I Want to Know if Debt Smart America is An Honest Company. – Alberto

“Dear Mitch,

In debt with American Express. I was paying every month an amount their consultants would instruct me to pay in order to keep my card active. One day they simply shut down my ability to use my card and demanded full payment. It was only at this point that I stoped making payment to American Express.

I want to know if Debt Smart America is an honest company? They made me this offer but never followed through with me:

“I am glad we had a chance to speak; I really believe our debt management program will be the best choice to help you get out of debt.

Based on the information you gave us, on a total of $23,000. in unsecured debt, we may be able to negotiate away as much as $13,800.00

Your monthly payment would be roughly $437.50 per month. There are no pre-payment penalties or upfront fees associated with our program.

As a client our program will provide you with relief in the following areas:

One combined low monthly payment

1. Reduction of your overall principal balance up to 60%

2. Helping you get out of unsecured debt within 2-4 years if not sooner, there are no early repayment penalties

3. Reduce the amount of collector calls and harassment”

Alberto

Dear Alberto,

American Express was within its right to shut down your account if you were not paying the minimum amount required by the agreement. When that happens the creditor almost always demands the entire amount due.

You have a few options. First, know that no company can do for you what you cannot do yourself. Contact the creditor and try to negotiate the debt or interest rate down. If that doesn’t work, contact a local consumer law attorney for a consult about bankruptcy.

Mitchell Goldstein is an attorney licensed in Virginia. His practice focus is consumer bankruptcy, mortgage and debt defense and technology issues. He is a proud member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) and National Association of Consumer Attorneys (NACA). His goal is to educate people with solid advice and give guidance to consumers to help them made decisions that impact their financial well-being.

Legal Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as legal advice. It also does not create an attorney-client relationship. No such relationship is formed with attorney without a written agreement.