debt relief

Simi Debt Relief Company helps woman solve credit card problems

Patricia Carter was nearing retirement when she found herself overwhelmed by debt in late 2009. Between eight credit cards, a bank loan and an automobile lease, she had combined debts exceeding $85,000. Bankruptcy wasn’t an option. She didn’t qualify. She had negotiated with two of her creditors, but that was going to take several years to clear those debts alone. She wanted out from under that burden. Today, all the debt is settled, though she still has some payments to make on the car. The dealmaker was Darrell Warner and his debt settlement business ACI-Solutions.com, based in Simi Valley. When Carter runs into someone who has similar financial troubles, she recommends Warner.

Does Your Debt Settlement Company Treat You Like You’re Just a Number?

The debt settlement industry has changed dramatically in the last few years. In 2007 there were more than 2000 debt settlement companies; now there are fewer than 200. Before December of 2010, bad debt settlement companies took money up-front and then never settled their client’s debt. In December 2010, the FTC amended the Telemarketing Sales Rule to protect consumers from these debt-relief scams.

4 Questions to Ask a BBB-Accredited Debt Settlement Company

Should you believe a debt settlement’s claim that they are BBB accredited? Make sure you ask the right questions before you choose a debt settlement company!

1. Did you receive your accreditation for debt settlement, or another service your company offers? Some companies have received accreditation with the Better Business Bureau for their credit counseling services, but they claim to have the accreditation

Why one debt settlement company over the other? Why ACI?

ACI is NOT like other debt settlement companies. The vast majority of other companies pay themselves before ever negotiating for you. They calculate what they think they will save you, determine their fee and then pay themselves first, before doing any of the work. Our fee structure is fair. Only after we negotiate a debt and finalize a settlement do we calculate and charge our fee. Other companies have programs that can last as long as 60 months. Our experience in the business has shown that going beyond 36 months can often be problematic. We are upfront and honest about debt settlement and the pros and cons that go along with it. We are here to advise you on the best course of action to reach your goal of becoming debt free.