Debt Free Associates

lemon heads
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 2:40 am

Hi you guys, has anybody worked with Debt Free Associates here? What can you say about them?

maybemaybemaybe
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:00 am

Debt Free Associates

I checked them out with the BBB (bbb.org) for you and here's what I got:

-This business is not a BBB Accredited Business
-(D- rating)
-Original Business Start Date: 2/7/2006
-BBB processed a total of 11 complaint(s) about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 11 complaint(s) closed in the last 36 months, 8 were closed in the last 12 months.

If you want to read more, here:

http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/debt-negotiationsettlement-companies/debt-free-associates-in-carlsbad-ca-171986863/

papa dont preach
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:02 am

Debt Free Associates

Oh thanks for that link, I read that the complaints are mostly about service issues and refund or exchange issues...'wonder what those mean..

Bad you think?

kelliepickles
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:06 am

Debt Free Associates

Mhmm not necessarily...it also says that they have resolved 9 complaints and they've been in business since 2006...I say, they are alright. There are just a misunderstandings and I think it's present with any debt settlement company.

lemon heads
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:08 am

Oh thanks! That was quick. One more question - how does the BBB arrive at that report? How do they determine a d- rating, for example?

Wendie
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:11 am

I don't know how to answer your first question, but here is a link about the rating:

http://www.bbb.org/business-reviews/ratings/

peterpanamerican
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:13 am

I'll just add to that:

BBB ratings on a debt settlement company are based on the following:

-accreditation with the BBB
-how long the industry has been in operation
-how long the debt settlement company's been in operation
-if the government has taken an action against the company
-number of complaints filed against the company, and whether it was resolved or not
-if there's any advertising issues against the company
-if the company has supplied the BBB with a clear and sufficient profile of their operation

So is Debt Free Associates a good settlement company? What makes a good debt settlement company anyway?

you'vesimplybroughtthismadnesstolight
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:15 am

What makes a good debt settlement company anyway?

-The settlement company's program must have a fast completion time. 12-36 months.
-The program must be able to protect and improvethe consumer's credit standing.
-Must be a member of the Better Business Bureau, BBB, for at least 5 years.
-Must also have a good standing with the Chamber of Commerce
-A Member of TASC - The Association Of Settlement Companies and the IAPDA or the
International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators

capri
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:23 am

Debt Free Associates

Not a member of the BBB but they are a member of both TASC and IAPDA though..

stephanie sunshine
Rep Points:

Posted on November 5, 2009 at 3:33 am

Alright you guys, even if all the criteria is met - it doesn't translate to a successful settlement for the consumer. All it does is assure the consumer that the company is not one of those fly by nights.

The consumer's situation must match that of the settlement company's program.