Consumer attorney’s advice on debt settlement scams

Even Hulk Hogan has pitched for debt settlement firms. Image: Velvet Android, Flickr

Anne Hansen, a Minnesota-based consumer attorney, re-blogged our piece this morning on the scammy leanings of debt settlement companies.

As an attorney representing consumers, who likely feel the pain of these scams, Hansen has some advice on the best way to eliminate or deal with the threat they pose (all bold fonts are hers):

Write to your favorite radio and TV stations, and ask them to STOP running ads from debt settlement companies.  Media outlets that report on consumers who are ripped off by these shady outfits should NOT be profiting from those same scams by accepting their advertising dollars.  If your local station(s) hear from enough consumers, maybe they’ll start listening and taking more responsibility for the ads they air.

Check with the MN Dept. of Commerce before signing up with any entity that promises to fix your finances.  Better yet, stick with LSS.  They’re a legit non-profit with certified financial counselors who actually give a darn about helping consumers.

If you’ve been conned, call a consumer rights lawyer or file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office.

I’d also point out, after talking to consumer advocates, that the Minnesota Department of Commerce also takes complaints. Because they avoid trials, they can often take action against companies faster than the attorney general’s office.