If you are facing a mounting level of debt that has you wondering if you'll ever escape, there are options for lowering that debt and heading toward financial freedom. One of those methods is by reaching a debt negotiation settlement with your creditors. That means that they are aware of your credit problems and have agreed to lower interest rates or payment amounts to make it easier for you to make your payments each month. In some cases, however, creditors are unwilling to negotiate with cardholders. In those situations, there are debt negotiation companies that will do the negotiating for you for a fee. Another option is a debt settlement company that negotiates with creditors to reach a lump sum payoff amount that is lower than your remaining balance. The settlement will, however, satisfy your debt and leave you free to rebuild your credit status over time. Again, a debt settlement company will perform this service for a fee. If you find that your debt negotiation or settlement company has taken advantage of you, however, you have the right to contact an attorney to file a claim against them.