FTC.gov “Knee Deep in Debt”
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre19.shtm
This is a useful summary of a consumer’s options when dealing with debt problems by an objective third-party source. Keep in mind that this article paints a very negative portrait of debt settlement based on their research of companies they’ve investigated because of complaints. While debt settlement is certainly not guaranteed to succeed, neither is a debt management plan, which the FTC paints in far more favorable light despite statistics showing that 70% of these plans fail.
FTC.gov “Debt Collection Rights”
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm
This page summarizes important information about your rights when dealing with debt collectors. Your rights, elucidated in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), protect you from harassment from third-party debt collection agencies and law firms. These laws do not protect you, however, from harassment from original creditors, such as credit card companies.
FTC “Advance Fee Ban for Debt Relief Services”
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/tsr.shtm
This is a press releases issued by the FTC in 2010 announcing a new rule banning debt relief companies from charging fees up front to consumers. This rule has been skirted by many companies who have aligned with non-profits and lawyers in order to continue charging advance fees. Hamilton Debt Relief is 100% FTC-compliant.
GetOutOfDebt.org
Steve Rhode is a credit-counseling exec utive turned debt relief blogger. Here you’ll find great resources including calculators, investigative reports, and articles on debt topics.
PayingPaul.com
PayingPaul.com is a website that provides a great deal of reviews about debt relief companies, calculators, and articles about “debt consolidation without a loan.”
CreditInfoCenter.com
http://www.creditinfocenter.com
This website is a useful resource for people who are considering do-it-yourself debt settlement or need help with old debt or collector harassment.