If you are a cash-strapped consumer who is considering soliciting the help of a debt settlement company, it is important that you carefully consider your options before making a commitment. Although they make bold claims and promises about their ability to negotiate with lenders on the behalf of their clients, debt negotiation programs have been hit with a firestorm of criticism in recent years. Many critics have claimed that these firms often employ very questionable business practices, which can be partially substantiated by perusing the thousands of online reviews and complaints left by irate customers. In fact, in a number of states, lawmakers have taken action to curtail the activities of for-profit debt negotiation firms, with a few states even opting to ban the practice outright. Before you make a commitment to work with a debt negotiation firm, it may be beneficial to seek out other alternatives, such as working with a non-profit credit counseling organization or contracting the services of a debt negotiation attorney.