So when Credit Foundation of America in California called her dad and offered to consolidate their debt at 1.5 percent interest, he agreed to sign up for the program. Over the phone, he gave his consent for the company to withdraw $399 from his bank account as a set-up fee.

But two months later, his debts still weren't consolidated and he was assessed hundreds of dollars in late fees. That's when Graham told her dad to cut off the automatic withdrawals by the company and close his account.

Graham's parents are just two of many Hawai'i residents being targeted by Credit Foundation, said Wendy Burkholder, executive director of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Hawaii, a non-profit group that offers nearly free consumer debt assistance services.

"They are blitzing Hawai'i," she said. "Four of the seven staff members in our Honolulu office got calls. They called my mom twice in a day."

She's concerned about the aggressive marketing tactics that target those who are most vulnerable by promising a debt-free life. Moreover, the 1.5 percent interest rate offered by the company is impossible to get, said Burkholder.

But Don Gordon, conflict resolution manager of the Credit Foundation of America, said that it's possible to get even a zero percent interest rate but most get 6 to 9 percent.

He said that customers also have to wait 30 to 90 days for debt consolidation to take effect. The company asks for the customers' approval to withdraw fees from their accounts and refunds are given on a case-by-case basis, he said.

"It does sound fishy, I'll tell you the truth," Gordon said.

But Gordon said the company records all of its phone solicitations and receives "complete authorization" from its customers.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said three consumer complaints were filed against Credit Foundation of America. One Hawai'i resident complained that funds were taken from an account without authorization, another failed to get a refund. Both cases have been referred to the California Attorney General's Office. The third complaint is still under investigation by Hawai'i officials.

The Better Business Bureau's record on Credit Foundation showed "unsatisfactory" business performance based on a "pattern of serious customer complaints."

These complaints included unauthorized bank debits or credit card charges before contracts were provided or services were given. Customers also complained that Credit Foundation didn't contact their creditors, even though they made monthly payments to the California company. The company didn't answer all complaints.

"We are going to speak with them and let them understand what we do," Gordon said.

"They (customers) authorized the funds that we pulled."

Burkholder said customers who can't get a refund from the debt consolidation company should contact their banks and dispute the charges. Consumers have 90 days to do so, she said.