monarch legal group complaints

/Kids [25 0 R 26 0 R 27 0 R 28 0 R 29 0 R 30 0 R 31 0 R 32 0 R 33 0 R 34 0 R] On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Monarch Media Group's products or services. - 1:22-cv-03705 >> /Type /Page /Annots [] /Parent 10 0 R In other instances, Defendants assure consumers that Defendants will handle the litigation and, when an attorney fails to appear, the court enters a default judgment against the consumer. Based on the foregoing and on information and belief, Monarch attorneys often if not always fail to provide individualized legal advice and therefore are not engaged in the practice of law. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] To further reduce the likelihood of providing legal representation, Monarchs retainer agreements place severe restrictions on the provisions of those services. The Act prohibits charging any type of fee other than set up or enrollment fee of no more than $50, and a settlement fee in certain circumstances. Money Personality Quiz and Test. | Read 41-44 Reviews out of 44 In 2010, the Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule amending the Telemarketing Sales Rule, 16 CFR Part 310, to regulate debt relief companies that use telemarketing to contact potential consumers or receive calls in response to mailers and other advertisements. I followed the steps that Steve outlined in the blog post he linked below and I was able to get a refund of $14,000 from Monarch. Atty Approved.. << endobj Reg. Stated results are for illustration purposes only and are not typical of the results you should expect to achieve. /Rotate 0 /Parent 12 0 R /Parent 8 0 R Skip to main content Better Business Bureau In exchange for the advertised services, Defendants charge significant up-front costs and monthly fees. /Annots [] /Contents [246 0 R 247 0 R 248 0 R] /Annots [69 0 R 70 0 R] endobj << endobj FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS EASTERN Based on public legal filings and on information and belief, Strategic also worked with Legal Helpers Debt Resolution, a Chicago-based consumer debt company that operated nationally as a supposed law firm. 1-877-450-8853, Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value. /Type /Page /Contents [214 0 R 215 0 R 216 0 R] 42 0 obj /Resources 257 0 R /Type /Page Defendants promise that through negotiating with creditors, consumers will be able to settle their debts for less than the amount owed. Monarch Legal Group is not responsible for the accuracy or correctness of the opinions or comments. >> For example, on the Better Business Bureau website, where Monarch has a 1.15/5-star rating, the company has 39 reviews: 1 5-star review, 1 3-star review, and 37 1-star reviews. /Resources 193 0 R WebMonarch Legal Group provides a very valuable service for those needing to get out of debt and take their financial situation seriously. 14 0 obj /Resources 189 0 R Settlement is within acceptable firm parameters. One Google reviewer wrote that all the good reviews [about Strategic] reviewer are FAKE. endobj /Type /Pages GCS also charges a $10.75 monthly fee for payment processing., Though they immediately begin collecting fees, Defendants inform prospective consumers that it typically takes Monarch 7 to 9 months to reach the first settlement.. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] 53 0 obj The City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Strategic Financial Solutions, Burnette Legal Group, Timothy Burnette, and Monarch Legal Group on July 26, 2022. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] WebGoogle Business Reviews Monarch Legal Group Reviews Google Business Reviews 5.0 5 5 out of 5 stars (based on 3 reviews) Excellent 100% Very good 0% Average 0% Poor 0% Terrible 0% Latest Reviews: Professionalism 5 Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value T M Great organization that helps people 5 WebHow many stars would you give Monarchlegalgroup? 8 0 obj /Rotate 0 /Parent 10 0 R Defendants legal fees also reinforce the deception that attorneys will be performing the debt settlement work, including by representing consumers in court. >> % /Rotate 0 When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints. /Rotate 0 WebWe are committed to offering top-notch legal services to our clients and the best way for us to do that is to get your honest feedback. Defendants have a surprising range of exclusively 5-star and 1-star reviews, with no scores in the middle of the range. Complaints for Monarch Legal Group in Chicago , IL /Contents [162 0 R 163 0 R 164 0 R] /Resources 185 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Type /Page Second, Defendants predict that they will negotiate settlement agreements at around 40% of the debt consumers owe when they enter the payment plan. 225 ILCS 429/145(2), (3). /Rotate 0 65 0 obj Monarch Attorneys rote notes demonstrate that they did not meaningfully interact with clients. 18 0 obj 22 0 obj For example, Defendants recorded and estimated a budget based on the fact that one Chicago consumer had only housing, food, and auto expenses. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] endobj Stop The Calls From 877-288-9903 | Agruss Law Firm /Parent 8 0 R Employee and customer online reviews suggest that Strategic works with as many as ten law firms:. << /Parent 8 0 R Though consumers sign agreements and make payments to Monarch, they rarely, if ever, speak with Monarch employees, let alone Monarch lawyers. How to stop Monarch Recovery Management harassment /Type /Page From 2013 to 2014 he pled guilty to state criminal charges and settled with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)s disciplinary body for creating ATM cards and withdrawing money from client accounts without authorization. /Contents [174 0 R 175 0 R 176 0 R] The completed form will be automatically submitted to the State Inspector /Resources 85 0 R ffxiv mastering magic iv; benefits of businesses giving back to the community; monarch legal group complaints. Instead, Defendants require consumers to sign an Account Servicing Agreement with Reliant Account Management, LLC (RAM). Defendants purport to collect consumers income and expense information to determine their monthly payments. Your experience matters. Monarch Legal Group Reviews Standard phone and data charges will apply. Thank you for the feedback. /Parent 4 0 R /Parent 8 0 R It has reduced my stress level a 100%.With fresh start, I have learned to be more responsible with my finances. /Resources 261 0 R It was when I filed a complaint with BBB and posted negative reviews that they took action. /Type /Metadata /CropBox [0 0 612 792] The representatives read from a script about Monarchs program and ask consumers to sign an agreement after the meeting. /Parent 4 0 R Defendants also assume the same settlement rate for all consumers without regard to the amount or type of consumers debts (for example, whether the bill has been sent to collections). endobj << 23 0 obj WebComplaints for Monarch Legal Group. << A reasonable consumer likely would decline to contract with Monarch had she known that debt negotiation and customer service would be outsourced to another company in another state that is staffed by non-lawyers. 52 0 obj View customer complaints of Monarch Legal Group, BBB helps resolve disputes with the services or products a business provides. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] This company took over $25,000 from me then canceled my account, did not contact me and refuses to give me any information or any access to my online portal. But the Citys investigation indicates that Strategics customer service team does not make attorneys available for client calls. >> Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service. Amount in Dispute: $8,600.00 /Type /Page /Rotate 0 How to Try to Get a Refund From a Debt Relief Company, The Ultimate Guide to Dealing With Student Loans You Cant Afford. /Annots [] 3 0 obj Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said that Legal Helpers lawyers were a front to collect hefty fees from struggling consumers. Legal Helpers agreed to refund $2.1 million to Illinois consumers in a settlement. >> c. Another consumer wrote: I called and then they told me after I had paid them a little over $300 a month for 7-9 month period that there was nothing in my account just $100 and that the rest went to their fees, fees for providing no service. BBB reports on known marketplace practices. /Resources 153 0 R Voice your opinion today and hear what 44 customers have already said. /Annots [] endobj Monarch tells consumers to call a customer service line or email a customer service address, both of which are operated by Strategic Financial Solutions and its related entities in New York. You also consent to the recording and monitoring of all calls to and from us and you acknowledge and agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. endobj /Resources 277 0 R In total, those settlement fees cannot exceed 15% of the savings the debt settlement provider negotiated for the consumer. A customer representative then told the consumer that Monarch could not guarantee that a lawyer would be available to represent the consumer at the hearing. Making a full refund, as the consumer requested, Refuse to adjust, relying on terms of agreement. Defendants ultimately settled this debt for $1,096, over 60% of the amount owed at the time the debt was settled. Customer service is quick, efficient and professional. 6 0 obj In practice, Defendants cannot consistently negotiate such beneficial settlements, and information provided to the City by consumers suggests that many debts are settled for over 60% of the amount owed. The creditor filed a motion to reinstate and for default judgment for failure to pay the settlement payments, and the consumer was left vulnerable to wage garnishment and other negative consequences. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] The Citys investigation found no bankruptcy case filings by Monarch. Because so much of each payment goes to Defendants fees (particularly at the beginning of the agreement), consumers with multiple accounts to settle continue accruing significant interest and late charges for months, if not years. The City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against Strategic Financial Solutions, Burnette Legal Group, Timothy Burnette, and Monarch Legal Group on July 26, 2022. 11 0 obj /Annots [] Monarch Legal Group is a private law firm and is not affiliated with any governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency, or charitable organization. /Annots [] Would love to hear from you. /Contents [86 0 R 87 0 R 88 0 R] /Annots [] >> endobj If you are in debt run far far away. As depicted in paragraph 91 above, one BBB reviewer expressed skepticism about Monarchs lone positive review. /Parent 11 0 R << As an industry, companies continue to allow their niche to be destroyed by not speaking out about the bad actors. The Rule applies to attorneys as well as non-lawyers, and prohibits businesses from knowingly providing substantial assistance to a company violating the Rule. /Rotate 0 Defendants to change their business practices and would likely result in diminished profit. /Contents [166 0 R 167 0 R 168 0 R] /Annots [] DISCLOSURES REQUIRED UNDER 11 U.S.C. BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. << /Contents [210 0 R 211 0 R 212 0 R] Also in 2010, the State of Illinois passed the Illinois Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act, 225 ILCS 429/1 et seq. On information and belief, Defendants deliberately obscure the fee structure in these estimates to induce consumers to contract with them. /Rotate 0 /Parent 12 0 R /Type /Page Monarch refers to itself as a debt relief agency and law firm on its website, www.monarchlegalgroup.com. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Type /Page << endobj They help people file for relief under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Citys investigation indicates that Defendants do not employ defense attorneys and often tell consumers to defend themselves. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Type /Page Can I Send a Cease and Desist Letter to a Debt Collector? Reviews In November 2020, BBB investigated Monarch Legal Groups >> 38 0 obj << /Rotate 0 The Cohn Law Firm - Baton Rouge, Louisiana Bankruptcy, Cash Made. /Contents [71 0 R 72 0 R 73 0 R 74 0 R 75 0 R 76 0 R 77 0 R 78 0 R 79 0 R 80 0 R] << Defendants also know that consumers debts will accrue interest because they instruct consumers to stop making payments on their debts. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] In one example, a consumer paid $320 in Settlement Payment Fees. I contracted with Monarch Legal on Feb., 2020 because I was unable to pay all of my credit card debts from a serious drop in my business. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /CropBox [0 0 612 792] In a review on the professional website Glassdoor, one former employee explained that if you say the real company name [Strategic] most people are confused as to why your [sic] are calling them. Another former employee implored Strategic to [b]e honest about what you are doing. /Annots [] The testimonials provided are selected from independent third-party sites. WebMonarch Legal Group is a private law firm and is not affiliated with any governmental agency, quasi-governmental agency, or charitable organization. Defendants knowingly mislead consumers by misrepresenting how much they will save and how quickly their debts will get resolved. /Parent 12 0 R Filing a Complaint - Office of State Inspector General /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] The presentation for prospective consumers is also substantially the same: On information and belief, Strategic has a similar agreement with and also operates through Option 1 Legal. /Contents [194 0 R 195 0 R 196 0 R] endobj This website is an advertisement. /Resources 129 0 R 51 0 obj Nothing in this website is to be construed as an offer for legal services. /Parent 10 0 R /Parent 8 0 R Monarch Law Group | Better Business Bureau Profile It sucks that you found yourself in that position. /Parent 11 0 R In one case, Defendants settled a debt worth $3,943, agreeing to pay between 40-60% of the debt. << /Resources 225 0 R /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Though the Defendants program makes many consumers worse off, the companies succeed by collecting substantial fees, refusing to provide contracted-for services, and continually attracting new program participants by deceptive marketing tactics like fake reviews. 10 0 obj /Type /Page My wife and I enrolled in a program to negotiate our debts with Monarch Legal Group. << /Resources 177 0 R City of Chicago Goes After Strategic Financial Solutions /Contents [122 0 R 123 0 R 124 0 R] Monarch Legal Group Complaints Biryani Maxx /Rotate 0 /Resources 249 0 R *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. 62 0 obj /Resources 89 0 R Many debt resolution businesseslike Strategic Financial Solutionshave not organized themselves as law firms. /Resources 97 0 R Despite paying a monthly retainer fee for a lawyer, the consumer responded to the summons and defended himself in court. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. << It is not a lawyer referral service or prepaid legal services plan. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] Don't have an account? WebExcellent 100% Very good 0% Average 0% Poor 0% Terrible 0% Latest Reviews: Everyone has been extremely nice 5 Everyone has been extremely nice, helpful, explaining everything /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Third, consumer debts with balances of less than $1,000 are ineligible for refunds. The DSCPA excludes from regulation the services of an attorney engaged in the practice of law. 225 ILCS 429/10. endobj >> As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Defendants Do Not Provide Contracted-For Litigation Defense Services, Leaving Chicago Consumers to Defend Themselves in Court, Timothy Burnette Controlled and Directed Monarchs Conduct, Defendants Deceive Potential Customers by Posting Fake Reviews, Strategic Engages in Unfair and Deceptive Practices in its Debt Resolution Business Across the Country, https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/4890437, https://www.finra.org/rules- guidance/oversight-enforcement/finra-disciplinary-actions?search=2013035572001, Former Credit Counseling Executive and Serial Dirtbag, Andris Pukke Arrested, Litigation Practice Group Lawsuit by Business Partner All Service Financial We Want Our Money, Refunds Sent to Students Deceived by Student Advocates Debt Relief Scam, Clay Advisors Same Debt Consolidation Loan Mailer, Different Name, https://getoutofdebt.org//20126/how-to-try-to-get-refund-from-debt-relief-company, https://getoutofdebt.org/20126/how-to-try-to-get-a-refund-from-a-debt-relief-company, How to Get Out of Debt Without Getting Scammed and What to Do if You Have Been, The Beach Misses You: A Financial Fable For Happiness And Internal Peace, Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast - Reader Questions - AMEX Arrrgh, Getting Out of Debt and Making Lots of Extra Money is Easy When You Do This One FREE Thing, Is Your Debt Relief Company a Scam and How to Make an Extra $800 a Month to Make Ends Meet. In one example, a consumer owed $910 on a debt at the time the consumer signed a contract with Defendants. Consumers reported not understanding the terms of the program after these short appointments. endobj /Rotate 0 /Contents [154 0 R 155 0 R 156 0 R] In the examples that the City has seen, and on information and belief in other instances too, Monarch lawyers do not perform debt settlement work. I didn't know how it works, so I was explained the details and the procedures of it. See BrokerCheck by FINRA, James M Katayanagi, available at https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/4890437; Complaint, Department of Enforcement v. James M. Katayanagi, (FINRA Office of Hearing Officers, Proceeding No. >> In the documents reviewed by the City, Monarch attorneys never rejected a settlement proposed by Strategic employees. >> endobj Therefore, Monarchs attorneysboth in- house lawyers and those hired on a contract basisare not engaged in the practice of law. Complaints for Monarch Legal Group - Better Business Timothy Burnette is, on information and belief, the sole member and manager of Burnette Legal Group, LLC d/b/a Monarch Legal Group. I was a victim of Monarch and I filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy as a result of trusting them. /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] 29 0 obj We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code. It also requires debt relief companies to make several disclosures about their services, including how long it will take to get results, how much it will cost, and the negative consequences that could result. /Annots [] WebYour experience matters. WebMonarch Recovery Management is a collection agency based in Pennsylvania. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Parent 12 0 R /Rotate 0 CRI measures the company's customer satisfaction abilities through BCAs complaint mediation process. If they are considering doing business with the company, consumers can use this indicator to forecast the likelihood of having their issues addressed if a problem arises. << After collecting those fees, Defendants revenue plummets. For example, after 10 months in a program, only 4% of one consumers payments went to settlements. Defendants have attempted to avoid these rules by operating under the name Monarch Legal. /Contents [206 0 R 207 0 R 208 0 R] WebView customer complaints of Monarch Legal Group, BBB helps resolve disputes with the services or products a business provides. /Rotate 0 /Resources 201 0 R All photos are of models and do not depict clients. /Annots [] /Rotate 0 Terms and Conditions Defendantsa debt settlement companyknow that debt accrues substantial interest and late fees. endobj The following example from a Chicago consumer illustrates Defendants failure to provide legal advice related to a settlement. Anyone Know for Sure About World Law and Global Client Solutions? /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [90 0 R 91 0 R 92 0 R] /Parent 11 0 R /Type /Catalog get quotes and more. The Citys investigation indicates that Defendants do not act in consumers best interest when creating a customized payment program. How to Get Out of Debt. endobj /Parent 12 0 R Meanwhile Defendants collect thousands of dollars, money that consumers could have used to pay down their debts but for Defendants unrealistic promises and reassurances. << Strategic has engaged in similar arrangements with sham law firms to defraud consumers across the country for years. MRM has received many consumer complaints alleging violations of the Fair Debt Collections On information and belief, Defendants do not care about consumers successful completion of the plan because their up-front fee structure allows them to make most of their profit during the first year of the payment program. Voice your opinion today and hear what 44 customers have already said. << << WebNew Reviews Monarch Legal Group Reviews New Reviews 0.0 0 0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent 0% Very good 0% Average 0% Poor 0% Terrible 0% Latest Reviews: There are no reviews yet. >> endobj One consumer told the City that after making regular payments, he received a summons from a creditor and promptly contacted Monarch. /Type /Page /CropBox [0 0 612 792] 32 0 obj Complaint Form - Office of State Inspector General | Read 41-42 Reviews out of 42. We are scared and desperate at this point, See if this sounds like a reasonable and logical approach. Do you agree with Monarchlegalgroup's TrustScore? The consumer did not hear from Monarch for two weeks. /Count 10 Second, the policy relieves Defendants from refund obligations for any debts that become[] subject to a lawsuit during representation. Many creditors sue Monarch consumers to recover money owed. /CropBox [0 0 612 792] /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] Monarch Legal Group Complaints /MediaBox [0 0 612 792] /Contents [170 0 R 171 0 R 172 0 R] While Strategic and its subsidiaries process consumers substantial payments, provide ineffective customer service, and may negotiate with creditors, Monarch convinces consumers that a law firm is providing the debt resolution services. /Type /Page 40 0 obj /Type /Page RAM collects and deposits consumer payments.

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