An unregistered debt-settlement business was ordered to pay a $20,000 fine after it charged customers excessive fees and failed to provide services, according to an order released recently by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
One Source Management offered to contact customers' credit card companies and reduce their interest rates to as low as 6.99 percent, the order stated. The company also guaranteed a minimum savings of $2,000.
For the two households listed in the department's memorandum, each discovered a $998.95 credit card charge made the same day the company contacted them. No debt-settlement services were provided.
The Arizona-based company did not respond to state inquiries or appear at a hearing.
JANE FRIEDMANN
