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Category: Loan Solicitation

Protect Yourself from Misrepresentations in Telemarketing Calls: Exposing the ACRO Services Scam

Illustration of a Fraudster Behind Bars with the Logo of ACRO Services

Telemarketing calls can be a convenient way for companies to reach out to potential customers, but unfortunately, some individuals and organizations exploit this medium to engage in fraudulent practices. One such case involves the ACRO Services and its affiliated companies, which have been recently exposed for their misrepresentations and violations in telemarketing calls.

In this article, we delve into the deceptive actions and schemes employed by these companies, shed light on the victims’ concerns, and provide actionable advice to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams. If you have encountered ACRO Services or similar deceptive telemarketing practices, our law firm is here to offer a free consultation and guide you through the legal process.

1. The Misrepresentations in Telemarketing Calls

ACRO Services, American Consumer Rights Organization, Consumer Protection Resources, and other connected companies operated under various names and were charged with falsely promising to eliminate or substantially reduce individuals’ credit card debt. This fraudulent debt relief scheme exploited vulnerable consumers seeking financial relief.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took legal action against the operators of this alleged credit card debt relief scheme, resulting in court orders permanently banning them from telemarketing and selling debt relief products or services.

2. Deceptive Telemarketing Tactics

One of the tactics employed by ACRO Services and its affiliated companies was deceptive telemarketing. Telemarketers would call consumers, falsely claiming affiliation with prominent credit card associations, banks, or credit reporting agencies. They made enticing promises of significantly reducing or eliminating credit card debt within 12-18 months.

However, these claims were entirely false and aimed at tricking consumers into enrolling in their deceptive scheme.

3. Phony Debt Relief Promises

To market their services, the operators of ACRO Services resorted to making phony debt relief promises. They used various misleading methods to deceive consumers, including false claims of qualifying for federal debt relief programs or the invalidation of debt due to lack of validation.

These tactics were designed to instill false hope in individuals struggling with credit card debt, ultimately leading them to sign up for the program.

4. Deceptive Upfront Fees

Once consumers agreed to join the debt relief program, they were charged exorbitant upfront enrollment fees ranging from thousands of dollars, falsely led to believe that these fees would be eliminated as part of the debt relief process.

In addition to upfront fees, consumers were also charged monthly fees for “credit monitoring” services, further draining their finances.

5. Actions Taken and the Importance of Legal Intervention

The FTC’s lawsuit against ACRO Services and its affiliated companies represents a significant step towards protecting consumers from such deceptive practices. These court orders banning the operators from the industry aim to safeguard individuals seeking genuine debt relief solutions.

However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and informed to prevent falling victim to similar scams in the future.

6. How to Protect Yourself

If you receive telemarketing calls regarding debt relief or any other suspicious offer, it’s essential to be cautious and follow these steps:

  1. Verify the caller’s identity: Ask for the caller’s full name, company name, and contact information. Legitimate companies will be transparent about their identity and willingly provide you with the necessary information.
  2. Research the company: Conduct a thorough online search to gather information about the company and its reputation. Look for reviews, ratings, and customer experiences to assess their credibility.
  3. Consult with a trusted professional: If you have doubts or concerns about a telemarketing offer, seek advice from a financial advisor or attorney who can guide you in making informed decisions.
  4. Never share personal information: Avoid providing personal and financial information over the phone unless you are confident in the caller’s legitimacy. Scammers often use this information for identity theft and financial fraud.

7. Seek Legal Assistance

If you have fallen victim to ACRO Services or similar deceptive telemarketing practices, it is crucial to consult with a law firm specializing in consumer protection and fraud. They can evaluate your case, help you understand your rights, and guide you through the legal process.

Our law firm offers a free consultation to victims of deceptive telemarketing calls and can provide the necessary support to seek justice and potential compensation.

Conclusion:

Telemarketing scams like the one orchestrated by ACRO Services and its affiliated companies prey on vulnerable individuals seeking financial relief. By understanding their deceptive tactics and being vigilant, you can protect yourself from falling victim to such schemes. Remember to verify the caller’s identity, conduct research, and consult with trusted professionals before making any decisions or sharing personal information.

If you have been affected by deceptive telemarketing practices, seek legal assistance to explore your options and ensure justice prevails. Our law firm is here to help you reclaim your financial security and hold the perpetrators accountable. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step towards protecting your rights and financial well-being.

Call Law Office of Howard Gutman at (973) 598-1980 to book your free consultation and embark on the journey towards justice.

FTC Investigation of Credit Card Solicitations: Rachel from Cardmember Services

The Federal Trade Commission escalated its campaign against illegal, unwanted robocalls announcing that it pulled the plug on five companies based in Arizona and Florida allegedly responsible for millions of illegal pre-recorded calls from “Rachel” and others from “Cardholder Services.” 

The FTC held a summit in Washington, DC, to examine the robocall problem,federal courts granted the agency’s request to temporarily halt five robocall operations that allegedly deceived consumers into paying hundreds or thousands of dollars by making phony claims that they could reduce credit card interest rates in return for an upfront fee.

1. Telemarketing complaints about Rachel and Cardmember Services

This is a common scheme. The FTC gets more than 200,000 complaints each month about telemarketing robocalls, including calls from “Rachel” that pitch consumers with a supposedly easy way to save money by reducing their credit card interest rates.  After collecting an up-front fee, however, the FTC believes that the companies do little if anything to fulfill their promises.

Creditor and Do Not Call List

Why do you keep calling me, this is very disruptive, take me off your list.

2. How the Cardmember Scheme Works

In the robocall cases the FTC alleges that the defendants place automated calls to consumers, typically with a prerecorded message from “Rachel” or someone else from “Cardholder Services.”  The calls purport to have an “important message” regarding an opportunity to reduce high credit card interest rates. 

Consumers who reach a live telemarketer are then pitched allegedly deceptive offers to have their credit card interest rates substantially reduced, sometimes to as low as 6.9 or even zero percent.  The telemarketers allegedly guarantee that lowering card interest rates will save the consumers thousands of dollars in finance charges in a short period of time and will allow them to pay off the balances more quickly.  Some telemarketers allegedly claim that consumers will save at least $2,500 in finance charges and will be able to pay off their balances two to three times faster, without increasing their monthly payments.

The complaints also charge the defendants with multiple violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), for misrepresenting their services, calling numbers on the Do Not Call Registry, and collecting up-front fees. 

3. Handling Calls

Unfortunately, since the companies are involved in unlawful activity, frequently fraudulent activities, their identities are hard to uncover.

Loan Robocalls and Do Not Call List


Among other robocalls, people are receiving calls about loans and mortgage. If you are registered on the do not call list or received a call on a cellphone, you may be entitled to compensation.

Loan Calls Class Action

A class action has been filed against Loan Depot alleging the company made repeated solicitations to people on the Do Not Call List. The Court rejected a company motion to dismiss the case.

The Court first noted the purpose of the TCPA:

“In 1991, Congress enacted the TCPA as a response to the proliferation of intrusive calls from telemarketers. The law sought to safeguard the public’s interest in personal privacy and, to that end, prohibits multiple abuses of telephone technology. Applicable to this litigation are the ATDS and Do Not Call provisions of the TCPA.” Rosenberg v. LoanDEPOT. (D. Mass. 2020).

If you received unwanted calls, you may be eligible to be part of a class action or receive individual compensation.

Call (973) 598-1980 for a Free Consultation to learn How to Stop the Robocalls and Secure Compensation.