December 06, 2006

What to Look For When Seeking Debt Relief Help

If you’ve made the decision or are thinking about seeking help in resolving your debt situation, through debt consolidation, credit counseling or debt settlement, read this before you make any calls or fill out any “applications.”

The number of “companies” advertising help with debt can seem pretty overwhelming, and, based on the type of program, most sound very similar in their claims of what they can do for you. So how do you know where to start in selecting who you should talk to?

First- Know you who are talking to! The reason why it seems like there are so many “companies” advertising help with debt is because many of them are really just lead generating companies. They get you to call or fill out contact information on-line, then they SELL your lead to other companies who actually DO provide debt relief services. This wouldn’t be so bad except for one problem. Many sell your lead over and over and you are suddenly bombarded with calls. Avoid these lead generators and go straight to the source. How do you know the difference? If you are looking at companies on the Internet, it is pretty easy. The web pages of Lead Generators just state that they can help you get out of debt quickly and have you fill out a contact form without any information on the site about their debt relief program, how it works, or their company. Particularly watch out for sites that don’t give any address or have an 800 number you can call. These are dead give-aways that they are passing your information on to someone else. You would be surprised by how many of these lead generating companies aren’t even located in the Unites States. The Internet has its benefits but it also allows companies to put up “storefronts” that give you the impression that they are located in this country and you would never be the wiser if you didn’t know how to find out who owns a particular website domain.

Look for clues in the company’s advertising statements. They use phrases like, “our companies” or “we’ll direct you to a solution that is right for you” or “we’ll match you with a debt relief specialist.” Again, these statements usually mean that your lead will be sold to some other entity. If you call from an ad, don’t be afraid to ask specific questions, like: ‘How many companies do you represent?’

Second- Be skeptical of offers that sound too good to be true! There are companies out there advertising their ability to negotiate unbelievable savings for you with your creditors. Be careful! If they’re quoting you 50% or more in debt reduction or 12 months to be debt free, ask them if they will put that in writing! Then listen to them back-peddle. Some of these companies have a list of filed complaints with their local Attorney Generals or the Better Business Bureau that are a mile long and some are being scrutinized quite closely. You want real relief, not unrealistic hype. Better yet—

Check with the Better Business Bureau- They monitor the industry and keep track of complaints made. While it’s common for any business to get a few complaints, if they’re getting a lot, that is probably a warning flag!

Who should you contact? – There is one company than stands out because of their excellent track record (quality service and results) and their unique approach. I recommend that you start with this company for a free debt consultation.

The company is Preferred Financial Solutions, Inc. and the program is Credit Card Relief™.

What Makes Them Unique?

Great Track Record - Credit Card Relief has years of experience, settling nearly $100,000,000 (one-hundred million) of debt for thousands of clients.

Operate in 46 states.

Low Monthly Payment – Credit Card Relief can cut your monthly payment by as much as 50%.

Unique Program Approach - Their program is unique in that Credit Card Relief uses a consortium of attorneys. A network of participating program attorneys, local to their clients, provide a free initial consultation to determine if debt settlement is the best solution and once enrolled, offer limited representation. The debt is then mediated by a nationally known debtor mediation law firm.

Your Money is Safe - In addition, each Credit Card Relief client is part of a unique Enrolled Member Trust, through which all their funds are deposited into a totally insured, risk-free trust account with a national bank. No money leaves your account without your permission.
Satisfied Clients - Credit Card Relief provides superior service, with on-going support throughout the duration of the program, through their full-time Client Care and Compliance departments. They have Zero open complaints with the more than 400 Better Business Bureaus (BBB’s) and the over 16,000 local, state, and federal regulatory agencies monitoring the industry.

You can obtain a free debt consultation from Credit Card Relief™ by clicking here. They can help you determine the best solution for getting you free of debt. For more information, read my blog dated September 29, 2006.