An Atlanta IT analyst says she pulled the plug on a debt‑relief deal after a local investigation raised red flags about the firm's fees, and she believes that decision kept roughly $4,000 in her pocket. Victoria Walker had signed up with Turnbull Law Group to address about $14,000 in credit and medical debt before deciding to cancel. The Georgia Department of Law's Consumer Protection Division currently has an open inquiry into Turnbull and the third‑party customer‑service company that handles its calls.
According to Atlanta News First, Walker's contract called for Turnbull to collect 28% of her original debt total, split between a 4.5% legal retainer and 23.5% for non‑legal but law‑related services. That fee structure would have added thousands of dollars to what she already owed. Walker told the outlet she spoke only once with the attorney assigned to her file and later revoked Turnbull's power of attorney. She estimates that backing out of the agreement saved her about $4,000.
Georgia law and the practice‑of‑law exemption
Georgia's Debt Adjustment Act typically limits debt‑adjustment providers to charging no more than 7.5% of a customer's negotiated monthly payment, a cap designed to shield consumers from steep settlement fees. The law, however, includes an exemption for services "incurred in the practice of law," which can blur lines when a law firm works closely with non‑lawyer staff or outside vendors. The Georgia Department of Law's Consumer Protection Division outlines the fee limits and details how residents can file reports if they suspect a company is breaking the rules.
Turnbull's defense and Freedom Debt Relief's role
Turnbull maintains that the Debt Adjustment Act does not apply to its operations because it is a licensed law firm. On its website, the firm states it has resolved more than $1.7 billion in debt and served over 120,000 clients, according to Turnbull Law Group. Christopher Turnbull declined to appear on camera but told Atlanta News First that the firm relies on internal non‑attorney staff and outside vendors for non‑legal administrative work. Freedom Debt Relief, which manages customer calls for Turnbull, told the outlet it provides non‑legal administrative support to the firm's clients.
Complaints and how customers can protect themselves
Public complaint databases and review platforms show dozens of people alleging they paid fees for months while little money was sent to creditors, a pattern echoed in dispute records and consumer reviews. The Better Business Bureau's listing for Turnbull includes multiple complaints describing similar issues with billing and communication. Financial counselors often encourage consumers to negotiate directly with their creditors, be wary of any company that pressures them to stop making payments, and seek out nonprofit guidance through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
Legal options and next steps
If state investigators ultimately find that a firm violated the Debt Adjustment Act or other consumer‑protection laws, the Attorney General's office can bring enforcement actions that may include refunds and financial penalties. Consumers who believe they were harmed are urged to keep copies of their contracts, invoices and correspondence, and to submit complaints to the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division so investigators have the documentation needed to evaluate any alleged violations.
