I worked for the US Government for 20 years before illness forced me into disability retirement. Medical expenses, desperation, and stupidity lured me into calling Debt Settlement USA when my credit card and other debt became too much to handle. Big mistake!
When I first called, they talked a good game. They would represent me and be my power of attorney against my creditors. All I had to do was pay them $806.02 per month and save $200.00 per month and all would be fine.in 36 months I would be able to pay my creditors off at a greatly reduced rate. The one good suggestion was to close my checking and savings accounts at the bank where I owed them so much money. I then asked the representative if I should take out my CD. He said no, the bank couldn't touch it.
What they didn't tell me, and what I stupidly didn't ask until much later, was that I would have to pay the creditors a lump sum payment. I had imagined paying a manageable monthly amount.
Meanwhile, the harrasing phone calls started, along with threatening letters in the mail. I dutifully faxed all the letters to Debt Settlement USA. I e-mailed my negotiator each month advising him of my progress, or more often, lack of same. My medical expenses got worse and my 10 year-old car had major repairs just when I could least afford them. My negotiator never called me until two weeks ago. When he called, I advised him of my financial difficulties. His advice? It is imperative that I save $200/month. I thought, "How? Should I rob a bank?"
Yesterday, Bank of America, to whom I owed the most money, called and told me they were taking my CD as partial payment on my debt. Recalling Debt Settlement USA's sage advice that the bank couldn't touch my CD, I told them they couldn't do that. Bank of America responded, "Oh yes we can."
I immediately called Debt Settlement USA and spoke with my negotiator, Zane. I never cursed or insulted him, but I did tell him what occurred, and yes, I was upset and angry. I was counting on that CD, which was to mature in a month, to help pay my mortgage and other expenses. I will probably lose my home because of Debt Settlement USA's mistake.
But instead of commiserating and trying to help me out, Zane immediately got angry and lectured me that he didn't have to take any abuse from me. He then told me his manager was out to lunch but would call me when he returned. The manager never called.
I am paying over $800/month for nothing. I still get harassed by my creditors; Bank of America took my CD, although Debt Settlement USA said they couldn't; they never told me I'd have to pay my creditors all at once; they don't do anything except say "keep saving." Stay away from this company! It's too late for me. That $800 each month could go a long way, but instead I'm just making Debt Settlement USA a lot richer. They'll probably cost me my home. Don't let it happen to you. I hope my stupid mistake may help others.
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