 883-4400 Fax (818) 676-0246 Email peter@dklaw.com. I look forward to hearing from you in this regard.
Signature: Peter R. Dion-Kindem
Timestamp: 4/5/2007 7:37:03 AM
Business Name: Financial Freedom Resources
Complaint
Concerning: (Other),
Telephone fraud
Location: City,
Country:
Description: A woman named Lisa Jorgl and a man named Robert Dimidio called encouraging me to sign up for a reduced interest percentage rate on my cards. They were asking for $1295 dollars up front and another $600 after receiving their information. Apparently they are at it again. They tell you that they are licensed in the State of Florida, give you employee I.D. nmbers and are relentless in calling. Watch out!!!!
Signature:
Timestamp: 5/5/2008 8:33:04 AM
You can decide for yourself, if you want to get involved with this company. - The Consumer Advocate,1/03/2005.
The ":Resolution
Documents" provided by DSI's Attorney, Yale Manoff, have been scanned, and
converted to text via OCR. The Items below are for issues listed in the
database, items pertaining to the static listings are listed by the item it
relates to.
Resolutions, Bushouse,
Page 1 -
Resolutions, Guerra, Page 4 -
Resolutions, Jones, Melanie, Page 5 -
Resolutions, Stelmach, Page 6 -
Resolutions, Mollner, Page 7 -
Resolutions,
Boatright, Page 10 - Manoff
Letter 1
In the meantime the following has been brought to our attention, along with actions pending from other states. Stay Tuned . . .
| AG Settles with DSI Financial
SPOKANE/SEATTLE - August 17, 2004 - Attorney General Christine Gregoire said today an estimated 1,000 Washington consumers who bought a debt reduction service may receive a full refund as part of a settlement with a firm accused of violating telemarketing and consumer protection laws. Refunds could total over $300,000.
The settlement involves Debt Solutions, Inc., DSI Financial Inc., and their affiliates. State attorneys contend the firms used high pressure sales tactics and misrepresented consumers in a sophisticated telemarketing operation to sell the debt reduction service.
DSI, based in Boca Raton, Florida, operates call centers in Spokane and Seattle, targeting consumers throughout the country who are trying to reduce their debt.
In the settlement, filed in Spokane County Superior Court, DSI has agreed to operate in compliance with state and federal telemarketing regulations.
The investigation of DSI uncovered a telemarketing operation using a 3-person team: a "fronter" or "opener," who initially called to "qualify" the consumer based on his/her credit, a "closer," who pitched DSI's services to the consumer and made the sale, and a "verifier," who tape recorded the conversation as evidence of the deal. The "fronter" asked the consumer to provide a major credit card number and the last four digits of his social security number, then he checked to make sure the consumer had $520 left to spend on a credit card before moving him on to the "closer" to pursue the sale.
"DSI used high-pressure tactics and misleading pitches to sell their product to people who couldn't afford more debt," said Gregoire. "Consumers deserve every penny back."
A lawsuit, filed simultaneously with the settlement, alleges DSI violated the Commercial Telephone Solicitation Act (CTSA) and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) by: requiring credit card payments, misrepresenting the $499 charge to consumers and the $2,500 guaranteed savings, telling consumers there was a "no-cancellation" policy when in fact there is a three-day right of cancellation after receiving notice of the sale, and using high pressure sales tactics such as telling consumers not to check with their spouses before buying.
DSI's president Kenneth Schwartz is named in the lawsuit along with Debt Solutions, Inc., DSI Financial, Inc., DSI Direct, Inc., and Jennifer Ruth Whalen, who operates another named defendant, Pacific Consolidation Services in Spokane. All of these companies do business as DSI Financial and are referred to as "DSI."
Civil penalties total $250,000, $225,000 of which is suspended as long as DSI adheres to the settlement agreement. The company will pay $35,000 in attorney fees and court costs.
Consumers who request a refund will be provided one in full, minus any partial refunds already received, within ten business days of DSI receiving the request.
DSI will mail out notices to Washington consumers instructing them on how to obtain a refund as part of the settlement. |
Letter/Article Posted above is from Washington State Office of the Attorney General, and can be found at; http://www.atg.wa.gov/releases/rel_dsi_081704.html
More information from other states' Attorney Generals and from federal authorities is in process.
The latest twist, it seems that DSI or Debt Solutions
Incorporated, has changed it's name to Accelerated Financial. This is just a
ploy to try and avoid returning the customer's funds as ordered by the Attorney
General and escape some of the negative publicity we have provided to the
general public.
My last conversation with the DSI's Attorney, Mr. Manoff, he
wanted us to remove the complaints from this web. Since I refused to do so, it
appears that Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Manoff are attempting to continue with
"Business as usual" under a new name, Accelerated Financials.
Rest Assured that we will continue to pursue them under what
ever name they decide to use and wherever they move to in their efforts to scam
the public and avoid court orders . . .
The Advocate's Advice . . .
We are re-iterating our Warning - Beware of DSI Financial,
aka; Accelerated Financial
or any company that claims to "Correct, Help, Restore, Reduce
or in any way, To fix Your Credit".
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July 11, 2006 11:45 PM, |
