Debt Settlement Scams

Make sure your company of choice is IAPDA Certified. Debt Settlement is in fact a growing industry that requires regulations and full disclosure. If your "Financial Analyst" does not cover all your finances, you both need to move on.


As the Industry of debt settlement has grown there have been many offices open and close almost over night. Here are a few things to cover with your debt settlement company to confirm their best interest is real and favors you and your unique problems.

* Are they IAPDA Certified? IAPDA Certifcation confirms the level of knowledge of the office or agent working for you. There is extensive testing involved in order to become certified.

* Are they listed with the National Chamber of Commerce? This confirms their office is welcome and in good standing at a National Level with the Unuted States Chambers of Commerce.

*Have they been in the industry over 10 years? This confirms they have built a reputation and developed contacts at the banks you owe money to.

*Do they fully understand your rights as a consumer on both state and federal levels?

*Can they provide "real letters" from past customers?

* Do they have a "perfect" BBB report. "Yes some of us do have perfect reports"

Doing your homework is vital to your growth. If They just sign you up without looking into your finances RUN, and stop taking their calls.

In most cases, the debt settlement company will put you in a payment schedule to take their 15% over a short period of time. A debt settlement company that has your best interest in mind will have a reduced fee of 10% and work with you based on your financial needs. In addition they need to put an actual amount in writing they must settle for in order to get paid. That is a great option and solid guarantee in debt settlement.
The Debt Settlement Scam:
They "promise unrealistic results"
You feel like your buying a new car when you talk to them, as they are trying to sell you". In Most cases these sales people or Financial analyst are making 100k-150k based on closures and new clients.
When they stop returning call and or emails
When the first person you talked to is no longer employed there. This industry has a highe turn over rate of employees.

Tom Bates,CDA
CEO,President
Absolute Debt Solutions
http://www.absolutedebtsolutions.com/

Debt Relief - Debt Settlement

It is a little known fact that the you can use debt relief to pay off your credit card bills. There are a lot of people around the world who are suffering from mounting credit card debt and debt settlement could offer you some relief. We all have had issues from time to time with credit card bills and maybe overspending. The credit card companies make it too easy for us to get multiple cards with limits that are usually above what we can afford with rates we could never pay down.
The key to debt settlement is finding the best guarantee and trusting your team, they are available but you have to do your homework. It is important to remember that debt settlement has better end results than getting a traditional debt consolidation loan and much smarter long term. Traditional debt consolidation loans can require you to have some type of security or collateral to obtain the loan. With Debt relief through debt settlement your going to pay back around 50% of what you owe.

You must be patient and educated in the debtsettlement process for it to work for you.

The best thing about debt settlement/debt relief is that when the program is over YOUR DONE. A debt consolidation loan can drag out for years, and can lead to double the debt, and bankkruptcy.

Tom Bates,CDA
www.absolutedebtsolutions.com

Find a Debt Settlement Company that Guarantees Results

Absolute Debt Solutions Founder Advises Consumers to Find a Debt Settlement Company that Guarantees Results Before You Pay
Absolute Debt Solutions guarantees that consumers won't pay a cent until they get a signed guarantee.
Plano, TX (PRWEB) January 8, 2008 -- For consumers looking to get out of debt, the Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions, Tom Bates, advises looking for a debt settlement company that guarantees their results. Bates says as the debt settlement industry continues to establish itself, one thing that seems to be standard across the board is fees and lack of a guarantee."They all want to get paid and it is not cheap," says Tom Bates, Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions. "You will spend at least 12% of your total debt for your average debt settlement company to assist you in settling your unsecured debts. That is in addition to the continuing late fees from the bank."So, he says a debt settlement company's that offers 40-to-60% savings is not really accurate and he advises reading the fine print."There is the issue of taxes when the 1099c comes from the bank," says Bates. "There goes another 14% based on the amount saved. So the sales pitch of 40-to-60% just fell to 15-to-25% saved. Well, if all they are going to get you is 15-to-25%, why do you need them? You don't. You need a company that has a track record that produces real debt settlements, with a solid guarantee. Plus, if they are so good at what they do, then why pay them one dime until the work is guaranteed? You don't pay anything 'til the car is back and running from the mechanic, right? How about the pool man or the yard man, or even the barber? Are you going to pay before your hair is cut? No -- and you should not pay 'til your debts are settled according to a signed guarantee." Some companies come highly recommended and come with endorsements and affiliations. Bates says not to be fooled by meaningless certificates; many of these companies have paid thousands of dollars to become members of these organizations. On top of that, these organizations have no say in the acts of the company. In fact, Bates says, many of these organizations are run by owners and directors of settlement companies."The BBB, to my knowledge, has never been to any of their offices," says Bates. "Unless the company is certified and there are standard follow up procedures on a weekly or monthly basis, a framed certificate or trophy of affiliation is worthless. Accountability is everything."Bates questions why people who are already in a financial decline should create more debt to resolve the problems they already have. He says the situation may get even worse than the one they're already in. If consumers pay a debt settlement company regularly for one or even two years, they will have paid thousands of dollars they can't afford and have saved little for the settlement unless they have a solid guarantee. "This does not sound to me like these companies have the consumers' best interests in mind," says Bates.In most cases, creditors can and will settle for pennies on the dollar with the right approach. But Bates asks why consumers should pay anything until the work is done and guaranteed? Bates says debt settlement, like many other industries, should charge based on results."No debt settlement company can help you unless and until you have money to use for settlement," says Bates. "So until you have these funds, they are simply a mail box for you. And, should they stop the calls from the collectors, that's great -- or is it? If the bank can't call and can't write, what can they do? They can and in most cases will, file suit. Though a judgement is not the end of the world, they are not much fun. They will still settle, but at a much higher rate."After more than a decade in the credit and finance industry, Tom Bates has developed a Texas Debt Settlement company to assist consumers without being taken for a ride. Absolute Debt Solutions promises consumers pay nothing more than what is guaranteed for settlement (click here for details), plus all graduates of the debt settlement program will receive free credit repair. For more information, please visit www.absolutedebtsolutions.com

How To Choose A Debt Settlement Program

Tom Bates, Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions is offering tips on how consumers can find the right debt settlement program. Bates is an IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator. He says many families are often desperate to get out of mounting debt and will often take the first option that comes along. He says this might not always be the best option out there.


"Just the thought of being debt-free can bring tears of relief to a family who has been under high interest payments for years," says Absolute Debt Solutions Founder and CEO Tom Bates. "Studies show that 78% of all income is paid out to debt of some type, with the major percentage of each payment going toward interest. Bates lists the types of debt settlement options available and offers some insights:
~ Consumer counseling services -- These services operate by setting clients up with their own personal counselors. Only after clients have paid an enrollment fee and agreed to automatic bank drafts, will the program go into effect. The counselor then contacts the client's creditors and attempts to lower their interest rates. But, this is often only lowered temporarily. Should the client or the counselor be late in getting the payment to the creditor, that low interest rate will return to its previous high rate. Often these services appear to be non-profit, however that is most often not the case. An article from the Cincinnati Post titled "Wolves in Credit Counselors' Clothing" (April 26, 2005) found Clients of the California-based National Consumer Council, Florida-based Debt Management Foundation Services Inc. and Massachusetts-based Better Budget Financial Services Inc. paid thousands of dollars to keep bill collectors at bay, but instead clients saw their debts, interest rates and late fees increase as the three companies did little to help. Often, these services will follow up with the creditor with a letter of counsel that informs them of the client's involvement in their program and asks them the work with them, and to proffer a fair-share contribution. Ultimately, the money a client pays should be going to the creditors first, not the counseling service.
“ Wolves in Credit Counselors' Clothing ”
~ Debt Consolidation is always a great way to bring resolve to debt as long as clients have a process in place before the consolidation to settle the debt. If there is no procedure in place to discount the amount owed, there is no real reason to conduct a consolidation loan. Lowering the monthly payment is somewhat beneficial, but the end result may not be what is desired. A simple trade out of loans does not lower the amount owed or monthly payment, and in most cases, clients are going to end up owing double what they started with. About 80% of borrowers use debt consolidations loans, bringing accounts to a zero balance, but end up owing another lender at a lower or longer rate/term. In most cases, people that go through debt consolidation will continue to use the accounts that were paid off, resulting in double the debt. The end result is, if clients have a well qualified debt settlement company that will charge a fee based on results, they should handle all the negotiations before the debt consolidation and then they are sure to come out on top.
~ With Fee based Debt Settlement, there are many options, and in several ways, consumers can save money. If it is a buffer or shield type, clients are always in better hands with creditor experts that are IAPDA certified and have been in the collection and or credit industry. These creditor experts understand the creditor and the individual account better than an average debt settlement company. Further, the fees charged by fee based debt settlement companies are going to cost about 15% of the total debt. So whatever is advertised, add about 15 % to their quote, and in most cases, the fee is paid up front before the job is done or even started. If they are not willing to give a written guarantee to perform and produce, potential clients should reconsider doing business with them, regardless of their affiliation or ratings. The old saying, "if it is not in writing, it didn't happen" applies here. The truth is, there is only one type of guarantee that will protect the consumer. When it comes time to perform the actual service, most of the money clients have saved over the months or years has gone to the debt settlement company, leaving little or no money for settlement. This method does not seem to have the consumer's best interest in mind, as the debt settlement company gets paid before the creditor. One of the largest Texas debt settlement companies just had a class action law suit filed against it, for the practice of collecting fees but not providing services. Along with this law suit, there are over 700 BBB complaints filed for actions truly not in the consumer's best interest. Not all fee based debt settlement companies act like this; some put their client's best interests first.
~ With a Service Fee Based debt settlement like Absolute Debt Solutions, there are clearly outlined steps for the best option for debt settlement. Clients know that they will reach a guaranteed discounted rate or pay nothing for the settlement. This protects consumers from fighting for a refund when the service is not completed and the creditor refused to settle. Only a qualified and IAPDA certified debt settlement company could or should consider this practice. . Producing results, industry integrity, ethics and experience will maintain the needed client and creditor relationships. A written guarantee is a must in order to protect the consumer For those considering debt settlement, they should consider these factors while deciding what program fits their needs:
1) First, how did they hear about the company?
2) Does the savings program have their best interests in mind?
3) Is the company willing to share its year to date settlement averages?
4) Are they experienced in both the collection and creditor industry?
5) Are they certified with the IAPDA (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators)?
6) Do you believe in the team that will be helping you?
7) Once you start, are you aware there is no looking back?

Tom Bates, CDA
www.absolutedebtsolutions.com

Debt And Today's Student- That Credit Card Is Not Needed

Absolute Debt Solutions Founder Offers College Students Valuable Advice on Credit Card DebtTom Bates, owner and founder of Absolute Debt Solutions Inc., says college students are being targeted by predatory lenders, offering attractive first time credit cards, but which come with high interest rates.Plano, TX (PRWEB) January 2, 2008 -- Tom Bates, Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions, is offering insights to both parents and college students on predatory lending practices on campus. Bates says lenders target students by offering them their first credit cards, but these cards come with very high interest rates. Bates is highly critical of colleges that allow these lenders on campus. “These predatory lending institutions are met with open arms by college officials, says Tom Bates, Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions. “By allowing them on campus, it’s as if the college is sanctioning them and their use of high interest rate credit cards. In most cases, these debts will never be repaid.”In addition to the high interest rates charged to students, Bates says, they soon find out not only are the monthly payments carrying a high interest rate, but in most cases, it will cost them to make their payments both online and or over the phone. Some of these charges can range from $5.00 to as much as $20.00. “Can students on a budget really afford this?” asks Bates.Unfortunately, affording higher education has become much harder, a trend that has been reported in the San Francisco Chronicle by noted business columnist David Lazarus. He says more and more students are being forced to take out private loans to attend college.The amount loaned to students nearly tripled between 2001 and 2006, from $6.1 billion to $17.3 billion, according to an annual student aid survey released by the College Board and cited by Lazarus. That’s because the cost of attending a public university has risen 35 percent after adjusting for inflation. Meanwhile, federal loan amounts have stagnated, so as a result, many students have turned to private loans. And, Lazarus notes the trend is especially dangerous because such loans almost always carry a variable interest rate and lack the protections offered by federal loans. So, on top of many students taking out private loans to attend college, they are being preyed upon by lenders offering very attractive first time credit cards, says Bates. With an interest rate at an average of 18% and a balance of $1,000.00, making the required payment would take 21 years to pay, and over $1100.00 in interest. “That is a 200% return to the predatory lending institution at the expense of the student,” says Bates. And, on average, that $1,000.00 is much higher. When the average student graduates, that student is joining the work force already with $6,000.00 in credit card debt.Bates says that real financial education starts in the home. He urges never to leave financial planning for college up to any school or lending institution that has brochures at the financial aid office. And if the funds aren’t all there, to exhaust all the federal aid options first. After that, parents must be prepared to co-sign on those private loans, something that could have severe repercussions for years to come.

About Tom Bates:

Tom Bates, IAPDA, CDA, is President of Absolute Debt Solutions and Absolute Credit Repair Inc. He has spent the last 13 years in the credit and finance industry, managing and directing some of the largest receivable companies in the world. Bates has developed a program that has proven results far above the competitors. He is IAPDA Certified (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators). Absolute has one goal in mind, your best interest. Absolute also offers additional discounts and services for active military and those with special medical needs. For more information, please visit www.absolutedebtsolutions.com

Understanding Debt Settlement

For consumers looking to get out of debt, the Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions, Tom Bates, advises looking for a debt settlement company that guarantees their results. Bates says as the debt settlement industry continues to establish itself, one thing that seems to be standard across the board is fees and lack of a guarantee."They all want to get paid and it is not cheap," says Tom Bates, Founder and CEO of Absolute Debt Solutions. "You will spend at least 12% of your total debt for your average debt settlement company to assist you in settling your unsecured debts. That is in addition to the continuing late fees from the bank."So, he says a debt settlement company's advertisement that reads 40-to-60% savings is not really accurate and he advises reading the fine print."There is the issue of taxes when the 1099c comes from the bank," says Bates. "There goes another 14% based on the amount saved. So the sales pitch of 40-to-60% just fell to 15-to-25% saved. Well, if all they are going to get you is 15-to-25%, why do you need them? You don't. You need a company that has a track record that produces real debt settlements, with a solid guarantee. Plus, if they are so good at what they do, then why pay them one dime until the work is guaranteed? You don't pay anything 'til the car is back and running from the mechanic, right? How about the pool man or the yard man, or even the barber? Are you going to pay before your hair is cut? No -- and you should not pay 'til your debts are settled according to a signed guarantee." Some companies come highly recommended and come with endorsements and affiliations. Bates says not to be fooled by meaningless certificates; many of these companies have paid thousands of dollars to become members of these organizations. On top of that, these organizations have no say in the acts of the company. In fact, Bates says, many of these organizations are run by owners and directors of settlement companies."The BBB, to my knowledge, has never been to any of their offices," says Bates. "Unless the company is certified and there are standard follow up procedures on a weekly or monthly basis, a framed certificate or trophy of affiliation is worthless. Accountability is everything."Bates questions why people who are already in a financial decline should create more debt to resolve the problems they already have. He says the situation may get even worse than the one they're already in. If consumers pay a debt settlement company regularly for one or even two years, they will have paid thousands of dollars they can't afford and have saved little for the settlement unless they have a solid guarantee. "This does not sound to me like these companies have the consumers' best interests in mind," says Bates.In most cases, creditors can and will settle for pennies on the dollar with the right approach. But Bates asks why consumers should pay anything until the work is done and guaranteed? Bates says debt settlement, like many other industries, should charge based on results."No debt settlement company can help you unless and until you have money to use for settlement," says Bates. "So until you have these funds, they are simply a mail box for you. And, should they stop the calls from the collectors, that's great -- or is it? If the bank can't call and can't write, what can they do? They can and in most cases will, file suit. Though a law suit is not the end of the world, they are not much fun. They will still settle, but at a much higher rate."After more than a decade in the credit and finance industry, Tom Bates has developed a Debt Settlement company to assist consumers without being taken for a ride. Absolute Debt Solutions promises consumers pay nothing more than what is guaranteed for settlement, plus all graduates of the debt settlement program will receive free credit repair. For more information, please visit www.absolutedebtsolutions.biz.

About Tom Bates
Tom Bates, IAPDA, CDA, is President of Absolute Debt Solutions and Absolute Credit Repair Inc. He has spent the last 13 years in the credit and finance industry, managing some of the largest receivable companies in the world. Bates has developed a program that has proven results far above the competitors. He is IAPDA Certified (International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators). Absolute has one goal in mind, your best interest. Absolute also offers additional discounts and services for active military and those with special medical needs.

Https://www.absolutedebtsolutions.com

When To Choose Debt Settlement

Debt Settlement: Debt Settlement has been around for decades, yet has not become a fully devolved industry. In theory, the higher the risk to the creditor the more likely they are to settle. In most cases a debt settlement company will have continued communication with several banks and lenders thus generating "contacts" at the banks or collection agencies. In most every situation the consumer that begins a settlement program will be concerned about their credit. I must ask what credit report? The only report they have is a report full or debt not credit. Being worried about your credit should be your last concern when faced with mounting debt. The focus should be trying to avoid wage garnishment, you could loose everything in your banks and up to 50% of your household income. Only an IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator would be qualified enough to discuss the option of debt settlement.
Further, In the search for a qualified company search out their BBB report on line at bbb.org
With Debt Settlement:
Avoid potential bankruptcies and the public record that comes with it
Resolve your delinquent accounts for far less than you owe (up to 60-70%)
Eliminate harassing phone calls
Create a manageable financial situation that agrees with your finances
Debt Consolidation: Is debt consolidation right for you? Debt consolidation is always a great way to bring resolve to debt as long as clients have a process in place before the consolidation to settle the debt. If there is no procedure in place to discount the amount owed, there is no real reason to conduct a consolidation loan. With Debt consolidation your simply addressing the symptoms not the illness. Lowering the monthly payment is somewhat beneficial, but the end result may not be what was desired. A simple trade out of loans does not lower the amount owed or monthly payment, and in most cases, clients are going to end up owing double what they started with. About 80% of borrowers use debt consolidations loans, bringing accounts to a zero balance, but end up owing another lender at a lower or longer rate/term. In most cases, people that go through debt consolidation will continue to use the accounts that were paid off, resulting in double the debt. The end result is, if clients have a well qualified debt settlement company that has a perfect reporting with the BBB and is IAPDA Certified, that company should handle all the negotiations before the debt consolidation and then they are sure to come out on top. End result with Debt Consolidation: Don't be silly, You Can Not Borrow Your Way Out Of Debt. Your simply moving accounts around, and in most cases, you end up in double the debt. Often, consumers will use the equity in their home for this, and they are simply trading the most secure assets they will ever own to replace credit card debt. Unless you have a plan in place to combat the debt, Debt Consolidation is foolish banking.
Bankruptcy: First, if you reside in any of the following states you need to consult and IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator before wasting money on a bankruptcy attorney. These states are Texas, North and South Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. These states are much more consumer friendly and Debt Settlement is most likely your best option. As most of you already know, the Federal rules of Bankruptcy have changed to the greater good of the creditor. See here rules of Bankruptcy, thought this is not legal advice, it comes from the FTC. This is a must read for those considering Bankruptcy. As an option to bring full resolve and complete satisfaction to both your finances and the needs of your creditor you need full disclosure from any source you seek information. Here are a few companies to look out for, and have a poor track record.
Credit Solution Of America (Addison Texas) Over 400 BBB Complaints
Financial Rescue ( FTC LAW SUIT FILED)
Debt XS (Poor BBB record)
These are examples on unsatisfactory records with the BBB., Governmental actions and clear poor practice. With any of these decisions, you should know there is no looking back as anytime you alter the original agreement with your creditor you will take on risk.

Tom Bates,CDA
CEO-President
Absolute Debt Solutions, Inc.
Absolute Credit Repair, Inc.
http://www.absolutedebtsolutions.com