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Cancel Freedom Debt Relief: The Right Way
How to cancel freedom debt relief and understand your rights in australia
What freedom debt relief is and how it affects your finances
Freedom Debt Relief is a private debt settlement company that negotiates with your unsecured creditors to reduce what you owe. Rather than paying creditors in full, the service guides you to redirect payments into a dedicated settlement fund, which the company then uses to negotiate lump-sum settlements or reduced balances with creditors on your behalf.
The company charges a settlement fee-typically a percentage of your enrolled debt-but only collects this fee after a creditor accepts and receives payment. You'll also encounter setup costs and bank account maintenance charges tied to your settlement account. Outcomes vary significantly depending on your creditors, account status, and how quickly your settlement fund grows.
While some clients report successful settlements, others experience credit score damage, surprise fees after cancellation, or frustration when settlements are mid-negotiation. Understanding cancellation terms before you enrol is critical, and if you're already enrolled and want out, Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate exactly this situation.
Key financial components that affect your cancellation
Three main fees and account structures shape what happens when you cancel with Freedom Debt Relief.
- Settlement fees: Typically 15-25% of your enrolled debt, earned only after a settlement is approved and paid to a creditor.
- Setup and account maintenance: One-time setup charges plus monthly bank account maintenance, usually separate from settlement fees.
- Escrow or settlement account: Your saved funds are held in a dedicated bank account you control; remaining balances may be returned after settled fees are deducted, depending on your contract.
Australian consumer law and your cancellation rights
As an Australian consumer, you have significant protections under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which forms part of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). These rights apply even if Freedom Debt Relief is US-based, because you're the consumer receiving the service in Australia.
Key protections you can rely on
The ACL guarantees that services must be provided with due care and skill, within a reasonable time, and fit for purpose. If Freedom Debt Relief has failed to deliver on promises or has misrepresented fees, you have grounds to dispute charges and request refunds. Services must also be free from misleading or deceptive conduct.
If the company refuses to acknowledge your cancellation or return settlement funds you're entitled to, you can escalate your complaint to the Australian Securities and Investments Authority (ASIC) or seek resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if applicable. Stopee recommends documenting all communication with Freedom Debt Relief-emails, letters, phone records-before you lodge a formal complaint, as this evidence strengthens your case significantly.
Unfair contract terms and your rights
The ACL also protects you against unfair contract terms. If your Freedom Debt Relief agreement contains clauses that heavily favour the company (for example, retaining all fees even if you cancel before any settlement is reached), those terms may be unenforceable. A term is unfair if it creates a significant imbalance in parties' rights and obligations, and causes detriment to you as a consumer.
How to cancel freedom debt relief step by step
Cancellation with Freedom Debt Relief requires written notice sent by certified mail to their US headquarters, with clear documentation of your intent to revoke your debt settlement agreement.
The official cancellation process
- Gather your account information before you start.
- Locate your Freedom Debt Relief account number (on your welcome letter or latest statement).
- Note your full legal name as it appears on your enrolment agreement.
- Record your enrolment date.
- Check your contract for any specific cancellation instructions or reference numbers.
- Prepare your written cancellation notice.
- Write a clear letter stating: "I wish to cancel my debt settlement agreement with Freedom Debt Relief, effective immediately."
- Include your full name, account number, date of enrolment, and today's date.
- Add a statement of revocation: "I revoke my agreement with Freedom Debt Relief and request confirmation of cancellation and return of all settlement funds held in my account, less only fees lawfully earned under the contract."
- Keep the letter concise-one page is ideal.
- Print and sign the letter in blue ink (not black), which shows the original is authentic.
- Send your cancellation by certified mail to the US address.
- Address: Freedom Debt Relief, 1875 S Grant Street, Suite 300, San Mateo, California 94402, USA.
- Use a certified mail service with delivery confirmation and tracking (Australia Post offers this as "Registered Mail" or equivalent).
- Request a signature confirmation from the recipient.
- Retain the certified mail receipt and tracking number-you'll need these as proof of dispatch.
- Make copies and document your action.
- Photocopy your signed cancellation letter before sending.
- Store the copy, certified mail receipt, and tracking number in a secure folder (digital or physical).
- Take a photo of the certified mail receipt as a backup.
- Allow processing time and follow up.
- Freedom Debt Relief typically acknowledges cancellation within 10 business days.
- If you don't receive acknowledgment within 12 business days, contact them by phone and reference your certified mail tracking number.
- Request written confirmation of cancellation and an itemised statement of any fees retained and settlement funds owed to you.
- Escalate if the company doesn't respond or disputes your cancellation.
- Send a follow-up letter (again by certified mail) referring to your original cancellation and citing the Australian Consumer Law if fees are unjustly retained.
- Lodge a formal complaint with ASIC or AFCA if Freedom Debt Relief fails to honour your cancellation within 30 days.
Pro tip: Stopee recommends sending your cancellation letter via certified mail rather than email, because email can be lost or ignored, and certified mail creates a legal paper trail that protects you if a dispute arises later.
What to do if freedom debt relief doesn't respond
Some users report that Freedom Debt Relief is slow to acknowledge cancellation letters. If you don't receive written confirmation within 14 days of your certified mail delivery date, take these steps:
- Call Freedom Debt Relief's customer service line and ask to speak with a cancellation specialist. Provide your certified mail tracking number.
- Request an email confirmation of your cancellation and ask when you can expect a refund statement.
- Send a follow-up certified letter if the phone call doesn't yield results.
- Document every interaction-dates, times, names of staff members, and what was said-for your complaint file.
What happens to your money when you cancel
The financial outcome of your cancellation depends entirely on where you are in the settlement cycle and what your contract permits the company to retain.
Refund scenarios and what to expect
If you cancel before any settlements are negotiated or payments sent to creditors, you're in the strongest position: Freedom Debt Relief should return most of your settlement fund, minus only the setup fee and possibly one month of account maintenance (depending on your contract).
If settlements have already been approved and payments made to creditors, the company typically retains the settlement fee associated with those completed settlements. Remaining unused funds should still be returned to you. Warning: Some contracts allow Freedom Debt Relief to retain fees even for settlements in progress; review your signed agreement to know exactly where you stand.
You'll receive a final account statement showing:
- Total amount deposited into your settlement account.
- Fees retained (broken down by type: settlement fees, setup, maintenance).
- Payments made to creditors.
- Refund amount owed to you and expected timeline.
Stopee advises requesting this statement within your cancellation letter, so you have clarity before funds are transferred back to you.
Refund timeline and payment method
Freedom Debt Relief typically processes refunds within 15-30 business days after cancellation is confirmed. The company returns funds via bank transfer or cheque to the bank account originally linked to your settlement fund. Verify the account details on the refund statement before funds are sent; if your bank account has changed, notify the company immediately.
Pricing and fees breakdown
Understanding Freedom Debt Relief's fee structure before you cancel helps you anticipate what you'll owe and what you'll recover.
| Fee type | Amount | When charged | Refundable if you cancel? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settlement fee | 15-25% of enrolled debt | After creditor accepts and payment is made | Only if settlement not yet completed |
| Account setup | Usually AUD $100-250 (varies by program) | Upon enrolment | Rarely refunded |
| Monthly account maintenance | Usually AUD $20-50 per month | Monthly, charged to your settlement account | Prorated if you cancel mid-month |
| Total cost example (AUD) | Enrol with AUD $20,000 debt, cancel after 6 months, no settlements yet | Setup: AUD $150; maintenance 6 months @ AUD $35: AUD $210 | You recover: AUD $20,000 - AUD $360 = AUD $19,640 |
| Total cost example (AUD) | Enrol with AUD $20,000 debt, one settlement completed (AUD $8,000), then cancel | Setup: AUD $150; settlement fee on AUD $8,000 @ 20%: AUD $1,600; maintenance: AUD $210 | You recover: (AUD $20,000 - AUD $8,000) - AUD $1,960 = AUD $10,040 |
These figures are estimates; your actual fees depend on the exact terms of your contract and the number of settlements completed before cancellation.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Cancelling is stressful, and it's easy to miss crucial steps that protect your refund and create legal evidence of your intent.
Traps that cost you money or delay your cancellation
Mistake 1: Cancelling by phone or email only. Freedom Debt Relief's customer service may say "yes, we've noted your cancellation," but without written certified mail, you have no proof. A few weeks later, the company may claim they never received your request, and by then you've lost valuable time. Always send a certified letter, even if you've called first.
Mistake 2: Failing to ask for an itemised refund statement. When you request cancellation, explicitly ask the company to provide a detailed account statement showing all fees, deposits, settlements, and the refund amount owed. Without this, you won't know if they're retaining fees unfairly. Stopee recommends requesting this in your cancellation letter itself.
Mistake 3: Not checking your contract before cancelling. Some clients are shocked to discover that their contract allows Freedom Debt Relief to retain setup and maintenance fees in full, even if no settlements occurred. Review your signed agreement (or ask the company to send a copy) before you cancel, so you know exactly what you'll recover.
Mistake 4: Assuming settlement accounts are "your money" to withdraw freely. Many clients don't realise that while they technically own the settlement fund, they can't simply withdraw it. Cancellation is the formal way to release those funds. Attempting to withdraw directly may trigger contract penalties or disputes.
Mistake 5: Not following up if you don't hear back.. The company may sit on your cancellation for weeks without responding. If you don't follow up, your cancellation request can languish. Send your first certified letter, then follow up by phone at day 10, and send a second certified letter if needed at day 20. Document everything.
How to avoid these traps
- Always use certified mail with signature confirmation; print and sign in blue ink.
- Keep all original correspondence (welcome letter, monthly statements, contract) in one folder.
- Request an itemised refund statement in your cancellation letter.
- Follow up by phone if you haven't heard back within 12 business days.
- If the company disputes your cancellation or refuses to refund, escalate to ASIC or AFCA immediately.
What to do after your cancellation is confirmed
Once Freedom Debt Relief has acknowledged your cancellation, your relationship with the company changes-but your financial and legal responsibilities with your creditors remain.
Steps to take immediately after cancellation
After you receive written cancellation confirmation, contact each of your original creditors directly. Inform them that you are no longer enrolled with Freedom Debt Relief and that you will resume normal payments or negotiate directly with them. This is critical because creditors may not know you've cancelled the settlement agreement, and your credit file could continue to be damaged if you're not on a formal repayment plan.
Pro tip: Request written confirmation from each creditor that they've noted your cancellation with Freedom Debt Relief. This protects you if disputes arise later about payment history or debt status.
Monitor your bank account to ensure your refund arrives within the stated timeline (usually 15-30 business days). If the refund doesn't appear, contact Freedom Debt Relief and ask for a bank transfer receipt or proof of dispatch. Stopee recommends checking your credit file via Equifax or Experian after cancellation to ensure creditors are updating your account status correctly.
Managing your credit recovery
If you've been enrolled with Freedom Debt Relief for several months or longer, your credit score has likely been affected by missed payments to creditors. Cancellation doesn't instantly repair this damage-it stops further damage and allows you to rebuild.
Start making regular, on-time payments to your creditors as soon as possible. Each month of punctual payment improves your credit score over time. If you're struggling to afford repayments, contact each creditor individually to discuss hardship or payment plans.
Reviews and real experiences from australian consumers
Before you cancel, it's worth understanding what others have experienced-both positive and negative-when they've worked with Freedom Debt Relief.
What successful clients report
Clients who were satisfied with Freedom Debt Relief typically enrolled with clear expectations, understood the fees upfront, and achieved actual settlements (not just delays). These users report that negotiated debt reductions exceeded the settlement fees they paid, resulting in net financial gain. A smaller proportion also report that the company's structure gave them breathing room to save money while in financial hardship.
Positive reviews often mention clear communication from the company and timely refunds of unused settlement funds after cancellation.
Complaints and red flags
Lower-rated reviews frequently cite three issues: surprise fees retained after cancellation, lack of transparency about costs, and frustration that the company recommended stopping payments to creditors, which damaged credit scores without resulting in settlements.
Several Australian consumers reported that after cancelling, they discovered they'd been charged maintenance fees for months despite minimal progress on settlements. Others felt blindsided when they learned the settlement fee was only earned after a creditor agreed to a deal-meaning they'd paid setup and maintenance costs with no guarantee of results.
Online forums and consumer complaint sites show a pattern: clients who cancel within the first 2-3 months (before settlements are approved) report better refund outcomes, while those who cancel after 6+ months often lose substantial fees.
Your cancellation checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you've covered every step and have documentation for your records.
| Task | Completed? | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Retrieve account number, enrolment date, and full name from your contract or welcome letter | ☐ | |
| Write cancellation letter with clear revocation statement | ☐ | |
| Print, sign in blue ink, and photocopy your letter | ☐ | |
| Send via certified mail with signature confirmation to Freedom Debt Relief at 1875 S Grant St, Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA | ☐ | |
| Save certified mail receipt and tracking number | ☐ | |
| Wait 10 business days and check for acknowledgment from the company | ☐ | |
| Call Freedom Debt Relief to confirm and request itemised refund statement if no written response | ☐ | |
| Receive written cancellation confirmation and refund statement | ☐ | |
| Verify refund amount and expected payment date on statement | ☐ | |
| Contact each creditor to inform them you are no longer with Freedom Debt Relief | ☐ | |
| Monitor your bank account for refund (allow up to 30 business days) | ☐ | |
| Check your credit file at Equifax or Experian after cancellation | ☐ |
When to escalate your complaint to regulators
If Freedom Debt Relief refuses to acknowledge your cancellation, disputes your refund, or retains fees that appear unfair under Australian Consumer Law, don't accept the company's refusal as final.
Escalation pathways in australia
First, send a formal complaint letter (by certified mail, again) stating that the company has failed to honour your cancellation request and citing the Australian Consumer Law's requirement that services be provided with due care and fit for purpose. Give the company 14 days to respond.
If Freedom Debt Relief doesn't respond or refuses your claim, lodge a formal complaint with the Australian Securities and Investments Authority (ASIC) via their online complaints portal. ASIC oversees financial services providers, including debt settlement companies operating in Australia.
Alternatively, if the company uses a financial intermediary or credit services provider registered in Australia, you may escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), which handles disputes between consumers and financial services providers.
Stopee recommends providing ASIC or AFCA with all documentation: your enrolment contract, certified mail receipts, the company's responses (or lack thereof), your refund statement, and copies of your cancellation letters. This evidence is what regulators use to investigate and compel the company to act.
Comparison: cancelling vs. staying enrolled
Before you commit to cancellation, it's worth comparing the financial and personal trade-offs of staying vs. leaving.
| Factor | Stay enrolled | Cancel now |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score impact | Continues to worsen (missed payments reported) | Stops worsening; begins to recover with new payments |
| Debt owed | May decrease if settlements complete | Remains unchanged unless you negotiate directly |
| Monthly costs | Maintenance fees continue (AUD $20-50/month) | Fees stop immediately |
| Remaining settlement fund | Continues to grow (if you contribute) | Returned to you minus earned fees |
| Control over negotiation | Freedom Debt Relief handles creditors | You negotiate directly or use a different service |
| Timeline to debt resolution | Often 3-5 years, depending on settlements | You control the pace (pay, negotiate, or seek hardship assistance) |
Cancellation is the right choice if you're losing faith in the company's results, fees are mounting with no settlements in sight, or you believe you can manage your debt better independently. Staying is only worthwhile if settlements are actively progressing and you trust the company to complete them within your timeline.
Contact details for your cancellation
Send your cancellation notice to Freedom Debt Relief's head office using this address:
Freedom Debt Relief
1875 S Grant Street
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
United States of America
Use certified mail (registered mail in Australia) with signature confirmation. Include your full name, account number, enrolment date, and a clear statement that you revoke your debt settlement agreement effective immediately.
Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel problematic debt settlement agreements and recover their funds. If you're uncertain about your next step or believe Freedom Debt Relief is acting unfairly, visit Stopee.com for personalised guidance on your cancellation, regulatory escalation options, and how to rebuild your finances after debt settlement.
Your right to cancel is backed by Australian Consumer Law, and you don't have to accept unfair fees or poor communication. Take control, document every step, and hold the company accountable.