If you are looking for a debt settlement company in Oregon or anywhere else in the country for that matter, there are 5 things to look for:
5 Things to Look for in an Oregon Debt Settlement Company
#1 Visit the Debt Settlement Companie's Website
Does the website offer in depth information, or is it just a landing page to capture your contact information?
- Detailed information about your choices when faced with debt
- A blog that contains all kinds of vital information on a variety of topics
- Free downloads to useful tools
- Free consultation with a debt specialist
#2 Check their BBB Rating
What is the companies Better Business Bureau rating? It is not essential that the company be "accredited" with the BBB.
In fact, the BBB is a private company that makes it's money from providing information about other companies for profit. To be "accredited", a company must pay an annual fee.
Focus on their BBB rating and complaint history!
# 3 Check to see if the company is registered with the state?
For example, any company that offers Debt Management, Debt Settlement or basically anything having to do with finance, must be registered with the Oregon Division of Finance.
There was an interesting article in the Oregonian today about an out-of-state debt settlement company that was fined for financially abusing elderly customers, so be careful and do your homework.
# 4 Go with Your Gut.
When you call the Debt Settlement Company do you feel like it is trying to help you or just trying to get you to sign up? Having too much debt is very stressful and the last thing you need is to have someone try to give you a "one size fits all" approach to your problem.
A professional, quality debt settlement company will spend a lot of time discussing and counseling with you to determine what your best options are.
If you contact a debt settlement company and all they offer is debt settlement, HANG UP!
Your situation is unique and the answer could be one of several options including:
- Debt Management
- Debt Settlement
- Bankruptcy
- Credit Report Errors of Correction
# 5 Trust your Debt Solutions Specialist
You should feel like the person you are speaking with is knowledgeable, patient, thorough, and experienced. If not, then trust your feelings and keep looking!
