12/7/2010 9:38 AM (PST)

Dee,

Above are links to the BBB Report and TrustLink Reviews.

As an alternative to debt settlement (an industry rife with problems which the BBB has observed for years), you can try calling a reputable nonprofit credit counseling agency (they are free). They will identify and explain your debt repayment options and help you with ongoing budgeting. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling's direct agency referral number is 800-388-2227. This will connect you to an accredited agency in your area. These agencies maintain strong service and case management quality standards. There is another association, www.aiccca.org, that is a network of counseling agencies that also abide by strong quality standards. Their network number is 866-703-8787. These steps are tiring and take time but won't cost you any money. Getting on top of your financial situation will make you feel empowered and you will feel more secure with a reputable counseling agency.

12/7/2010 11:00 AM (PST)

Because of the abuse that the debt settlement industry has perpetrated on the public, the FTC rules enacted strict rules in October of 2010 to better protect consumers from debt settlement scammers and operators. Before you sign on with any debt negotiator we would encourage you to read some articles about debt settlement that we have posted on our Facebook page, at www.la.bbb.org, and on the FTC website. Here are some for starters:

NEW LAWS GO INTO EFFECT TO FIGHT DECEPTIVE DEBT RELIEF:
http://www.la.bbb.org/GIReport.aspx?NewsID=295

DEBT SETTLEMENT INDUSTRY GETS ITS COMEUPPANCE FROM THE FTC
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=455365482194

WHAT THE FTC RECOMMENDS FOR SETTLING YOUR CREDIT CARD DEBTS:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre02.shtm

Good luck - getting out of debt is no picnic and it's a shame that so many "cures" become worse than the disease.

2/1/2011 3:50 AM (PST)

You may share your current repayment possibilities with your creditor in order to set up a Self Repayment Plan. If you could explain your current income sources as well as your present financial obligations to your creditor, it will easier for them to assess your needs. Some of the debt consolidation companies are indeed operating legally. Whichever way you choose to go, once you decide on repaying, you'll need to pay consistently in order to be debt free within a certain period of time. You may check out the accreditations and achievements of these http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/program.html">debt consolidation companies before you enroll.