Unlicensed Florida debt and credit counselor to refund over $300,000 to Idaho consumers

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Idaho Department of Finance announced a settlement today in which Florida-based GHS Solutions, LLC agreed to refund $303,218.23 to Idaho consumers who contracted with the company while it did not hold an Idaho debt and credit counselor license. In addition, the company paid $15,000 in penalties, attorney fees and investigative expenses as a sanction for conducting unlicensed debt and credit counseling activity in Idaho. The settlement requires that GHS Solutions, LLC make restitution available to the department to distribute to affected Idaho consumers by June 1, 2011.

Through its investigation into the matter, the department learned that since at lease July 2008, GHS solutions, LLC provided debt settlement services to at least 143 Idaho consumers. The company required that consumers open a savings account to be used for debt settlement purposes, and to pay fees to the company for its services. "That type of business activity requires a license under the Idaho Collection Agency Act," Department of Finance Director Gavin Gee said.

The department became aware of the company's unlicensed activity in Idaho through a complaint it received from an Idaho consumer who contracted with GHS Solutions, LLC for its debt settlement services. "Consumers wishing to hire a company to assist them in paying their debts should check to see that the company is properly licensed. The department is here to help consumers in that regard," Gee said.

Idaho clients of GHS Solutions, LLC may wish to contact the department toll free at 1-888-346-3378 to obtain more information about this settlement. A list of Idaho licensed debt and credit counselors can be accessed on the Department's website at: http://finance.idaho.gov.

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