This company is a complete rip off. I was looking for a loan to consolidate bills and help me move out of state. I came across ACI Financial and of course applied. I even referred my friend. I was told I had 3 options, a co-signer, collateral of house or car (2004 or newer and payed off) or a security deposit, of $987, which in my despair my my only option. I was emailed the "loan agreement" and was told once the security deposit was received then my pre-approved $8000 loan would be transferred into my account within 12-24 hrs. I was first told they could do a direct debit, just withdrawal the security deposit from my account, but when I called back to confirm she then told me I would have to Western Union the money to someone by the name of Alla Ichtir.
I first received the loan documents June 5th, and to this day, the only contact I have heard from my "Financial Advisor" is when I call her, which is very hard to do, because I can call five times and leave messages and dont hear a response back. Meanwhile, today, after speaking with her and I said I didnt want to pay $987 plus the Western Union money transfer fee, she said I could just send a TOTAL of $987, that it would include the fee's, since they are reimbursing me it didnt matter, just to send over the information to get it processed.
She said she had been there for 10 years, so then I thought about the Better Business Bureau. After 10 years, they definitely should be with them. I pulled them up, and the BBB said they didnt recognize this company until June 2008, sounds funny to me, after one person being there that long, they arent a BBB accredited business. So, again, I call back and start asking questions. She says, well we are not registered with the BBB and I dont know why. Then I ask why didnt the BBB recognize them until June 2008, again she replies with I dont know why, I can ask a supervisor for you. As I am speaking with her, I am trying to pull up the website, and I cannot. She says, well we are experiencing problems with our server, try back later. I told her I was not comfortable and I would have to do more research. She says fine take your time. So, then I came across this website. Which I am so glad, because I read the other horror stories. Be aware, and DO NOT fall for their scam, because they actually seem real. I also came across these next few sentences on the BBB website, which is what first made me uneasy about it.
*Legitimate lenders never "guarantee" or say that you are likely to get a loan or a credit card before you apply, especially if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy.
*If you apply for a real estate loan, it is accepted and common practice for lenders to request payment for a credit report or appraisal. However, legitimate lenders never ask you to pay for processing your application.
*Never give your credit card account number, bank account information, or Social Security number over the telephone or Internet unless you are familiar with the company and know why the information is necessary.
*If you don't have the offer in hand - or confirmed in writing - and you are asked to pay, don't do it. It's fraud and it's against the law.
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