Quick Answer: Litigation Practice Group appears to be attempting to poach a client from another debt settlement company with unrealistic promises of faster resolution. The widow should be cautious since her current company has already settled 3 of 5 accounts and online research reveals many negative complaints about Litigation Practice Group.
Question:
Dear Steve,
In January 2021, I signed with Worden & Associates/Global Holdings LLC to handle my Debt Settlement situation.
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
In the latest issue (Sep 22): The $1,000 retirement match in this week’s headlines has been law since 2022
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
At that time, I was $7186 in credit card debt. I was told it would take 4 1/2 years to make a $170.99 monthly payment. They have settled 3 of the five credit card companies. My credit reports now show my debt to be $10,758, no longer the $7186.
The Daily Money Brief — Free, at 10 AM
Money you may be owed, scams to dodge, and the fine print decoded — the consumer money news that affects your wallet, every weekday.
I started with. Do I think this is due to late charges from the five different companies? (any recourse?) Yesterday I had a conversation with Litigation Practice Group, LLC, Mr. Tony Soccoa, and he has encouraged me to cancel with Worden and go with his firm. He tells me that he can clear my debt in 21 months at $204 a month and request my money back from what is currently in my escrow account with the other company.
My question is, do I cancel and go with Litigation Practice Group, saving a lot of money in the long run? Is there a problem since Worden has settled 3 of the accounts? I researched Litigation Practice Group online and found many negative complaints. Can I get my money that is in escrow?
I don’t know what to do at this point. I’m a widow, 75, living on my social security, and would appreciate your guidance and assistance. This is very upsetting to me, not knowing which way to turn.
Carol
Answer:
Dear Carol,
It sounds like one debt relief company is trying to poach you from another debt relief company.
There are so many issues here to consider. While you say Litigation Practice Group has settled three accounts, it appears what they have done is reached an agreement with three creditors, but you’d have to check your account with each creditor to confirm payments are being made.
Additionally, you can ask Litigation Practice Group for details on the settlement agreements they entered into.
It sounds to me that all Worden & Associates has given you so far is just a marketing pitch they will do better. But will they?
I would recommend that anyone considering using such a company should read the following free guides.
- The Ultimate Consumer Guide to Checking Out a Debt Relief Company Before You Sign On the Line
- 10 Must Do Steps to Find the Best Counseling or Settlement Company for You
- How to Check Out a Business or Company to Avoid Getting Scammed or Ripped Off
We don’t even know if the settlement approach is the most logical approach, given your situation. For example, if you live on Social Security or benefits, you might not even need to repay the debt. You also have to consider if you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to eliminate your debt in about 90 days for less than $2,000.
Before you jumped to switch companies, I think it makes logical sense to discuss your overall situation with an independent third party like Damon Day.
Otherwise, all you are doing to staying or leaving one company blindly based on a past or current sales pitch.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
Id never trust an attorney/company that has to bash another company to poach their clients, it’s dirty business and says a lot about ones character.
Amen.
Asked question.
Answered.