Fraud Alert- Watch Out For Debt Settlement Scams!
Posted by | Posted in Credit Help | Posted on 27-06-2011-05-2008
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Fraud Alert- Watch Out For Debt Settlement Scams!
With the current economic meltdown, millions of Americans are submerged in debts. If you are a debt stricken consumer and looking forward to settle your debts, you should be well aware of the fact that the debt settlement business is ripe for scammers nowadays. With scam debt Settlement Company mushrooming in the credit market, the debt ridden consumers often falls prey to con men who pretend to be empathetic debt settlement business professionals but instead of helping the consumers actually make their way to profits. However, a handful of legitimate and BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited debt relief companies are still out there which put forth honest efforts to get the consumers out of debts. Read on to know a few examples of debt settlement scams and learn how to distinguish between an authentic and fraud settlement company in the best possible way.
· Debt Settlement service is not available in all states so if you come across one that claims they work in every state of USA, chances are they are not stating truth.
· The companies that blow their own trumpet and claims debt settlement won’t affect your credit report in any way are certainly not distorting the truth. Remember, anytime you default on your payment your credit report is bound to get a little tarnished and credit score would suffer consequently.
· Often Debt Settlement Companies charge for large advance or upfront fees. The companies that demand thousands of dollars in fees never deliver on their promises. ‘Ideally, fees should be tied to results’ therefore make sure you avail a realistic cost estimate before hiring your debt settlement company and pay them only if you are profited from their intervention.
· If you find the company acting vehemently aggressive in order to enroll you for their settlement program, it means they are in desperate hunt of consumers and not at all genuinely concerned about the actual financial situation of their clients. It is always best to change the settlement firm right away.
· The settlement company which asserts that they can take care of your debts irrespective of secure or non secured ones is bluffing for sure. If you fall for this scam you will end up with higher debts, damaged credit and calls from collection agencies.
Shop around to identify a reliable debt settlement company or non profit organization which offers free service. You can always settle your debts on your own and can save yourself thousands of dollars in fees. Before hiring a Debt Settlement Company, conduct an extensive research on its service backgrounds and client’s testimonials. Verify whether the company is associated with the TASC (The Association of Settlement Companies) and whether BBB has any prior records of complains against them or not. With new laws introduced by FTC, we can hope for a scam free credit market in future.
About author: This is a guest post by Christina Jones who is a financial content writer associated with Oak View Law Group. She has helped many debt burdened people with free counseling on debt settlement services. You can reach me at: christina.jones60(at)gmail(dot)com.
