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.

Credit Debt Settlement Is Better Than Bankruptcy For Settlement Of Debt?  Millions of Americans are facing a mountain of debt and unsure about how to pay for it.  What are the options of getting out of debt when you have your back against the wall?  You can consider credit settlement, debt management, debt settlement program or debt consolidation.  Continue Reading »

Total Debt Minimum: $5,000

Min Debt Amount per creditor: $350

No Less than 3 creditor accounts per client

Monthly draft never less than $250

No more than a 48 month program

What kind of debt we will take for our debt settlement program

1. Unsecured credit cards

2. Repossession balances. (Car and house are typical) Continue Reading »

Can a debt arbitration company stop creditor from harassing me? If a debt negotiation company guarantees that they can stop creditor harassment or creditors from call you, run for the hills. In my opinion telling a consumer that a debt settlement company can get creditor calls to stop is a lie. A creditor has the right to call a debtor for a legitimate debt. This is covered in the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. A good debt settlement company at best can try to stop the calls but nobody should be making any guarantees however.

A debt negotiation company can help stop creditor harassment Continue Reading »

How do I know if I should do debt settlement or debt mediation? Financial troubles are now facing millions of Americans due to the credit crisis. Many Americans will have to make hard decisions about their personal debt. Unfortunately there are not many great choices you can make when you are in debt. You can choose from debt consolidation, cccs, debt settlement, debt negotiation, consumer credit counseling or bankruptcy. Each choice has its advantages or disadvantages.

Is debt consolidation like doing a chapter 13 bankruptcy? Continue Reading »

When you settle debts through a debt negotiation program, will you get a 1099 for what you save? You will not get a 1099 if you can demonstrate that you are financially insolvent. IRS Publication 908 states that you must owe more than you have in assets at the time of the debt settlement agreement with your creditor. You would only pay tax on the amount of solvency you have. If you save $5000 on a debt settlement agreement and have $1500 in assets, you would pay tax on $1500. Speak with a tax adviser or tax professional to see how this would apply to you before registering into a debt settlement program.

Do I have to pay income tax if I am in a debt negotiation program? Continue Reading »