Quick Answer: A consumer paid Debt Defense Services $7,936 in January but received no collection letters or meaningful assistance with their debt situation. The Maryland-based company promised a refund discussion but failed to return calls, suggesting potential fraudulent practices in the debt settlement industry.
Consumer Statement:
I believe that Debt Defense Services in Maryland is a scam, as I provided them with a substantial amount of money back at the end of January for my debt situation!! For four of my credit cards they said to not pay anything on my balances and to let them go into third party collection, and then to send DDS any collection letters which I receive. I did not receive any letters and my wife and I decided to begin making substantial payments to get my VISA credit card accounts up-to-date to try to at least get my credit score sort of improved!! I’m now current with all of my credit card payments and hope to be able with my wife’s help to be able to get out of debt eventually!!!
Consumer Action Taken:
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 (Oct 8): A parent's nursing home bill can become yours
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.
My wife and I called DDS last Friday (July 26th) and talked with a representative there, and he said that they would talk with their accounting dept. about a full refund or part of one at least and call us back Monday!!! We have not heard from them this week, and I’ve called them three or four times and left word for them to please call me and I have not heard from them!! Please try to help us concerning this matter!!! Thank you very much!!!
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.
Date This Problem Happened: July 26, 2013
State You Live in: Georgia
Race/Ethnicity: White
Age Range: 66+
Total Amount of Fee Paid: $7,936
Company Name: Debt Defense Services
Company Address: Baltimore, Maryland
Company Telephone Number: 443-320-2445
Website of Company: debtdefenseservices.org
If you feel you’ve been financially hurt by a debt relief company and deserve a refund, read these step-by-step instructions on how to proceed to attempt to get your money back.
If you do get your money back, come back and leave a comment about it. I’d love to praise companies that step-up and do the right thing for people.
Scam reports are submitted by consumers like you. If you would like to file a scam report, please click here.
If you are the company named in this report and you want to respond, please read How to Handle a Consumer Complaint Like a Pro And Come Out Smelling Like a Rose
Before You Sign Anything: Run any debt relief contract through the free Contract Decoder to spot hidden fees and unfair terms. Check the company’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Compare Your Real Options: Most debt relief companies won’t tell you about all your options — especially the ones they can’t profit from. Credit counseling has a 21-27% completion rate. Settlement resolves about 1% of enrolled debts fully. Bankruptcy has a 95% discharge rate — and protects your retirement. Take the Find Your Path quiz for a recommendation based on your actual numbers.
