by D. Hogan

Created on: February 18, 2009

This is a difficult question to answer because they are often intermingled with the scammers and rip-offs. The biggest problem is the number of advertisements you are exposed to regarding debt problems. Since we are a consumer based society driven by exposure through advertisement we will generally go looking for whatever service we may need via media or internet advertising. This is a major concern considering that within the debt assistance marketplace the majority of the advertising is done by companies that are simply generating leads to sell to the actual business that provide the services. The technology used in this process often has you believing that you are calling the service provider directly. They will use a process labeled "Live Transfer". It works by you calling the number and the advertising company screens you with some basic information questions. They then tell you they will transfer you to a "debt specialist" who is usually nothing more than a scripted salesperson for the actual debt management company. To find the real negotiators, mediators, and arbitrators that are truly going to use their talent to work for you you should look for people and/or companies that provide these services to different types of customers rather than exclusively for debt. Try searching for these three terms without including "debt". Many of these "true" negotiators can be found as business consultants or Mediation and Arbitration companies that offer negotiating as one of their services. You can also search the debt subject under "Attorneys" or "Lawyers" but make sure that you are talking directly with an attorney and not just someone "associated" with them. The best way to decide on an honorable company or individual to deal with is to follow these simple guidelines.

1. Do not necessarily select the company that simply offers the lowest fees for their service. This could just be a way of selling you.

2. Always insist on talking directly to the person that will be doing the negotiating. Do not settle for his/her "assistant".

3. Deal only with companies or individuals that allow you to preview, verify. and reject any settlement offer you do not like.

4. Make sure that when signing a Power of Attorney that it specifically states "..limited to the purpose of negotiating your debt .." or something to that effect and that it "may be severed, by either party, at any time with reasonable notice ".

5. To protect yourself work only with companies that do not request you pay

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