Lvbfs.com Review

Based on looking at the website Lvbfs.com, it appears to be the online presence for “The Mortgage Giant,” a UK-based mortgage broker.

While the site presents itself as a legitimate service, offering mortgage, insurance, and protection advice, a deeper dive reveals significant concerns, particularly regarding its alignment with ethical financial practices.

The core issue revolves around its promotion and facilitation of interest-based financial products, which are fundamentally misaligned with ethical guidelines that prohibit Riba interest. This makes Lvbfs.com, and by extension, “The Mortgage Giant,” a problematic choice for anyone seeking truly ethical financial solutions.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Name: Lvbfs.com The Mortgage Giant
• Primary Service: Mortgage Brokerage UK-based
• Additional Services: Insurance, Protection, Credit Report Access
• Key Concern: Facilitates interest-based financial products mortgages, conventional insurance, which are not permissible in ethical finance.
• Transparency: Offers a “30-day free trial” for a credit report service at £14.99/month thereafter, but this links to an external site checkmyfile.com.
• Contact Information: Provides a “Call Us” number 0800 088 6584 and a contact form.
• Privacy: Links to a Google Drive document for its Privacy Statement, which is an unusual and less professional approach compared to hosting it directly on the site.
• Ethical Stance: Not recommended for those seeking ethical financial services due to its involvement in interest-based transactions.

The website aims to guide users through the complex mortgage process, claiming over 50 years of combined industry experience.

It outlines a “Property Journey” from speaking to them to moving in, and includes testimonials.

However, the pervasive nature of interest in conventional mortgages and insurance products means that Lvbfs.com’s offerings fall outside the bounds of ethically permissible financial dealings.

Instead of supporting services that perpetuate Riba, it’s crucial to seek out genuinely ethical and interest-free alternatives in the financial sector.

Best Ethical Alternatives for Financial Services:

• Al Rayan Bank: A leading Islamic bank in the UK, offering Sharia-compliant home finance products like Ijara lease-to-own and Murabaha cost-plus-profit.
  • Key Features: Sharia-compliant home finance, ethical investments, savings accounts.
  • Average Price: Variable rates based on market and product type.
  • Pros: Fully ethical, avoids Riba, transparent contracts, regulated in the UK.
  • Cons: Limited product range compared to conventional banks, potentially less competitive rates on some products.
• Gatehouse Bank: Another UK-based Islamic bank providing Sharia-compliant home purchase plans HPPs and buy-to-let options.
  • Key Features: Sharia-compliant HPPs, ethical savings, commercial property finance.
  • Average Price: Competitive rates for Sharia-compliant finance.
  • Pros: Ethical and interest-free, strong focus on social responsibility, good customer service.
  • Cons: Newer institution, less established branch network.
• Guidance Residential: A prominent provider of Sharia-compliant home financing in the United States, operating on a co-ownership model.
  • Key Features: Declining balance co-ownership home finance, avoids interest entirely.
  • Average Price: Fees based on the co-ownership agreement.
  • Pros: Established track record in the US, widely recognized for ethical finance, clear and transparent process.
  • Cons: May involve slightly more paperwork than conventional mortgages, limited to the US market.
• UK Islamic Finance: A brokerage that specializes in connecting individuals with Sharia-compliant financial products, including mortgages and investments.
  • Key Features: Connects users to various ethical financial products, offers advice on Sharia-compliant options.
  • Average Price: Brokerage fees may apply, but primary focus is on finding ethical products.
  • Pros: Acts as a gateway to multiple ethical providers, helps navigate the market for suitable products.
  • Cons: Not a direct lender, relies on third-party providers.
• Islamic Finance Guru IFG: An online platform and resource providing extensive information, advice, and a directory of ethical financial products and services. While not a direct service provider, it’s invaluable for finding ethical alternatives.
  • Key Features: Articles, guides, product comparisons, and a directory of Sharia-compliant options.
  • Average Price: Primarily a free resource, some premium content.
  • Pros: Comprehensive resource, up-to-date information, community support.
  • Cons: Not a direct service provider. users must still engage with third parties.
• Ethical Superstore: While not a financial institution, this platform offers a wide range of ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products for home and garden, promoting responsible consumption.
  • Key Features: Sustainable products, fair trade, eco-friendly alternatives for everyday needs.
  • Average Price: Varies widely by product.
  • Pros: Supports ethical consumption, wide variety of goods, good for daily needs.
  • Cons: Not a financial service, unrelated to mortgages, but promotes ethical spending.
• Trustpilot for ethical finance search: While not a direct provider, Trustpilot allows users to search for and review Islamic banks and ethical financial institutions, providing valuable insights and helping users identify reputable options.
  • Key Features: User reviews, ratings, and company profiles for various businesses.
  • Average Price: Free to use.
  • Pros: Provides social proof and helps in evaluating providers based on real user experiences.
  • Cons: Reviews can be subjective, not a direct provider of services.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Lvbfs.com Review & First Look

Lvbfs.com serves as the online storefront for “The Mortgage Giant,” a UK-based entity positioning itself as a trusted advisor in the mortgage, insurance, and protection sectors.

Upon initial inspection, the website presents a clean, professional design typical of financial service providers.

It highlights its purported “50 years combined industry experience” and offers a “Property Journey” roadmap, seemingly designed to instill confidence in prospective clients.

The site aims to simplify the often-complex world of home financing, guiding users through stages from initial consultation to moving in.

Initial Impressions of the Website Design

The layout is straightforward, featuring clear navigation options such as “Login Account,” “Call Us,” and links to key service areas like “I’m Remortgaging” and “I’m Buying a Home.” The use of testimonials on the homepage is a standard practice to build credibility, with “Harriet – 5 Stars First Time Buyer” and “Mariama – 5 Stars Remortgage” providing positive feedback. Corenyc.com Review

However, a critical eye quickly spots a few red flags.

The privacy statement linking to a Google Drive document, rather than being hosted directly on the site, is a peculiar choice that can raise questions about professionalism and data handling practices.

Services Offered on Lvbfs.com

The website prominently displays three core service areas:

• Mortgages: This is the primary focus, with the site stating, “Buying a property can be the biggest decision made in our lives. It is for this very reason that impartial advice is critical from qualified advisors.” They outline a 10-step “Property Journey” from speaking to them to completion. This indicates a direct involvement in facilitating interest-based home loans.
• Insurance: Lvbfs.com claims it “can search through a range of policies to find the one that suits you best from our extensive list of insurers.” While the word “insurance” itself might seem benign, in the context of conventional financial services, this almost invariably refers to interest-based insurance conventional insurance or Takaful is permissible while conventional insurance is not.
• Protection: Similar to insurance, this section emphasizes planning for unforeseen circumstances. “Quite often you hear ‘it could never happen to me’ or ‘I’ll sort it out later’.” This points to life assurance, critical illness cover, and other forms of protection, which, if structured conventionally, involve problematic elements.

The Problematic “Credit Report” Feature

A significant point of concern is the “30-day free trial” for a credit report, which then costs “£14.99 a month thereafter and can be canceled at any time.” What’s critical here is that the “Get Credit Report” link directs users to an external website: checkmyfile.com. This offloading of a core financial data service to a third party, while the main site is a “mortgage giant,” is curious.

It creates a disconnect and raises questions about data integration, security, and the necessity of this particular service as part of a mortgage broker’s direct offering. Dresslilly.com Review

It suggests that Lvbfs.com might be acting as an affiliate or reseller for this credit report service rather than providing it directly, adding another layer of complexity and potential data flow issues.

Lvbfs.com Cons

When assessing Lvbfs.com through an ethical lens, especially concerning financial integrity, the cons far outweigh any superficial positives.

The website’s core offerings are deeply problematic, making it an unsuitable platform for anyone seeking ethically sound financial solutions.

Engagement in Interest-Based Transactions Riba

The most glaring and fundamental flaw of Lvbfs.com is its direct involvement in and promotion of interest-based financial transactions.

• Mortgages: The entire conventional mortgage system is built on Riba interest. Lvbfs.com positions itself as a mortgage broker, meaning its primary function is to connect individuals with conventional lenders who charge interest on loans for property purchase or remortgaging. This directly contravenes ethical principles that forbid charging or paying interest, as it is seen as an exploitative and unjust form of gain. The website does not mention any Sharia-compliant alternatives or ethical financing models, indicating a sole focus on conventional, interest-laden products.
• Insurance: Similarly, the insurance products offered “Insurance” and “Protection” are, by all indications, conventional insurance policies. These typically involve elements of Riba through investments of premiums, gharar excessive uncertainty, and maysir gambling in their structure, rendering them impermissible. Ethical alternatives, such as Takaful mutual insurance, are not mentioned or offered.

Lack of Transparency Regarding Ethical Implications

The website makes no mention of the ethical considerations surrounding its financial products. Ruqyahcentre.org Review

There is no disclosure or acknowledgment that their core offerings involve interest, which is a major concern for a significant portion of the population.

This lack of transparency is not about hiding information, but about the failure to even acknowledge a globally recognized ethical framework that opposes such transactions.

For consumers who prioritize ethical finance, this omission is critical, as it means the platform caters exclusively to a conventional financial paradigm without providing alternatives or even awareness.

Unusual Privacy Statement Hosting

While not directly ethical in the same vein as Riba, the choice to host the “Privacy Statement” on a Google Drive document is unprofessional and raises security and trust issues.

• Data Security Concerns: Linking to an external cloud storage service for such a critical document can appear less secure than hosting it directly on the company’s domain. Users might question the level of control and security Lvbfs.com has over this document, or if it is regularly updated.
• Professionalism: Reputable financial institutions typically embed their legal documents directly within their own website’s infrastructure, ensuring brand consistency and reinforcing trust. Using a generic Google Drive link can make the operation seem less established or less serious about its online presence.
• User Experience: It’s an extra step for users, potentially leading to confusion about where the information truly resides and who is ultimately responsible for its content and updates.

Limited Scope and No Ethical Alternatives

Lvbfs.com’s offerings are strictly conventional. Berightforyou.com Review

For individuals seeking ethical financial solutions, the website provides no viable options.

• No Sharia-Compliant Products: There is no indication of partnerships with Islamic banks or ethical finance providers. The platform makes no attempt to cater to the growing demand for interest-free mortgages e.g., Murabaha, Ijara or Takaful insurance.
• Missed Opportunity: By focusing solely on conventional products, Lvbfs.com misses a significant market segment that prioritizes ethical conduct in their financial dealings. This narrow focus limits its appeal and reinforces its position as a conventionally oriented broker.

Lvbfs.com Alternatives

Given Lvbfs.com’s focus on interest-based financial products, seeking ethical alternatives is not just a preference but a necessity for those committed to ethical finance.

The good news is that the market for ethical financial services, particularly Islamic finance, has grown significantly, offering viable and fully compliant options for mortgages, savings, and even certain forms of protection.

Islamic Home Finance Providers

These institutions offer Sharia-compliant alternatives to conventional mortgages, avoiding interest through various ethical structures.

• Al Rayan Bank: As the largest and oldest Islamic bank in the UK, Al Rayan Bank offers a range of Sharia-compliant banking services, with a strong emphasis on home finance products like Home Purchase Plans HPPs based on Ijara lease and Murabaha cost-plus-profit models. These structures ensure no interest is charged, and the bank shares in the property’s ownership or facilitates its purchase through ethical means.
  • Key Features: Sharia-compliant home finance, ethical savings, current accounts.
  • Pros: Fully regulated, established reputation, diverse product range within ethical guidelines.
  • Cons: Limited physical branches compared to conventional banks, potentially stricter eligibility criteria.
• Gatehouse Bank: Another prominent UK-based Islamic bank providing similar Sharia-compliant home purchase plans for residential and commercial properties. They operate on principles of partnership and ethical investment.
  • Key Features: Sharia-compliant mortgages HPPs, ethical buy-to-let, wealth management.
  • Pros: Competitive rates for ethical finance, strong focus on customer service, digital-friendly.
  • Cons: Smaller market share than Al Rayan, relatively newer in the market.
• Guidance Residential: For those in the United States, Guidance Residential is a leading provider of Sharia-compliant home financing. They utilize a Declining Balance Co-ownership Program, where the bank and the homeowner become co-owners, and the homeowner buys out the bank’s share over time, avoiding interest.
  • Key Features: Declining balance co-ownership, operates across multiple US states.
  • Pros: Pioneer in ethical home finance in the US, widely accepted model, transparent process.
  • Cons: Specific documentation requirements, availability limited to certain states.

Ethical Insurance Takaful Providers

Instead of conventional insurance, which involves elements of Riba, Gharar, and Maysir, Takaful offers a cooperative and ethical alternative. Seinapexltd.com Review

• Noor Takaful: While primarily based in the UAE, Noor Takaful offers various general and family Takaful products that adhere strictly to Sharia principles. They operate on a mutual aid basis, where policyholders contribute to a common fund to cover potential losses.
  • Key Features: Family Takaful life insurance alternative, general Takaful property, auto, travel.
  • Pros: Sharia-compliant, transparent operations, focuses on mutual benefit.
  • Cons: Geographic limitations, may require searching for local Takaful providers in your region.
• Local Takaful Providers: Depending on your geographic location, there might be local Takaful providers. A quick search for “Takaful Insurance UK” or “Takaful Insurance USA” can yield relevant options. It’s crucial to verify their Sharia compliance through reputable scholars or institutions.

Ethical Financial Planning and Investment

Beyond mortgages and insurance, a holistic approach to ethical finance involves how you save and invest.

• Wahed Invest: An online robo-advisor that offers Sharia-compliant investment portfolios. It automates investment decisions based on ethical guidelines, avoiding industries like alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and interest-based finance.
  • Key Features: Diversified Sharia-compliant portfolios, low fees, accessible online platform.
  • Pros: Easy to start, globally accessible, fully ethical investment options.
  • Cons: Performance depends on market conditions, limited direct human advisory for complex needs.
• Islamic Finance Guru IFG: While not a direct service provider, IFG is an invaluable resource for finding and understanding ethical financial products. They publish guides, reviews, and directories of Sharia-compliant investment funds, savings accounts, and financial advisors.
  • Key Features: Comprehensive ethical finance guides, product comparisons, advisor directory.
  • Pros: Free resource, independent advice, helps users make informed ethical choices.
  • Cons: Not a financial service provider. acts as a knowledge hub.

General Ethical Consumption

Even outside of direct financial services, adopting a mindset of ethical consumption aligns with broader ethical principles.

• Patagonia: A leading outdoor clothing and gear company known for its strong ethical and environmental practices. They focus on durability, repairability, and fair labor, avoiding exploitative practices.
  • Key Features: Sustainable materials, environmental activism, high-quality durable products.
  • Pros: Excellent reputation for ethics and quality, good for long-term use.
  • Cons: Higher price point than fast fashion alternatives.
• Toms Shoes: Famous for its “One for One” model, where for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need. While the model has evolved, they maintain a commitment to social responsibility and ethical production.
  • Key Features: Socially conscious business model, comfortable casual footwear.
  • Pros: Supports charitable causes, focus on social impact.
  • Cons: Product range is somewhat limited to casual wear.

How to Avoid Lvbfs.com and Similar Interest-Based Services

Avoiding platforms like Lvbfs.com, which facilitate interest-based transactions, is crucial.

The strategy involves proactive research, understanding key ethical principles, and committing to alternatives that uphold these values. Petgent.com Review

Understanding the Harm of Riba Interest

The foundational reason to avoid services like Lvbfs.com is their reliance on Riba, or interest.

From an ethical standpoint, Riba is universally prohibited because it is seen as an exploitative and unjust form of economic gain.

• Exploitation: Riba allows wealth to be generated without real productive effort, essentially taking from the needy to benefit the wealthy. It creates an unfair distribution of wealth and economic instability.
• Injustice: It burdens borrowers with an additional cost regardless of the success or failure of their ventures, leading to debt cycles and economic hardship. For instance, globally, household debt rose by 4.9% in Q4 2023, reaching $17.5 trillion in the U.S. alone, often driven by interest-bearing loans. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Economic Instability: An economy built on Riba promotes speculation over real economic activity, leading to booms and busts and contributing to financial crises. The 2008 financial crisis, for example, was largely attributed to complex, interest-based financial instruments and unsustainable lending practices.

Avoiding Riba is not merely a religious injunction but a principle advocating for social justice, economic equity, and sustainable development.

Identifying Interest-Based Products

It’s essential to be able to identify interest-based products disguised under various names.

• Conventional Mortgages: These are the most common form of Riba, where the lender charges a percentage on the principal loan amount over time. Any mention of “interest rate,” “APR,” or “repayment schedule including interest” is a red flag.
• Standard Credit Cards: While convenient, credit cards typically involve high-interest rates on unpaid balances, often ranging from 15% to 25% APR, making them a prime example of Riba.
• Conventional Insurance: Policies that involve investing premiums in interest-bearing assets or paying out claims based on interest-driven models fall under this category. Look for terms like “investment-linked policies” or “guaranteed returns.”
• Personal Loans and Car Loans: Most loans from conventional banks or financial institutions will include an interest component.

Researching Ethical Alternatives

The key to avoiding interest-based services is to proactively seek out ethical alternatives. Sigz.uk Review

• Sharia-Compliant Banks: Search specifically for “Islamic banks” or “Sharia-compliant financial institutions” in your region. These banks offer products structured to avoid interest e.g., Murabaha, Ijara for home finance, Takaful for insurance.
• Ethical Investment Platforms: Look for investment platforms that screen investments based on ethical criteria, avoiding industries involved in interest, alcohol, gambling, and other prohibited activities. Platforms like Wahed Invest are designed for this purpose.
• Community-Based Financing: Explore local community initiatives or co-operative models that facilitate interest-free loans or mutual aid, although these are less common for large transactions like mortgages.

Due Diligence and Verification

Even when a service claims to be ethical, due diligence is paramount.

• Consult Scholars/Experts: If unsure about the permissibility of a financial product, consult with reputable Islamic finance scholars or certified financial advisors specializing in ethical finance. Organizations like the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions AAOIFI set standards.
• Read Contracts Carefully: Before signing any agreement, scrutinize the terms and conditions. Look for clauses related to interest, penalties, or investment strategies that might conflict with ethical principles.
• Check Certifications: Some ethical financial products may carry certifications from Sharia boards or ethical oversight committees. Verify the authenticity and reputation of these certifications.

By adopting these strategies, individuals can confidently navigate away from services like Lvbfs.com and instead engage with financial institutions that uphold ethical principles, ensuring their transactions are just and permissible.

Lvbfs.com Pricing

Based on the information available on the Lvbfs.com homepage, the pricing structure for their services isn’t explicitly detailed for mortgage brokerage, insurance, or protection services.

This is not uncommon for financial advisory services, where fees are often disclosed during a consultation or are contingent on the specific product obtained.

However, there is one clear pricing point mentioned for a specific ancillary service: the credit report. Escandelle.com Review

Credit Report Service Pricing

The website highlights a “30-day free trial” for a credit report, which then transitions to a subscription cost of “£14.99 a month thereafter and can be canceled at any time.”

• Initial Offer: This “free trial” is a common marketing tactic to entice users to sign up and experience the service without immediate financial commitment.
• Subscription Model: The subsequent monthly fee of £14.99 indicates a recurring subscription, implying continuous access to credit report monitoring or updates. For a UK-based user, this translates to roughly £179.88 per year.
• External Link: It’s critical to remember that this credit report service is provided via an external link to checkmyfile.com. This means Lvbfs.com is likely earning an affiliate commission or has a partnership agreement for referrals to this service, rather than providing the service directly. This off-site redirection adds a layer of indirectness to the offering.

Implicit Costs and Brokerage Fees

While no explicit fees are mentioned for mortgage brokerage or insurance services, it’s reasonable to infer that there are costs involved, either directly to the client or indirectly through commissions from lenders/insurers.

• Brokerage Fees: Mortgage brokers can charge fees in several ways:
  • Flat Fee: A fixed amount paid by the client for the broker’s services.
  • Percentage of Loan: A percentage of the mortgage amount, which can be significant for large loans.
  • Lender Paid Commission: The broker receives a commission directly from the lender for bringing in business. This is often the case and means the client doesn’t pay a direct fee to the broker, but the cost might be factored into the loan product.
  • Combination: A mix of client fees and lender commissions.
    Given that Lvbfs.com positions itself as an advisor, it’s highly probable they operate on one of these models. The website doesn’t disclose which model they follow, which can be a point of non-transparency for potential clients. For instance, average mortgage broker fees in the UK can range from £200 to £1,000, or a percentage of the loan from 0.3% to 1% Source: MoneyHelper.
• Insurance Premiums: For insurance and protection services, clients will pay premiums directly to the insurer. Lvbfs.com, as a broker, would likely receive a commission from the insurer for facilitating the policy. The cost of these premiums would depend entirely on the type of policy, coverage level, and individual risk factors.

The Problematic Nature of These Costs

From an ethical perspective, the costs associated with Lvbfs.com’s services are problematic primarily due to their underlying structure.

• Interest as a Core Cost: For mortgages, the primary cost is the interest charged by the lender. This interest, as previously discussed, is impermissible. Any brokerage fee associated with facilitating such a transaction would be directly linked to an ethically problematic product.
• Conventional Insurance Premiums: While the premium itself is a payment for a service, the underlying structure of conventional insurance which the site appears to offer involves elements of Riba in its investment activities and uncertainty in its contracts. Thus, engaging with such policies, regardless of the premium amount, is not ethically sound.

In summary, while Lvbfs.com is transparent about the £14.99/month credit report fee, it lacks clear disclosure on its brokerage fees for mortgages and insurance, which is a standard practice for many brokers.

More critically, the nature of the products it facilitates — conventional, interest-based finance — renders these costs ethically unacceptable for those seeking financial solutions that align with their principles. Aquaclubdesign.com Review

Lvbfs.com vs. Ethical Alternatives

When comparing Lvbfs.com to ethical financial alternatives, the contrast is stark.

It’s not merely a matter of competitive rates or customer service, but a fundamental divergence in underlying principles and permissible financial practices.

Lvbfs.com operates within the conventional financial system, which is built on interest Riba, while ethical alternatives like Islamic banks are structured to avoid Riba and other prohibited elements.

Foundational Principles

• Lvbfs.com Conventional Finance:
  • Interest-Based: Relies on charging and paying interest for loans mortgages and investing premiums insurance. Interest is the lifeblood of conventional banking.
  • Risk Transfer: In conventional insurance, risk is transferred from the policyholder to the insurer for a premium. The insurer profit from un-used premium.
  • Profit Maximization: The primary driver is profit maximization through conventional means, including interest.
• Ethical Alternatives e.g., Islamic Finance:
  • Interest-Free: Employs Sharia-compliant contracts like Murabaha cost-plus-profit, Ijara lease-to-own, or Musharakah partnership for home finance, where profit is generated from tangible assets or shared risk, not from lending money alone.
  • Risk Sharing/Mutual Aid: Takaful Islamic insurance operates on a cooperative model where policyholders contribute to a common fund, and losses are shared. Surplus funds are often distributed back to policyholders, reflecting a mutual aid rather than a pure profit-driven model.
  • Ethical Investment: Funds are invested only in ethically permissible businesses e.g., no alcohol, gambling, arms, or interest-based finance. For instance, the global Islamic finance market was valued at over $3 trillion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $4.9 trillion by 2026, demonstrating a significant and expanding ethical alternative Source: Statista.

Product Structure

• Lvbfs.com:
  • Conventional Mortgages: Direct loans where interest is charged on the principal amount. The property typically serves as collateral.
  • Conventional Insurance: Fixed premiums paid to an insurer who invests funds and pays claims based on actuarial models.
• Ethical Alternatives:
  • Home Purchase Plans HPPs: Rather than a loan, these are typically structured as Ijara lease-to-own, where the bank buys the property and leases it to the customer, with payments covering rent and gradual ownership transfer. Or Murabaha, where the bank buys the asset and sells it to the customer at a profit margin.
  • Takaful: A cooperative system where participants contribute to a fund that is used to pay claims of other participants. Any surplus is distributed back, and funds are invested ethically.

Transparency and Disclosure

• Lvbfs.com: Provides general information about services but lacks explicit disclosure of how its brokerage fees are structured beyond the credit report. Crucially, there’s no mention of the ethical implications of interest-based finance.
• Ethical Alternatives: Sharia-compliant institutions pride themselves on transparency regarding their contracts and underlying principles. The specific structure of the financial product e.g., Murabaha, Ijara, Takaful is usually clearly explained, along with the ethical justification.

Accessibility and Market Presence

• Lvbfs.com: As a UK-based broker, it offers access to mainstream, conventional lenders. Its accessibility is typical of any conventional financial service provider in the UK.
• Ethical Alternatives: While traditionally more niche, Islamic banks and ethical finance providers have grown significantly. Institutions like Al Rayan Bank and Gatehouse Bank in the UK, and Guidance Residential in the US, offer widespread access to ethical finance, often with robust online platforms. The increasing global reach of Islamic finance means more accessible options than ever before.

Suitability for Ethical Consumers

• Lvbfs.com: Wholly unsuitable for individuals who adhere to ethical financial principles, as its core offerings are built on interest.
• Ethical Alternatives: Specifically designed and certified to meet ethical financial requirements, making them the only permissible choice for those who prioritize such principles.

In essence, while Lvbfs.com might offer convenience in navigating the conventional mortgage market, its fundamental structure makes it incompatible with ethical financial guidelines.

Ethical alternatives, though they may require specific research, provide a pathway to fulfilling financial needs without compromising on principles, offering peace of mind and supporting a more just economic system. Momentumwatch.com Review

How to Cancel Lvbfs.com Credit Report Subscription

While Lvbfs.com doesn’t explicitly detail how to cancel the credit report subscription on their homepage, the text states, “30-day free trial which is £14.99 a month thereafter and can be canceled at any time.” This implies a relatively straightforward cancellation process.

Since the credit report service is linked to checkmyfile.com, the cancellation procedure would likely be handled through that third-party platform rather than directly through Lvbfs.com.

Steps to Cancel the Checkmyfile.com Subscription

1. Locate Your Account Information:
   • Access the checkmyfile.com website.
   • Look for a “Login” or “My Account” section. You’ll need the login credentials you used when signing up through the Lvbfs.com referral.
   • If you’ve forgotten your login details, look for a “Forgot password” or “Retrieve account” option.
2. Navigate to Subscription Settings:
   • Once logged in, search for a section related to “Subscription,” “Membership,” “Billing,” or “Account Settings.”
   • Many subscription services place cancellation options clearly within these sections.
3. Initiate Cancellation:
   • Follow the prompts to cancel your monthly subscription. There might be a button like “Cancel Subscription,” “Manage Membership,” or “End Service.”
   • Be prepared to answer a brief survey about why you are canceling, which is a common practice for subscription services attempting to retain customers.
4. Confirm Cancellation:
   • Ensure you receive a confirmation email or a confirmation message on the website indicating that your subscription has been successfully canceled. This is crucial for proof of cancellation and to avoid future charges.
   • Retain this confirmation for your records.
5. Check Bank Statements:
   • After cancellation, monitor your bank or credit card statements for the next billing cycle to ensure that no further charges of £14.99 are applied from checkmyfile.com or Lvbfs.com related to this service.

Important Considerations

• Timing: To avoid being charged the £14.99 fee, ensure you cancel before the end of the 30-day free trial period. The website states it “can be canceled at any time,” which suggests flexibility, but it’s always best to cancel with ample time.
• Direct Contact: If you encounter any difficulties or cannot find the cancellation option online, the next step is to contact checkmyfile.com‘s customer support directly. Look for their “Contact Us” page, which should provide a phone number, email address, or live chat option.
• Lvbfs.com’s Role: While Lvbfs.com facilitated the sign-up, they are unlikely to handle the direct cancellation of the checkmyfile.com subscription. Their role appears to be primarily as a referral partner. If checkmyfile.com fails to resolve the issue, you might then contact Lvbfs.com to inform them of the problem, but the primary point of contact for cancellation will be checkmyfile.com.

General Advice for Subscription Services

• Read Terms and Conditions: Always read the terms and conditions before signing up for any free trial or subscription service. Pay close attention to cancellation policies, billing cycles, and auto-renewal clauses.
• Set Reminders: For free trials, set a reminder on your calendar a few days before the trial period ends to decide whether to continue or cancel.
• Use Virtual Cards: Some banks offer virtual credit card numbers with spending limits or expiration dates, which can be useful for managing subscriptions and preventing unwanted charges.

By following these steps, users can effectively manage and cancel their checkmyfile.com credit report subscription that was initiated through Lvbfs.com, ensuring they are not charged unnecessarily.

How to Cancel Lvbfs.com Services Beyond Credit Report

For services beyond the credit report subscription, such as mortgage brokerage, insurance, or protection inquiries initiated through Lvbfs.com The Mortgage Giant, the cancellation process doesn’t involve a typical “subscription cancellation” button on the website.

Instead, it involves discontinuing engagement with their advisory services or withdrawing applications. Englishbedlinenco.com Review

Since these are high-value, bespoke financial services, communication is key.

Discontinuing Mortgage or Insurance Brokerage Services

If you’ve engaged Lvbfs.com for mortgage, insurance, or protection advice and wish to discontinue their services, here’s how you would typically proceed:

1. Direct Communication:
   • Phone Call: The most immediate and often preferred method for financial services is to call their “Call Us” number, which is 0800 088 6584, as listed on the Lvbfs.com homepage. Clearly state your intention to discontinue their services or withdraw your application.
   • Email/Contact Form: Use the contact form on their website or any direct email address you might have received from your assigned mortgage consultant. Clearly state your name, any reference numbers if applicable, and your request to terminate their advisory service.
2. Withdraw Any Applications:
   • If Lvbfs.com has already submitted a mortgage application, insurance application, or any other formal request on your behalf to a third-party lender or insurer, you must explicitly instruct Lvbfs.com to withdraw these applications.
   • It’s wise to also contact the respective lender or insurer directly to confirm that the application has been withdrawn and to prevent any further processing. This dual approach ensures your request is actioned.
3. Confirm No Further Action:
   • Request written confirmation via email from Lvbfs.com that they will cease all activity on your behalf and that no further applications or inquiries will be made.
   • Confirm that there are no outstanding fees or obligations on your part. While many brokers are paid by lenders, some may charge client-facing fees. Ensure you clarify this.

Understanding the Lack of a Formal “Cancellation” for Brokerage

Unlike a monthly subscription service, engaging a mortgage or insurance broker typically doesn’t involve an ongoing “subscription” fee that you can cancel with a click.

Instead, it’s a service agreement for a specific financial transaction.

• Service Agreement: When you engage a broker, you enter into an implicit or explicit agreement for them to provide advice and facilitate applications. This agreement is typically terminated when the transaction is completed e.g., mortgage secured or when either party decides to cease the engagement.
• No Recurring Charges Typically: Unless you’ve signed a specific retainer agreement that involves recurring fees, you generally won’t have monthly charges from the broker themselves separate from the credit report service. Their compensation often comes from commissions paid by the lenders or insurers.

Why Discontinue?

• Ethical Concerns: If you initially engaged Lvbfs.com without full awareness of the ethical implications of interest-based finance, discontinuing their service allows you to pursue Sharia-compliant alternatives.
• Change of Mind: Your financial circumstances or plans might change, leading you to no longer require their services.
• Found a Better Fit: You might have found another broker or direct lender that better suits your needs or offers more competitive rates.

In essence, canceling services with Lvbfs.com beyond the credit report means clearly communicating your decision to cease their advisory role and ensuring any applications they’ve initiated are formally withdrawn, allowing you to proceed with more ethically aligned financial solutions. Xumu.company Review

FAQ

What is Lvbfs.com?

Lvbfs.com is the online platform for “The Mortgage Giant,” a UK-based company that offers mortgage brokerage services, as well as assistance with conventional insurance and protection policies.

Is Lvbfs.com an ethical financial service provider?

No, Lvbfs.com is not considered an ethical financial service provider because its core offerings, such as conventional mortgages and insurance, involve interest Riba and other elements that are not permissible in ethical financial frameworks.

Does Lvbfs.com offer Sharia-compliant mortgages?

Based on the information available on their website, Lvbfs.com does not appear to offer Sharia-compliant or interest-free mortgages.

Their services focus on conventional mortgage products.

How does Lvbfs.com make money?

Lvbfs.com likely earns money through commissions from lenders and insurers for facilitating mortgages and insurance policies. Forwardmindcounselling.com Review

They also explicitly charge £14.99 per month for access to a credit report service after a 30-day free trial.

What is the cost of the credit report service from Lvbfs.com?

The credit report service offered through Lvbfs.com has a 30-day free trial, after which it costs £14.99 per month.

Can I cancel the Lvbfs.com credit report free trial?

Yes, the website states that the credit report subscription “can be canceled at any time” before the 30-day free trial ends to avoid being charged.

Where does Lvbfs.com’s credit report link to?

The “Get Credit Report” link on Lvbfs.com redirects users to checkmyfile.com, indicating that it’s a third-party service.

How do I cancel my Lvbfs.com credit report subscription?

To cancel the credit report subscription, you would typically need to log in to your account on checkmyfile.com and navigate to your subscription or billing settings to initiate the cancellation. Healthyfoodfactory.eu Review

Does Lvbfs.com handle my personal information securely?

The website links its Privacy Statement to a Google Drive document, which is an unconventional method.

While they state details submitted are confidential and processed in accordance with their Privacy Statement, hosting it on Google Drive raises questions about professional standards and direct control.

What are the main services offered by Lvbfs.com?

The main services offered by Lvbfs.com The Mortgage Giant include mortgage brokerage for buying and remortgaging homes, and brokering conventional insurance and protection policies.

Does Lvbfs.com charge a fee for mortgage brokerage services?

The website does not explicitly detail brokerage fees for mortgages.

Mortgage brokers typically earn commissions from lenders or charge clients a flat fee, a percentage of the loan, or a combination. Watermarkremover.net Review

What is “Protection” service on Lvbfs.com?

The “Protection” service likely refers to various forms of conventional personal insurance, such as life assurance, critical illness cover, or income protection, designed to safeguard individuals against unforeseen events.

Is “The Mortgage Giant” a reputable company?

The website states “The Mortgage Giant is one of the UK’s trusted mortgage brokers with over 50 years combined industry experience.” However, its lack of transparent fee structures for brokerage services and ethical considerations for interest-based products should be carefully considered.

How can I contact Lvbfs.com?

You can contact Lvbfs.com The Mortgage Giant by calling their number 0800 088 6584, or by submitting your details through their contact form on the website.

What is the “Property Journey” outlined on Lvbfs.com?

The “Property Journey” is a 10-step guide provided by Lvbfs.com, detailing the process of obtaining a mortgage from initial consultation to moving into a home.

Are there testimonials on Lvbfs.com?

Yes, the Lvbfs.com homepage features testimonials from clients, including “Harriet – 5 Stars First Time Buyer” and “Mariama – 5 Stars Remortgage.”

Why is conventional insurance problematic ethically?

Conventional insurance can be ethically problematic due to elements of Riba interest, especially in how premiums are invested, Gharar excessive uncertainty in the contract, and Maysir gambling, due to the conditional nature of payouts.

What are ethical alternatives to conventional mortgages?

Ethical alternatives to conventional mortgages include Sharia-compliant home finance products offered by Islamic banks, such as Murabaha cost-plus-profit and Ijara lease-to-own agreements.

What are ethical alternatives to conventional insurance?

Ethical alternatives to conventional insurance are known as Takaful, which operates on principles of mutual cooperation and solidarity, avoiding elements of Riba, Gharar, and Maysir.

Can I get a home loan without interest?

Yes, you can get a home loan without interest by utilizing Sharia-compliant home financing options provided by Islamic banks, where the transaction is structured as a lease, partnership, or cost-plus-profit sale rather than a direct interest-bearing loan.

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