Debt settlement companies do not have the best reputations. Horror stories of consumers paying thousands of dollars while receiving no benefit from these companies run rampant. Still, progress was made in September, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposing new regulations on debt relief and consolidation companies. These rules sought to protect vulnerable consumers looking to avoid bankruptcy and relieve their mounting credit card debt.
Essentially, the rules prohibited debt settlement companies from misleading consumers through advertisements that made outlandish claims through telemarketing, such as touting the ability to drastically cut or eliminate debts. Another important rule bans these companies from charging any upfront fees. Therefore, they are unable to collect any money before they have negotiated debts on behalf of the consumers.
If you have any questions on this topic or are in need of a financial fresh start, please contact our experienced team of bankruptcy and foreclosure defense attorneys at (305) 285-9100. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade & Garcia, P.A. website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
