I spent quite some time researching debt settlement companies, after much research Care One Credit Counseling is actually working behind the name of Presels & Associates for debt settlement services. When their people answer the phone as Persels & Associates, they are really Care One Credit.
This is a FOR profit company and fees are collected monthly / stated as legal fees, but in reality are just fees. 15% of the total debt, loaded mainly up front over the first 5 months, and pais for 15 monhts, where very little if any are going to actually settle debts. The problem is by the time you do accumulate funds, you will have been served, harrased over and over with no settlements beign done. What you may find is that depending on your situation, you could have used those fees to retain a local attorney for BK consideration, or work directly with your creditor in addition. For most caes you will find that you have delayed a process, possible filing BK, and given funds away that you could have used. Seek a non - profit organization always first for advice. Small account balances can be settle, larger debts will take years, do you have years, or the funds to make it happen sooner? Don't do it. Creditors will work with Non profits - they will not work as freely with for profit companies, they know you are giving them money that could be going to them - beware