Debt settlement companies

There is a lot to learn about debt settlement but the most important thing you can do is find a good company. The majority of companies out there are a rip off or scam, so how do you protect yourself.

1. Check their record with the Better Business Bureaus and see if they have any complaints and how long they have been in business. A good company should have been in business at least 5 years and that way you know they aren't just a rookie start up company. They don't have to be registered with the BBB they just have to have a perfect record. http://search.bbb.org/Results.aspx?s=debt+settlement
2. Stay away from any company that is in the state of Florida because they are not regulated.
3. Make sure the company is BSI certified with TASC and has the logo on their web site. http://www.neweradebt.com/BSI_NewEra.htm TASC stands for The Association of Debt Settlement Companies. The goal of TASC is to promote solid practices in the debt settlement industry and protect the interest of consumers and debtors. BSI certified means that they are audited and have people come in and look at how the company is set up and privately screen their calls to make sure what they are saying is correct. http://www.bsi-global.com/
   
4. Make sure the person you are talking with on the phone is IAPDA certified. This would mean the person has been through training with an outside company on the ways of debt settlement. http://www.iapda.org/about-the-iapda.php
5. Make sure the company is part of USOBA http://www.usoba.org/ USOBA is there to represent the debt negotiation industry by creating state specific agendas and to advocate for fair regulation and protection of consumers.