How would you know if a debt settlement company is legitimate?  When times get tough and people get desperate, the schemers and scam artists start popping up all over the place.  You have probably started seeing the commercials on tv advertising credit debt settlement and debt settlement services.  The concept of debt negotiation is excellent the follow through by some companies can be poor.  You want to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company.  If you do a Google search on the web you will see tons of people that are disatisfied with a debt settlement company.  Many debt settlement companies are scams and they have taken peoples money.  Just do a Google search on Jubilee Financial.  This was a debt settlement company in Scottsdale that ran off with the clients money.

How Can You Tell If A Debt Negotiation Company Is Legitimate?  You may see the rip off report show up.  If you see it a lot, it is probably not a good sign.

Dealing with any company can be a leap of faith but their are things you can do to check a debt settlement company out.

1.  Just do a Google search of the company and see what pops up in the search results.

2.  Look to see if they are members of the debt settlement industry accredited organizations like USOBA or TASC.

3.  Check with the BBB or better business bureau.  You can do this on line.

4.  Call your local consumer protection agency.

5.  Call your local attorney general.

There is no fool proof method but there are ways to protect yourself.

This information is of general interest and is not be to relied on.  If you need professional advice, seek the services of a qualified professional or attorney.

There have been rports that some collection agencies have been telling consumers that they cannot file bankruptcy.  I think that since the new bankruptcy law was passed in 2005 that people think that bankruptcy is gone.  This is simple not true.  You can still file for bankruptcy if you are having a financial crisis.

New Bankruptcy Laws Require More Documentation Continue Reading »

Americans have a bad habit with credit cards.  The average american has over $9000 in credit card debt.  This according to an article by Liz Pulliam Weston.  This is a troubling figure in light of our current credit crunch.  As people start earning less money or just plain just loose their jobs, credit card debt becomes more of a concern.  For some it will begin the beginning of the end financially.  Once you start getting behind on credit card debt it is very hard to get caught up again.

The Vicious Circle Of Credit Card Debt Continue Reading »

I just saw on the Phillips & Associates website that they are doing debt negotiation and debt settlement.  The Phillips & Associates company is run by Jeffrey Phillips.   Phillips and Associates is the same company that does DUI and Bankruptcy.  Their commercials are pretty bad.  It looks like they have the people read right off a card.  I cannot see how the actual clients agree to go on TV an embarrass themselves.  They must offer to reduce their legal bills. Continue Reading »