Business ProfileforOption 1 Legal

BBB files indicate that this business has a pattern of complaints alleging:
* Lack of transparency when a potential client seeks information on the services Option 1 Legal provides (debt relief vs. debt consolidation vs. debt settlement)
* In-home appointments are attended only by a notary public and not a representative of Option 1 Legal
* Failure to provide copies of signed contracts or agreements at the time of or following the appointment with the notary
* Failure to respond to phone calls/emails from consumers seeking assistance with their situation
* Results were not achieved in the advertised timeframe
* Complainant continued to be charged after cancellation

On 3/18/2020, BBB submitted a written request to the company encouraging them to address the pattern of complaints. As of 4/16/2020, the business has not provided BBB with a sufficient response addressing the pattern of complaints.

In June 2019, consumers began submitting complaints that allege misunderstanding of the company's business model (debt relief vs. debt consolidation vs. debt settlement). On 3/18/2020, BBB sent an email to the business with the following questions to better understand the business model.

1. Are there any DBA's (Doing Business As) of Option 1 Legal? If so, please list them.
2. On what date did your business serve its first customer?
3. Please list any websites affiliated with your business.
4. Please provide a copy of any advertising and or promotional materials used in any media at any time in the past 30 days (print, TV, radio, and Internet--including on social media such as Facebook or blogs).
5. Provide screenshots of all website pages containing representations regarding the credit restoration and debt settlement services the company will provide, used at any time in the past 30 days.
6. Provide sample copies of all written agreements with consumers used at any time in the past 30 days.
7. Provide all consumer disclosures that explain fees.
8. Detail the procedures in place to ensure that fees are not paid by consumers until they have achieved any promised improvements in credit ratings, scores, reports, or amount of debt.
9. Provide scripts for telephone operators and other employees or independent contractors used at any time in the past 30 days.
10. Provide names and contact information for any sub-contractors used at any time in the past six months in marketing and/or providing services to consumers, including a statement of each sub-contractor's role.
11. Complainants name (other businesses) in their complaints. Please describe your relationship with each of these companies.
12. Provide copies of the 10 most recent complaints received by the business from or on behalf of consumers as well as the business' response to those complaints. Personally identifiable information may be redacted.
13. Provide a copy of your license with the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation (details about those requirements can be found at this website: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/finance/advisories/advisory11-08credit.shtml)

On 4/13/2020, the business provided the following responses to questions 1, 2, 3, and 5:
1. There are no DBAs of Option 1 Legal.
2. The first client was serviced sometime after 3/22/18.
3. The firm's website is https://www.option1legal.com
5. The answer for #3 speaks for itself.

The business declined to respond to the remaining questions.

Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot state with confidence that we have a clear understanding of the business model and practices.