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Be Sure to Ask These Questions Before You Hire a Debt Relief Organization

By: Chuck Yeager


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Questions you should ask a Debt Negotiation Business

Does the Business have an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau?

Always confirm with the BBB the rating of a Debt Management Company before you employ them. Don't just take the company's word for it. Telephone the BBB and inquire about the business.

How Much Does the Program Cost and When is the Compensation Received?

MosDebt Relief Organizations charge 15% to 20% of your total debt as compensation for their assistance. This compensation is calculated on the amount of debt you have when you enroll in the service and is received up front. With the organization's upfront fee taken out in the first 12 to 18 months, most of what you pay into their service is taken by them as compensation. Once they have collected their fee there is no incentive for them to do their job.

In a bona fide Debt Relief Plan you only pay a small admission fee to go into the Service, so what you pay into the Program is actually put aside and not eaten up in fees. The settlement fee is calculated on the amount forgiven by your creditors. This means the fee is based on the amount the business saves you. The organization should only take a settlement fee once a settlement has been reached. This empowers you to get out of debt much more rapidly and gives the business incentive to get you the best possible settlement!

Does the Debt Reduction Organization offer Debt and Credit Counseling?

MostDebt Reduction Organizations offer only debt settlement. A legitament Debt Assistance Company
will provide Credit and Debt counseling as well as Debt Consolidation and Debt Settlement Programs. Your Credit Counselor should help you consider all your options so you can decide which service is right for your situation and budget. The organization should not promote one service but should help you in choosing the best program for you.

How Long has the Debt Assistance Company Been in the Debt Assistance Business?

If it is brand new or a start up in the business, the business will have very little experience. Always be leery of a business that will not provide proof of their experience.

Can the Debt Settlement Organization Stop the Collection Agencies From Telephoning Me?

No Debt Relief Business can guarantee they will end all creditor calls. That is simply not feasible. Anyone that claims they will is not being honest.

Will The Debt Settlement Companies be making monthly payments to the Credit Card Companies?

The Credit Card Companies are not paid until an acceptable settlement is reached and agreed to. Therefore, Debt Negotiation Service Businesses do not make monthly payments to the collection agencies. That is simply how the service works. Any Debt Settlement Company telling you otherwise is not telling the truth.

Can I get sued?

A credit card company can always sue you. If you are informed of anything else, a red flag has just been raised. The debt negotiation organization is not telling the truth.

Will This Ruin my Credit Report?

Contrary to what you may think or believe, all debt assistance services will hurt your credit report. Think about it,you are in debt and are not paying as agreed. The debt management service is meant only as a management tool. However once your debt has been settled, your accounts will show a $0 balance and you will begin the process of reestablishing your credit report.

When Will I Get My First Settlement?

While this varies in every case, your first settlement will be made within the first 12 months from the start of your program. Any longer than 12 months is unreasonable and the business that informs you of this is not a good match for you.

Where is the Funds Kept While I'm Waiting on a Negotiation?

This is a very good question. Your funds should always be kept at a third party escrow business that is FDIC insured. Any business informing you to keep your own money or to send the funds to them is not the one for you. If you want to settle your debt, you need to have the money on hand to pay the credit card companies when the settlement is negotiated.

These questions are suggestions. The main point is to ask many questions and get the right answers to those questions. With your questions answered, you can find the Debt Assistance Organization Business that is right for you.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

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