When you are stuck in difficult financial circumstances and facing a period of hardship, it can be easy to fall prey to the bold claims and promises of a debt settlement company that says it can stop the collection calls and get the creditors off your back once and for all. In truth, however, many of the claims made by debt reduction agencies prove to be false in the long term. Recent investigations of the industry have revealed that as little as one percent of all the customers who have been served in the debt reduction industry report finished their prescribed debt relief program and reported satisfaction with the way their case was handled. In many states, consumer complaints have triggered investigations of the industry, resulting in a number of states imposing harsh regulations on the industry and outlawing questionable business practices. However, if you have carefully considered your options and feel confident that working with a debt reduction agency is the right choice for you, be sure to research the firm you have selected and thoroughly examine their track record before making a commitment.