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Sterling & Associates, LLCThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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Complaints
Customer Complaints Summary
- 75 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 20 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:06/13/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I was contacted by a lady of the name of ****** ****** claiming to be an attorney with a payday loan and company that was threating me by saying if i didn't pay off my debt i would get arrested and be sued by them, i obviusly don't want that so i started the payment arrangments. she was very pushy in getting me to pay $250 biweekly. once i googled the email address she was using and say that it was pinned as a scam i knew this was one. i contacted the original loan company and they informed me that the loan had been sold to a different debt collector and the money i had already paid was not going towards what ****** was telling me. i should've known this was a scam since they email address was "*********". I would like to get the money i paid them back and make sure people dont fall for this like i did.Business Response
Date: 06/16/2025
Dear ******** ****
Thank you for contacting us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and distress this situation may have caused.
After reviewing our records, we have processed refunds for all transactions associated with the card ending in 6518. A total of four (4) transactions were found and refunded.
Please note that depending on your banks processing times, the refunded amount should appear on your card within 3 to 7 business days. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us again. We're here to help.Customer Answer
Date: 06/16/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
******** ****Initial Complaint
Date:06/06/2025
Type:Order IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
This place sent me an email pretending to be an attorney with a firm. Threaten legal charges and arrest if I did not pay off a loan they said I had with them, so I did! When I paid my last payment I got my finalized notice and it said a company that I did not get a loan with. I contacted my actual loan company and they said they do not send out past due loans and this is a scam. I emailed the "attorney" for the documents and of course the system is down! But don't worry can take payments. I have contacted my bank and this place needs shut down. RBusiness Response
Date: 06/09/2025
Dear ***** ***********,
Thank you for contacting us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and distress this situation may have caused. After reviewing our records, we have processed refunds for all transactions associated with the card ending in 3268. A total of seven transactions were found and refunded, amounting to $925.18.
Please note that depending on your banks processing times, the refunded amount should appear on your card within 3 to 7 business days. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us again. We're here to help.Customer Answer
Date: 06/09/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
***** ***********Initial Complaint
Date:05/08/2025
Type:Order IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have had emails sent to me starting in January claiming that I am going to be arrested unless I pay off a loan. Whenever I tried to ask for proof of a certified letter to be mailed to my home address, I was told that it was not something they did. I have been told that if I did not pay legal action would be taken against me, and because I wanted to follow the law I went onto the link they have sent me which they claimed was certified. I have yet to get any type of paperwork or clarification as to what the original loan was, specifically details of when I signed up for it, etc. when I went to look up the image of the lawyer that is shown on the emails, it shows its a retired woman from ******, and there is no indication of her currently working with the company. I have paid over $1800 and I do not believe that it is a legitimate pay off loan and I feel like I am being scammed. Just last week when I asked what the total balance left on the account was, they gave me a totally different amount than originally said, going from me owing $288 to $950. Then, this week, on Tuesday they said I owed $288, then today they sent an email saying I was going to be arrested and there was a warrant for my arrest within 2 hours and I owe an additional $450 for a late fee. I am one that always follows the rules and does not want to get trouble and I do not want to pay any more money before I can confirm that it is an actual loan Im paying off.Business Response
Date: 05/09/2025
Dear ******* ***,
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this situation has caused you.
We would like to inform you that the all refunds have been successfully processed. Please find the refund receipts attached for your records.
Should you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.Customer Answer
Date: 05/09/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I want to confirm that my payments were not towards an actual lawsuit against me, and confirm this was a scam. Please let me know how long it will take to receive the refund.
Sincerely,
******* ***Initial Complaint
Date:05/06/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email on 11/14/2024 from ********************************** who was claiming to be a lawyer with this firm. This person requested I send installments to them. I need to be refunded for the amounts below. 11/14/2024 in the amount of $150 11/21/2024 in the amount of $204.05 12/12/2024 in the amount of $254.09 Please let me know how youd liked to handle this. This needs to be taken care of ****.Business Response
Date: 05/09/2025
Dear ****** *****,
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this situation has caused you. We would like to inform you that the refunds for the amounts of $150.00, $204.05, and $254.09 have been successfully processed. Please find the refund receipts attached for your records.
We truly appreciate your patience and understanding.Customer Answer
Date: 05/13/2025
Complaint: 23295140
I am rejecting this response because: the funds will not be made available to me per my bank until 5/18. I would like to keep this open until I have the funds.
Sincerely,
****** *****Initial Complaint
Date:04/25/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
***** Sterling and associates charged my card and I never signed any paperwork stating I agreed to terms. I was never served any legal paperwork about said case they threaten to take me to court for.Business Response
Date: 04/25/2025
Dear ***** *****,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your recent concern. We truly want to assist you and issue a refund, but after carefully reviewing our records, we have not been able to locate any transaction under your ******* help us resolve this matter as quickly as possible, could you please provide the last four digits of the card that may have been charged? This information will allow us to verify the transaction and proceed accordingly.Initial Complaint
Date:04/08/2025
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus:UnresolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email threatening a warrant activation for debt from a lawyer that turns out to be a district attorney! I lost over $1,000 in order to not get arrested, and now know that this was all a scam. Debt collection companies (at least legitimate ones) cannot threaten to have you arrested. It's illegal. I learned my ******* Sure would like my money back though.Business Response
Date: 04/10/2025
Dear *******, ****
Thank you for reaching out to us. We sincerely appreciate your patience.
We would like to inform you that our recent attempts to process a refund to the card ending in 2266 have been declined due to a security block or restriction. We kindly ask that you contact your bank to authorize or allow transactions from our company, as this would greatly assist us in completing the refund.
Once we receive confirmation that the card can accept the transaction, we will proceed immediately with processing the refund through the original method of payment wich ensures the faster way to resolving this matter to your satisfaction.
Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding.Customer Answer
Date: 04/10/2025
Complaint: 23179279
I am rejecting this response because: the card has been canceled by the bank. Will need a different method of refund.
Sincerely,
**** *******Initial Complaint
Date:04/04/2025
Type:Product IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email threatening legal action. In a severe anxiety attack I paid $216 to start settling it. However after calming down I looked into the email more and found out that they were using a deceased US attorney to collect his money. This is very deceitful and I would like a refund.Business Response
Date: 04/11/2025
Dear ***** ******,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We sincerely appreciate your patience, and we want to assure you that we are committed to resolving this matter to your satisfaction.
Please find attached the refund receipts confirming that the amount has been returned to your card ending in 5844, it may take between 3 to 7 business days to appear on your account, depending on your banks processing times. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.Initial Complaint
Date:03/31/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email from a person claiming to be an attorney and said I must pay to not get put in jail and charged with felonies. I have never been contacted about a loan being passed due and I have been paying since December. When I ask for legitimate information I don't get anything from them or a responseBusiness Response
Date: 04/07/2025
Dear Barbara ********
Thank you for reaching out to us. We sincerely appreciate your patience, and we want to assure you that we are committed to resolving this matter to your satisfaction.
Please find attached the refund receipts confirming that the amount has been returned to your credit card ending in 8323. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.Kind regards
Customer Answer
Date: 04/07/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Sincerely,
******* ********Initial Complaint
Date:03/20/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email two days ago saying I was going to be facing court charges. I set up a payment arrangement, but started doing my research and find that this is a scam. I called my bank and they also agree it is shady. They will not confirm who the debtor is and there is no paper trail. I put a stop on my card. Also, the lawyer who is handling the case is of the United States District Attorney who I am sure is not handling such a small potatoes case.Business Response
Date: 03/25/2025
Dear ***** Master,
Thank you for your message. We want to assure you that we have attempted to issue a refund to your credit card; however, the transaction was declined due to a security violation error.
We are committed to resolving this matter and ensuring you receive your refund. Could you please let us know an alternative way we may send you the funds? We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this situation may have caused.Customer Answer
Date: 03/25/2025
I will gladly accept refund. Please mail a check to me ***** ******* ********************************************;Business Response
Date: 03/27/2025
Dear ***** Master,
Thank you for your response and for providing an alternative method for refund delivery.
We understand your request to receive the refund by check; however, please note that issuing physical checks through the mail is not part of our standard operating procedures due to internal policy and security protocols. That said, we are actively speaking with our administrative team to explore whether we can make an exception in this case or potentially issue a money order as an alternative.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the necessary approvals. We are committed to resolving this matter fairly and promptly and will provide an update within the next 57 business days.
Thank you again for your understanding.Initial Complaint
Date:03/10/2025
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I began receiving emails from this company stating i had a payday loan past due and a warrant would be sent out in my name if not paid. I paid $250 only to find out this is a scam!!! Help would be appreciatedBusiness Response
Date: 03/11/2025
Dear ****** ******,
Please know that we have processed a refund of $250.00 to your card, and it should be reflected in your account within 3-7 business days. If you do not see the refund within this timeframe, please let us know, and we will be happy to assist you further.
We deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused and truly appreciate your patience and understanding. If there is anything else we can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Sterling & Associates, LLC is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.
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