Debt settlement companies have largely started cropping up in the past few years as an alternative to bankruptcy. In theory, these companies are supposed to act as a sort of savings account while you save up a large lump sum of money. Once all the money is saved up, the company is supposed to negotiate with creditors to pay off unsecured debt. In reality, these companies will charge you excessive fees (some states have outlawed these companies because of these fees) and offer NO legal protection whatsoever from lawsuits, garnishments and/or collection calls.
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