Debt Settlement Company?
931329
Debt settlement companies have a variety of different ways to prove their legitmacy.  USOBA and TASC are both independant regulatory commissions that provide the guidelines to the debt settlement companies in order to help them and their clients with crisp information for the settlement process.\n\nDebt settlement is for consumers that are already in a hardship situation and it is the only recognized alternative to a bankruptcy.  Many judges in CA, NJ, NY, OH, IL, AR, AZ, and MA have sent consumers out to debt settlement companies such as http://www.fdnsolutions.com and http://www.1800debtsettlement.com in order for two things to happen.  The first is that the consumer can avoid the disaster of the bankruptcy remaining on the consumer's public file forever with the new BK law.  Secondly according to the payment structure set forth in the new BK law the payments in the BK are in most cases higher than the payments in a BK.  The settlement process can be risky and actual results may vary but the negative consequences of a BK are for sure.\n\nThe main reason to seek out debt relief through debt settlement is to increase the available cash flow in your household.  That is for sure when you will know that a debt settlement company is right for you.
391715
Talk seriously with the company or loan agent.  Lay down your cards.  They will be happy to know that your are sincere and willing to pay under reconstruction basis.  It pays to be honest and pay your debts.  Most people I know are not responsible enough.  I am proud of you.  Goooooooooo. Boy.  They'll understand you.  Trust me.
968176
You've recognized you have a problem and that is always the first step.  There are certain debt management companies who have been cited for fraud.  Be careful who you choose.  Look for any complaints filed with the BBB before paying for the services of debt management company.  Debt management services can be expensive and may not produce the results you need.\n\nTry the suggestions given at www.MoneyExposed.com.  If you are committed to reducing your debt, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to do it.
972602
Yes I do! But read because its not just that simple\n\n\nThat’s good that you tried to repair your credit yourself before you decided to pay someone. Now that you know how aggravating the credit bureaus are to deal with, you need to find a legitimate company. Let me tell you; they are far and few between. I tried to repair my credit myself and gave up. Then I hired a company in California called a “Fresh Start” they charged me $695 and stole my money. I never heard back from them. It turns out it was a complete scam. \n\nStill very serious and skeptical about repairing my credit, the 2nd time around, I researched quite a few different companies. I finally decided on a company in Florida called Credit Network. They are a smaller company and they really know what they are doing. They also didn’t charge anything upfront except for a small setup fee, after that they charge $49 mo, after the work is performed for the previous month. When I started I had 73 negative items between all 3 bureaus! That was about 8 months ago, and they have deleted all but 17 bad items. They were realistic when they said it could take over a year, buts that’s fine with me, because they followed through on what they said.     \n\nSomething very important….. The bad debts that you say you owe; you need to pay them off. I don’t care if you settle them or pay them in full, eventually you need to pay them off because if you don’t, there is a very good possibility they will pop back up on your credit after you delete them. I was told that debts get sold and resold, even after the statute of limitations. So if you are as serious as you sound about repairing your credit, you have to pay them off!! \n\nOh yeah, here is the link to them http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/credit_repair_service.htm  \n\nand the home page: \nhttp://www.expert-credit-advice.com/
338466
Perhaps instead of a debt consolidation your in need of a credit repair company, as these old debts have been charged-off already.?
947220
I have used a company that  did a good job. I had less debt then you and they were able to settle all of the accounts for less then 50%. One citybank account that was sent to nco financial was settled for 20%.  link you asked for: http://www.expert-credit-advice.com/debt_settlement_service.htm  You should also look up anyone you are considering at http://bbb.com . good luck.
825485
I have worked in collections for 10 years and debt mediation is not the road to take. First of all they say they are non-profit but most will ask for contribution to help you out. Then you have to realize most of your creditors do not participate in those programs, you can consolidate your debt by your self if you take the time.
1021672
It sounds like you are earnestly trying to do something about a debt situation and I admire that. It sometimes takes much effort to get to where you want to be and sometimes you can't do it by yourself. I can make some recommendations based on experience, as I was once a financial counselor and am currently on a debt management program. Debt management is sometimes the only way that you will be able to show your creditors that you are trying to turn a new leaf. \n\nNow, I haven't heard about Ammend Credit Counseling, but that doesn't mean too much as there are probably hundreds of debt management programs out there. The important thing is to find a reputable one that best suits your needs. In case you are interested in contacting a counselor, make sure you look for these things in a company:\n\n1) A company who is genuinely trying to help consumers. A company who is looking for the consumer's best interests will not only counsel you, but they may take you through a budget, analyze your situation, provide free financial material, etc. In other words they don't just try to enroll you. You should never feel pressured. I went to the website of Ammend Credit Counseling and there didn't seem to be too much on the site about financial health, tips or advice. That doesnt' mean that they don't send you information, but you may want to check to see how concerned they are about their consumers. \n2) A company who is non-profit, certified, and has a good track record with the BBB. A company who is non-profit may ask for a donation but it is purely voluntary. All your payments should go to your creditors. Also there are regulation agencies in place to weed out the "shady" companies, so you should make sure they are certified and a responsible member of the BBB. I am not sure who certifies Ammend Credit, but you should ask. I also checked them on the BBB and they have an average number of complaints (which is expected in this industry, you can never make everyone happy!), but almost all of them have been resolved. Thats the important thing you are looking for. \n3) You also want a company that answers all your questions. You probably have lots of questions, but a caring counselor will walk you through step by step, and explain thoroughly every step of the process. \n\nSo if you are interested in the company I worked for, it is http://www.incharge.org . If you are interested in the company I have an account with, it is http://www.careonecredit.org/ . If you want to find companies in your area accredited by the AICCCA (Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies), then you can go to their website http://www.aiccca.org . Both of the companies I mentioned are registered with the BBB and have outstanding reputations. \n\nThere are plenty out there though, so you should find the one that best suits your needs. I hope that you get to where you want to be and don't ever give up! Patience will heal your credit. There is no quick answer. Good Luck!
836074
They are always open to negotiation as they do not want to lose out completely on a debt. They may prefer a small monthly amount each month to show you are serious. Go into the bank and have a chat.
387028
I work for a debt management company. I have heard of them they are a genuine creditor. If they are a good company or if that is a good deal I don't know. What they are offering is typically called a pre-paid or partially prepaid credit card. they are very common when you are rebuilding your credit. there are more well known companies that you could go through- talk to your bank, and I think paypal offers one
289515
I think you may mean "Equifax." They're one of the credit reporting companies. Their site is www.equifax.com
37131
i would be careful.  they are trying to "reage" the old debt.  See on old debt time runs out that they can contact you, and also put it on your credit score, so they are trying to keep coming after you.\n\nIf it is your debt think about paying it off, if for some reason it is debt that is not yours, throw the paper away and do not do it.\n\nhttp://moremerchant.com probably has info on it.
159997
You would want to get in with a company that is non profit as you stated in your question.  Other companies charge you a fee for doing this for you, as much as 50.00 a month.  Consolidated Credit Counselors is a company I used before the only problem I had with them is the agreement they have with the issuing banks it to make payments that is 5% of what you owe.  That was too high for me so I had no other choice but to do a bankruptcy.  In time your credit rating will improve.  But by taking action and just not walking away will definately improve your credit rating.
604090
Its really hard to tell how much you can get anyway with paying. I use to do this kind of work. So it depends on how long you have owed them, was you credit good (always made payments on time) until this happened or it was a little rocky sometimes,then what kind of finance company was it ( automobile, private loan from a bank or credit card co, home buying) & has it gone into collections yet?? All these things sometimes makes a difference. But you can always make them an offer. Cause they have told you what the debit was, what they would settle for. So now I would make them an offer. Maybe start with whatever $ amount you can pay right now..then if that fails then offer a little more but it will take you a little bit longer to pay that $ amount. And just go from there. If all else fells, make 1 lump sum, & payments on the rest. BEST OF WISHES, I KNOW ITS HARD!!
1100133
Always check out a company through the Better Business Bureau: http://search.bbb.org/\n\nFor a nonprofit, use one listed with the NFCC or AICCCA: http://www.debtadvice.org/takethefirststep/locator.html\nhttp://www.aiccca.org/ \n\nFor self-help guidance, consult the debt articles on Bankrate.com. All the advice is free. Good luck!
321813
If you are in the UK you can pursue an arrestment on the company ... this is VERY effective.\n\nIf you can prove the debt (without doubt) and the company cannot give a good reason for not paying you can petition the court for a winding up order.\n\nBest bet is hit the Citizens advice bureau (or quick chat with your solicitor if he will do it free!).\n\nGood luck.
457309
Yes.  What the company that charged off the credit card did, was to sell your contract (account) to the collection agency/attorney that is calling you.  They can take you to court and sue for a judgment against you.  If you own a house they can put a lien on it. They can also demand $35 a week (or the sum the judge says) until the debt is payed off. Or, attach your wages.\n\nYou do have rights regarding their right to call.  You could call your State Attorney General to find out your rights.  (I know, after a while you want to disconnect the phone and except calls from no one.  I found it very depressing.)\n\nThe best thing is to eventually negotiate a settlement with them.  I think it is better to do this before it goes to judgment.  Also, Stay up with the court procedures.  As soon as you get served go to the Court house and fill out the form "Appearance".  I think if you look like a fighter they will be more willing to negotiate to a lower settlement.\n\nI got a lot of help from:\n\nwww.creditinfocenter.com\n\nGood luck!