There are so many options out there when it comes to getting rid of your debt. You’ve probably seen your share of television commercials touting a company’s good record. There are also hundreds of companies doing business online, and I bet you get spam emails about eliminating your debt or improving your credit score. But you can’t really trust a company doing business online. Your financial information could be stolen, and you might get in deeper debt. There are a few things you can do without the help of an outside source to get yourself out of the hole. Continue reading
Consumer Protection
Talking to Customer Service
Ever had a device fail? Unexplained charges on a bill? General confusion? Of course you have. And we’ve all called customer service at some time to complain/berate/get help.
But it takes two to tango— and customer service can’t do its job if you make your problem worse. Here are ways to avoid that and get what you need: Continue reading
FTC: American Tax Relief Ripped off 20,000 Clients
American Tax Relief claimed to be able to reduce the income tax bills of their clients. Their television commercials were compelling. To further attract clients, they mailed postcards to solicit the business of those hit with federal tax liens. Continue reading
Solvency Shark Angry: 240-374-5400
If 240-374-5400 calls, let it go to voice mail. Then delete it without a second thought. MY STORY: I was contacted by this number about three weeks ago and the person on the other end of the line left a message best described as hurried, garbled, and puzzling: Continue reading
Roni Deutch Scam One of Many
While Roni Deutch sales reps boast of a 99% success rate, barely 10% of their clients are actually granted a reduction in their tax bills. Based on these figures, it is expected that the total fees paid by clients greatly exceeds the total reductions in income taxes approved. California’s Attorney General labeled what has been called by many the Roni Deutch scam as a “heartless scheme” that swindled money from those with tax problems. Tax Lady Roni Deutch has aired hundreds of television commercials claiming that she has decades of experience in negotiating reductions in income tax bills. Continue reading
Beware of Debt Settlement Scams
If you are thinking about working with any debt settlement services, it is very important that you do your homework and find out what exactly you are getting yourself into. Credit card debt negotiation is usually a bad option for dealing with your debt, and you also run the risk of falling victim to debt settlement scams. Continue reading
Kramer, Meggison & Taylor LLC Replaces Defunct Mann Bracken
According to a statement from newly formed collection agency Kramer, Meggison & Taylor LLC, the firm has “no association with Mann Bracken, and just, several lawyers who worked together in the past formed a new firm to resurrect their careers.” I also heard from another source that bacon is now good for you. Continue reading
Debt Consolidation Claims Too Good to Be True?
Turn on a radio station or daytime TV, and you can hear the catchphrases: “Low monthly payment!” “Settle your debt!” “Free consultation!” Continue reading
FTC Puts Freeze on Debt Relief Robocalls
Rogue debt relief companies advertising through robocalls may no longer charge high upfront fees. That is the result of a Federal Trade Commission ruling that goes into effect October 27, 2010.
At issue is the practice of debt relief companies using auto dialers to contact thousands of people each day in order to push their financial products. The vast majority are debt settlement companies who prey on vulnerable debtors who are desperate to get help with their delinquent debt accounts. Continue reading
Common Sense ID Theft
By now you’ve heard the commercials for identity protection services like LifeLock. Is it worth you shelling out your bucks for peace of mind? Continue reading
powered by PFN Design Studios