Archive for the ‘USOBA’ Category

Dave Aronberg for Attorney General

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

We need people like Dave Aronberg, candidate for Florida’s Attorney General, to be an advocate for consumer rights and protection of the debt settlement industry. Dave Aronberg has attended several USOBA conferences and has a great understanding of the debt settlement industry and how it helps a great number of consumers struggling with credit card debt. If you would like to support his campaign and his passion for being the people’s advocate, you can visit his website to make a donation:

Donate to Dave Aronberg- Florida Candidate for Attorney General

About Dave Aronberg
“In his seven years in the State Senate, Dave Aronberg has passed major consumer protection legislation that safeguards our privacy against identity theft and financial schemes. As part of a Medicaid task force, Dave successfully fought for reforms to combat fraud and abuse that will save taxpayers millions of dollars.”

To read more about Dave Aronberg, please visit his website:
www.davearonberg.com

Things to Ask Yourself…

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

When Partnering with a Debt Settlement Company.

1. Are they members of USOBA?- The United States Organization for Bankruptcy Alternatives. This organization ensures that the debt settlement company is adhering to the regulations of the industry, and is also an advocate for the consumer. We are proud members of USOBA and are also advocates for your clients.

2. Do they Have a Nationwide Attorney Network?- If the debt settlement company does not have an attorney network working on your client’s behalf then you should not even consider using these companies’ services.  We have a nationwide attorney network that has been negotiating down debt and taking care of your clients for over five years.

3. Do They Exercise Full Disclosure?- Taxes & Lawsuits. If your debt settlement company won’t explain these possibilities to you then they’re hiding something. There is a possibility that your client can be taxed on their settlement. Chances may be that they will also be exempt from paying these taxes.  Also, a collection agency may decide to sue your client. This is a small possibility, but given that is does exist, you can see why it’s important to have an Attorney working on your client’s behalf. Our attorneys address these matters promptly to try to prevent further action from the collection agency.

4. What are the Clients’ Fees?- Ask your debt settlement partner when they collect the fees for their services from your clients. If they collect them all up front…run! A legitimate debt settlement company does not collect fees all up front. Like DSS, at a minimum, they should be spread out through the majority of your client’s enrollment in the program. Additionally, as with DSS, your client’s payments should be made into an FDIC insured third party trust account in their name.

Members of USOBA

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

USOBA’s  Mission: “To represent the debt negotiation industry by creating  state specific agendas and to advocate for fair regulation and protection of  consumers”.

About USOBA: The United States Organization for Bankruptcy Alternatives (USOBA) was founded by leading members in the debt negotiation industry seeking representation outside of credit counseling and bankruptcy law.
USOBA brings individual representation together as a united front to protect the debt negotiation industry and to secure its future. They are committed to working with and informing legislatures, regulators, consumers,
creditors, and governmental bodies to better understand the industry.

In February 2006, USOBA launched its Accreditation Program, which was drafted and implemented with member approved standards. Offered through membership with the largest trade association in the industry, USOBA’s
Accreditation Program was the first audit supported, free consumer referral system. The Program is administered by BSI management systems, acting as an impartial auditing agency.  Headquartered in Houston, Texas, USOBA is the most respected trade association for the debt negotiation industry and does not commingle its message with that of other financial services. DSS is proud to be recognized as a USOBA Member and we will continue to
represent the clients best interest at all times.

USOBA Website