15 New Federal Lawsuits Filed Against Debt-Relief Companies Since May
15 federal lawsuits hit debt-relief and credit-repair companies since May. Here is who is on the docket and how to check any company first.
Accredited Debt Relief
Is Accredited Debt Relief Legit in 2026? Here’s How to Find Out
Accredited Debt Relief is a for-profit debt settlement company. Before you enroll, here’s how to research them yourself — CFPB complaints, enforcement history, Trustpilot patterns, and the five questions you need answered in writing.
Is Forbes Advisor a Debt Relief Lead Generator? A Review of Their Disclosure Practices
Forbes Advisor earns referral fees from the debt relief companies it ranks. This educational review examines their advertiser disclosures, Facebook ad practices, and whether the commercial relationship is visible enough for unsophisticated consumers to recognize before submitting personal financial information.
Who Really Funds Your Debt Settlement Company? Follow the Money
I found something in ClearOne Advantage corporate filings that led me down a rabbit hole. The same PE firm funds the two biggest debt settlement companies.
CDRI vs AFCC: Is Either Group Legit?
Quick Answer: Both CDRI and AFCC appear to be industry trade groups focused on protecting debt settlement company fees rather than consumer interests. The Consumer Debt Relief Initiative (CDRI) launched in January 2021 claiming to protect consumer access to debt settlement, but their messaging suggests prioritizing industry profits over acknowledging faster alternatives like bankruptcy.An email …
Accredited Debt Relief Review: Is It Legit?
Quick Answer: Accredited Debt Relief appears legitimate as a debt settlement company, but their marketing materials contradict themselves by portraying bankruptcy negatively in promotional content while acknowledging its benefits elsewhere. This inconsistent messaging raises questions about their transparency and whether they prioritize steering customers toward their services over providing balanced debt relief information.I received a …
CRL Debt Settlement Warning: Is It Fair?
Quick Answer: The Center for Responsible Lending found debt settlement effectiveness questionable, determining consumers must settle at least two-thirds of their debts to improve their financial position. Many consumers cannot predict completion likelihood due to unpredictable factors like tax liability, lawsuits, and inability to complete settlement payments.The Center for Responsible Lending just released a paper …
Robert Jacovetti Law Office: What to Know
Quick Answer: Robert Jacovetti Law Office claims to eliminate unsecured debt by finding flaws in credit card company practices, but consumers should verify legitimacy before paying fees. Debt settlement approaches often fail, and individuals may benefit from exploring all debt relief options including bankruptcy consultation.“Dear Steve,I was scammed by Lloyd Ward debt relief and m …
SSI and Debt Settlement: Is It Legit for Mom?
Quick Answer: Debt settlement is not recommended for a 63-year-old mother on SSI with $19K in credit card and medical debt. SSI income is protected from garnishment, so she has no legal obligation to pay if she lacks other assets or home equity.“Dear Steve,My mom is 63 years old and was recently divorced and left …
Debt Default on Fixed Income: What to Do
Quick Answer: For someone on fixed income struggling with high credit card interest rates but making payments on time, credit counseling offers a better solution than defaulting as suggested by debt relief companies. Credit counseling can help negotiate lower interest rates on the $13,000 total debt without damaging credit scores through intentional defaults — but …
