Consumer Recovery Network & DebtBytes Reviews
by Michael
Many people we work with write in to express their gratitude for the assistance we, at CRN, provided in helping them get out of debt. We decided to create a way for people to share their experiences with others by posting to this blog!
You are Invited…
…to share your story, feedback, and/or review of your experience working with Consumer Recovery Network in the comment section of this post.
There are no rules for posting. You may want to follow an outline of what brought you to CRN, how we compared to other options or companies you looked into, what happened along the way, and what the ultimate result of working with us has been, to date. Or, just have fun and express yourself!
ALSO:
Not everyone we consult with qualifies for our more aggressive approach to dealing with debt. Many of you we consult with still appreciate the time we take to inform you of what debt settlement really involves after having contacted other service providers. Our consults are often a refreshing dose of blunt honesty for people just looking for information and answers they can trust. You are invited to share too!
Tell you what….if you having anything to share about CRN, the Debt Bytes Blog, or any facet of the work we do…. chime in! We look forward to hearing from you!
P.S. You can identify yourself using your initials or first name only, unless you are comfortable sharing your identity, like Jonathan Grossman, who blogs about his experience with CRN at Debtsettlementstory.com
6:58 pm
Most of us (consumers) who are reading this kind of blog are ones most likely seeking desperate help with their financial debt situations. And last thing anyone of us need is another company or group taking advantage of us (consumer) and leaving us in a worse situation from their dishonest and fraudulent business practice. Prior to joining CRN, I have done extensive research of debt settlement companies (including debt settlement attorneys) for months. As I was extremely skeptical of all of these companies, I have researched them via various internet materials, reviewed Better Business Bureau for their profiles, and called them to get the understanding of how they operated once I became their customer. Problem was that I have read about so many scam debt settlement companies (including debt settlement attorneys) who were not helpful to consumers at all once you became their customer and paid the fees. I was in a serious need of help to be debt free quickly so I can get back on my feet with my family. Just a few notes from my personal research, when seeking for a debt settlement companies I would STRONGLY recommend you to stay away from the following:
Anyone requesting upfront fees – usually $2000 and up. For this money you can probably settle a small account yourself.
Anyone telling you that WE will take care of all the calls from your creditors and the calls will stop – in my personal opinion, you’ll probably get into more difficult situation with your creditor if you don’t communicate with them
Anyone telling you that they will create an Escrow account for you to put money in monthly so that they can use it for settlement. why? ask yourself – why can’t you manage it?
Any kind of monthly payment plan for 24 to 48 month plan. Ask yourself, you are trying to get out of debt do you want to start another payment plan to settle your debt?
Above are some of the things I have learned during my research.
In my personal experience, it was more difficult to find a honest and reputable debt settlement company such as the Consumer Recovery Network (CRN). It all started with receiving a call from Michael Bovee, president of CRN, when I requested a consultation. We talked for a while but I was still skeptical as usual and when Michael told me that they don’t request upfront fee like every other company out there it sounded too good to be true. AND here is the kicker, because I live in Virginia, CRN will not even charge me the minimum fee they collect once the debt is fully settled. They are asking me to make donations when I am back on my feet later. I asked myself – what’s in it for them? Only thing I had to do was join the membership which comes with package of learning materials which is refundable within 30 days. That’s it. Well, I decided to think for a week and decide what I needed to do.
What really helped with my decision was CRN’s motive. They want to help their clients resolve the debt issues in 6 months. 6 months! No other companies ever mentioned anything like this. I thought to myself, what a life change would it be to be debt free in 6 months. I decided to give them a shot.
When I joined CRN back in Feb of 2010, I had close to $70,000 credit cards debt with 4 different credit card companies. It is now end of July and I have just settled my final credit card and I will be owing NO credit company any money. NONE – $0. Well, I can not tell you what it feels like to be debt free and how my life is about to change. It feels great to get up each morning knowing that I owe nothing in credit card debt and that $70,000 debt 6 months ago is now gone… I have saved about 75% and settled all my debt with about $25,000. So how much did CRN collect from this savings? $0. This was all done with membership fee. There was no catch or strings attached. Based on the learning material and the help of my coach, I settled 3 accounts myself. The last creditor, CRN settled for my behalf.
I had a chance to work with multiple people at CRN for past six months which I found all of them to be very professional and considerate. Yes “considerate” – this was what was in it for them. They truly wanted to help people with difficult situations. Honestly, if any of you are still doubtful I would try them out with consultation to see if CRN can help you out as well. The one thing I can vouch is that you are dealing with very honest group of people.
Once again, I want to thank Michael, Steve, Dean, Dayna, and Brenda for making a life changing experience for me and my family.
9:17 pm
I cannot express enough appreciation for the staff of CRN, especially Dean, for helping our family through one of the most challenging financial times of our lives. I lost my job a few years ago and slowly accumulated over $95,000 of credit card debt. We could not afford the minimum payments and already liquidated most of our savings and stocks. When we researched other companies, we found the fees for assistance with settling were over 15% of the total balance or more. When we found CRN, we couldn’t believe how easy and low cost it would be for us to settle our debt on our own with an advisor to help us along the way. I settled all of the debt with 3 cards on my own for approximately 25% of the balance. Dean was so helpful in explaining the process throughout the way and giving me the ‘confidence’ that I could do it on my own. I feel truly blessed to have found this company. We are now completely credit card free and cannot express the freedom and peace we now feel to start over. I would 100% recommend this service to anyone trying to settle their credit card debt.
10:06 pm
I had over $100 k in credit card debt and was trying to settle through non-profitable organization and could not continue due to high monthly payments. I did not trust any debt settlement companies who advertised on the radio and on the internet. Accidentally I found this company and Dean was able to help me to settle all my debt with fraction of what I owed to the credit card companies. All staff were excellent at the CRN and I would highly recommend CRN without any hesitation if you are in the need for settling your credit card debt.
8:45 am
We were in trouble! Started researching debt settlement on-line. Found one co. that sounded good. Before we signed with them we found another that sounded better. Almost signed with them. BUT. . .by the grace of GOD, asking JESUS (His SON!) to help us find where we should be, we were GIVEN to “come across” CRN!!! Right away we KNEW “this is it”!!! CRN was almost too good to believe! I mean SKEPTICALLY so!!! But after contacting them and finding out we could get ahold of Michael Bovee himself if we needed to, we were a LITTLE more “at peace” with it. Then as their program was explained, there was NO DOUBT we were at the RIGHT place. AMAZINGLY, CRN did NOT “need” 15% of the TOTAL debt up-front! They only charge 15% of what they actually SAVE you!!! AFTER the fact!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! God WILL bless them for such rightness!!! For truely being there to HELP !!! Then came the $ up front. (Aha?) No, wait, that money BUYS a complete COURSE with which you are guided through how to deal with these companies. They TELL you how to “cut themselves out” of the whole process! The info walks you through the whole process VERY clearly and VERY easily understood! So you can do the setteling yourself (Are they CRAZY ?) They offered a satisfaction/money-back guarantee so IF you’re NOT satisfied with the course, you can return it and owe nothing! (How could anyone loose with that?) Then they said, even if we handle it all ourselves, we would have an ASSIGNED advisor! ALWAYS talking to the SAME person! NOT having to “start explaining all over again” to someone else each time we might call!!! (IMAGINE!!!) And we could call that person for advice, guidance and help any time we needed it. And finally, if we felt we could not or would rather not “do-it-ourself”, that advisor would be available to step in and complete anything we might have started, or just do it ALL for us from the beginning! . . . . . (WOW!!!!!!!) WHERE DO WE SIGN? Oh, almost forgot, any debt that THEY settled for us, the beginning $ would go toward the 15% that we would owe them!!! THERE WAS JUST NO WAY WE COULD “LOOSE”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And all the other companies we had talked to were not even on the same planet, let alone the same level as CRN! (The others ALL wanted 15% OF THE TOTAL DEBT OWED . . .UP FRONT!)
BUT with that touch of “too good to be true” there, we researched the company more. Found only GOOD things said about them. The “decider” actually came from other companies that kept calling for “our business”. They would try to tell us how they’re so much better than whatever company we were going with . . . . . UNTIL I said it was CRN! At that point they had NOTHING to say for themselves! Even THEY kinew they were not in the same league! So the info. was ordered. I studied it and thought I could do all it explained myself. I talked to our adviser (Paul Wissouri who was always ther for me) MANY times through the first settlement process. It was for a total of $75,000.00, on 3 credit cards with the same bank. I took care of everything myself, up until the very end, at which time I became ill for about 3 weeks. At that same time we received the EXPECTED notice that the account was in pre-litigation. Both the course and our advisor had let me know the process with this particular bank would “go there” and what to do about it. But because I felt so ill, I lost my nerve! I called our advisor, told him I just couldn’t handle it at that point, and he picked the ball right up and got a settlement of 25% from a bank that “never went below 30%”!!!!! The fee we paid CRN for it was half covered by that “extra” 5% saved! And, two other accounts we had I was able to do the settlements MYSELF, with our advisor’s guidance all the way!!! (Costing us NOTHING!)
ALL of the above is to demonstrate to you and to reassure you that we found with CRN “what you see IS what you get”!!!! They live up to EVERY word they tell you! They ARE too good to be true, and yet TRUE they are!!! Who knew there were still “companies” out there that still stand by their word, don’t hedge their bets or out-right lie to you, aren’t out to “take” you and who are TRUELY there to HELP anyone they can. To anyone even CONSIDERING debt resolution, I can tell you with all my heart (and Jesus be the judge of what I am saying) DO NOT LOOK ANY FURTHER!!!!! You HAVE found the BEST answer to deal with your situation!!! With around a total of $100,000.00 in debt, THEY were responsible for our setteling it all for somewhere around $32,000.00 WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S. I’m one who has NEVER believed in “testimonials”, but I sure know this one is true!
4:51 pm
Debt settlement is a very painful and emotional experience. Luckily I was referred to CRN. Michael was very upfront with the costs and negative consequences of debt settlement before he agreed to take me on as a client. Dean was very helpful and never too busy to take my calls. I was able to settle part of my debt on my own, and CRN settled the rest. In 9 months I was out of debt and already beginning to rebuild my credit. Other companies I had talked to had given a timeline of at least 18 months to settle my debt and only after they had received all their money up front. Debt Settlement is a desperate, last option. Make sure to choose a company that absolutely has YOUR best interests in mind. CRN was that company for me and I couldn’t be happier or more satisfied.
8:15 pm
I had planned to submit a “testiminial”upon completion of the program (I’m currently nearing completion of the majority of my settlements with creditors), but felt it was important to share my experience to date with CRN. I was fortunate to stumble on to CRN from an MSN online interview with Michael Bovee and thought what a straightforward and honest approach they seemed to take with debt settlement, especially the disclaimers as to what to look out for when it came to researching different companies. I had been mulling all the options (credit counseling, bankruptcy, debt settlement) for some time, but something was different in CRN’s approach to customers. I called CRN and had an excellent free consult, with Mr Bovee as it turned out, and I finally felt like I had just gotten an advocate for ME in my time of need. A company that would have my best interests in mind, not theirs. and they have not disappointed at all. they explained all my options clearly, costs involved (which by the way are much more reasonable than their competion) etc.
Their education program was very helpful, and with that knowledge comes confidence when you know ahead of time what to expect from creditors and collection agencies. Knowledge is power, and I was not intimidated by the creditors / collection agencies threats and dire warnings, and realized they ultimately want to settle the account for something rather than nothing at the right time. At first I thought I would just get my debt settlement company to handle my creditors, but after training decided to do it myself with the assistance of my Counseler Dean, who has been a great resource for all small or large questions during my negotiations, and I feel I’ve been able to get the best deal possible with each creditor.
I can’t thank CRN enough for assisting me in turning around my terrible debt situation in just a few months, and saving me from going through a painful bankruptcy process. They are exactly what they say they are, a company that will be honest and fair with you, at a fair price, and give you great training and advice on solving your debt problems in a way that is best for YOU.
Thanks, Jamie
12:29 am
When I contacted CRN in April 2010, we were over $85000 in credit card debt. My husband had lost his job 18 months earlier and at that point, we were desperate. I had spoken with several different debt settlement agencies in my search for help, and when I spoke with Michael Bovee, it sounded too good to be true.
I looked CRN up online and through the Better Business Bureau, and decided to go for it. My CRN Specialist, Dean Gerhart, walked me through the entire process. All but one of our accounts were 3-4 months delinquint and one was already referred to an attorney for litigation. CRN settled that one, and I was able to settle the rest on my own.
Thanks to the course CRN provides, and Dean’s step-by-step help, I was able to settle our debt at less than 30% within 30 days. It was amazing! I am so thankful for their help and the freedom of being debt-free is so wonderful, that we will never use credit again.
CRN is exactly what they claim to be, a trustworthy resource for debt settlement. They will do it for you, or give you the tools to do it on your own, at a reasonable price. Thank-you CRN.
3:14 pm
STRATTON& FEINSTEIN
I used them for 6 months because I wanted legal cover due to high debt over $ 100K.
Customer Service Reps: not pro-active.Legal-not responsive to client.
Excessive up front $’s. First 4 months payments is for legal defense, next 24 months only 44% of payment goes towards debt reduction. Little value for the money.
CRN: Used at the same time as S&F above. Actions as promised. Helpful customer service representative. No up front $s. 15% fee only after debt settlement with favorable payment flexibility.
3:59 pm
Being a small business owner I was hit hard by the economy and kept borrowing on credit cards to keep the company ‘afloat’. Needless to say it did ‘t get better it only got worse. I ended up with over $88000 in credit card debt and refinancing my home. I signed on with CRN after being referred to them by one of my actual credit card accounts that would not work with me at all but I guess the guy had a good heart and he sent me to Micheal. The process with CRN is painless and they try as much as possible to help relieve the stress.
Their system works if you listen to your advisor -I am just about done with all my accounts and saved over $55000 by using CRN.
Don’t hesitate to use them or refer them. Without them I don’t know what would have happened to me and my business. Thanks to CRN I still have my business, my dignity and things are starting to look up again.
Thank you Michael for creating CRN but mostly thanks to Paul who has become a friend and confident throughout this horrible time in my life. Paul rocks!
11:43 pm
Wow, CRN is awesome. Thanks Mr. Bovee for educating and navigating me out of the debt mess I created due to my start-up’s efforts to endure through this Great Recession.
I had some $135k in credit card debt across 8+ cards: Citi, Chase, WaMu (now Chase), State Farm, Amex, Capital One, and First Equity. Some were biz cards; others were personal. I averaged about 55-60% in savings (that’s a 40-45% settlement), although I couldn’t settle with Amex.
CRN did not “earn” any commission on my savings; they only received my $50/mo membership fee, which just ended after about 6 months. Michael Bovee’s replies were professional, comprehensive, and quick.
Thanks to CRN, my debt settlement with these credit cards finally is over.
1:26 am
I am debt free! Thank you CRN and your wonderful staff. I am so grateful to this company for helping myself and my family gain financial stability and become debt free. We were in trouble, in over our heads. I found CRN a HUGE help. I owe Michael Bovee, and Dean especially, a big thank you for helping me through this process. He not only gave me the answers I needed, but the confidence to settle my debts on my own. I loved the choice I had to do it myself, or lean on CRN if need be. I feel like I have my life back and I owe it to CRN. I would recommend this company to anyone who is struggling under the weight of too much debt. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
3:59 pm
I have just completed the most satisfying, well guided, painless debt settlement process one could ever imagine thanks to CRN! This company was an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. The people at CRN are completely – 100% honest, professional, knowledgeable, and on our side, eager to help consumers resolve the debts that imprison them. There are lots of bad debt settlement companies out there, looking to rip off the consumer just as our creditors do. CRN is NOT one of those companies, rest assured! They are straight forward, up front, and clear with their fees and the process of settling debt. They are very thorough with follow through and communication, so that no stone is left unturned and you are totally informed. I highly, highly recommend this company! Thank you CRN!!!
4:58 pm
My husband and I (retired) found ourselves in very difficult financial straights at the end of 2009 due to the onset of instability in the financial market that ensued. Our pension investments, our sole income source, were steadily dwindling. Because of our excellent credit standing we were able to support ourselves, trusting the market would right itself. It did not and unfortunately, we found ourselves in debt to the tune of $150,000. This was most devastating to us and I might add very scary.
I quickly found that the field of financial debt resolution was fettered with companies that in most cases would leave one in worse condition than when they started due to the nature of apparent greed. Finally, after much research into this, I contacted a trusted and respected friend who I thought might be able to help. She highly recommended CRN. I was very cautious. I had to be. I very soon realized this company had my best interests at the core of their business intent.
Their counselors are professional, caring and intelligent and seemed to know exactly how to proceed in resolving our very difficult situation. There was utterly no way we could have paid credit cards $150,000. Because of CRN’s direction and deep understanding of how banks operate, their sensitivity to every aspect of the client/ bank relationship, they were able to negotiate our debt due down to 20% of the $150,000.
We are grateful beyond words to CRN, a company of, in our opinion, highest integrity and deep understanding of how to lead its clients out of a sense of paralyzing debt. We especially are grateful to Dana whose demonstration of committed care and attention remarkably brought resolution to our problem. We are now debt free. For more, we could not ask.