Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:10 am Hi guys, I read somewhere that  it's not a good idea to do business with Debt Reduction Law Center, Irvine -- why is that?

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:25 am Hi guys, I read somewhere that  it's not a good idea to do business with Debt Reduction Law Center, Irvine -- why is that?I don't know about "not good" for I haven't done business with them yet. I looked them up at the BBB site though, and here's what I got:-not accredited by the BBB-F rating-been in business since 2005-has 1 unanswered complaint

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:27 am Oh, I see..and I also read that it's connected with Law Offices of Emilio Francisco & Associates?How would I know if a debt settlement company is legitimate? It's confusing reading about them online..

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:29 am Hi there, instead of focusing on Debt Reduction Law Center, Irvine -- here's a guideline for you to read, about what a legitimate debt settlement company should have/be:-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

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:37 am I agree with chelsea and here is where to find them online:Better Business Bureau BBB www.bbb.orgTASC www.tascsite.orgUSOBA www.usoba.orgIAPDA www.iapda.orgConsumers should really do their homework when it comes to where to put their money, if they get scammed, nobody else should be blamed but themselves. Especially given these kind of information.

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:40 am Speaking of legitimate settlement companies, whether it's like Debt Reduction Law Center, in Irvine (Law office plus debt settlement company) or just a straight up settlement company - please be informed that the industry price is:15% of the total debt amount and spread over 18 months or a percentage of the settlement amount ( 20-25%.)

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 4:43 am Another reminder, those guidelines that the others have mentioned do not guarantee a successful settlement program for you....what it does is eliminate dodgy companies.You and the company/program must be a match. It's like two very good dancers dancing together, they may be very good individually, but are they very good together? Destroydebt.com can match you up to the right company/program for free, just fill out a form.

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 8:06 pm Hi! I was looking for info about them as a favor for a friend and stumbled across this thread. What I saw about them online was confusing as Creek Kids said. Some were really bad stories but there were several that seemed ok (like people who actually called debt reduction law center to inquire). The BBB rating is a bit of a turn-off but I wouldn't base my decision solely on third party certifying companies as some of these organizations give added privileges to paying subscribers. The guidelines posted here seem to be a good foundation for weeding out substandard companies but I think the best way to find out is to contact them and ask a lot of questions. How a company answers inquiries often says a lot about how they handle deals and clients.

Posted on November 9, 2009 at 11:42 pm Thanks for your input Mina! Of course it's also important to know what are the right questions to ask. You can find list of the right questions to ask a potential debt relief agency here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre38.shtm