My debt settlement company has charged more over $5,000 so far and all I have to show for it is a busted credit rating and lawsuits from two creditors. The company's ripped me off badly. What can I do about these crooks?
Fortunately, there are several different options available to you.
First, if you believe the company either breached its contract (that is, did not deliver the service or results that it contractually promised to, or charged more than it was supposed to) or that it defrauded you (lied to you, to get you to give the company money), you may have a lawsuit against the debt settlement company. In these cases, you could potentially recover the money you have paid the company and/or any additional economic losses or cost you have incurred. You should consult with an attorney, who can evaluate the strength of your case, what it might be worth economically, and what it might cost to pursue it.
You could report the company to the state Attorney General's Office, in either your state or the state where the company is established. The Attorney General's Office may take action against a fraudulent or deceptive debt settlement company.
You could also report the company to the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, which plays a large role in regulating consumer credit and debt collection.
You might also report the company to the Better Business Bureau.
Note that of these options, bringing a lawsuit yourself is probably the most likely one to get your money back.