Debt Relief Network is a San Diego-based debt relief company founded in 2001. They offer an array of services ranging from bankruptcy help, credit repair, consolidation, debt management, student loan consolidation, tax relief, and debt settlement. Within our extensive research we have reason to believe this company is no longer operating at this time. There is an alert for this company on the BBB website.
The Good
Debt Relief Network claims to provide practical solutions to individuals who are struggling to free themselves of the heavy burden of debt. While this company has some competitive attributes, we cannot say for certain if they are accepting new clients.
Some of the pros to this company are their competitive rates. The company has offered clients a flat-rate of 20 percent of the total amount of debt enrolled. Clients could take advantage of a free consultation where a consultant would assess their financial situation to determine if the program would be best suited for them. Once enrolled, clients were required to set up a trust account with Global Client Solutions where a predetermined amount would be set aside into this Special Purpose escrow account. When a sufficient amount of funds were built, the negotiation process would begin. Clients would agree upon the settled amount and transfer funds from the escrow account to each creditor. Finally, payment to Debt Relief Network would be allocated from the trust account.
Customers were able cancel service at any time without obligation or penalty and required to have at least $5,000 in unsecured debt, such as credit cards, department store cards, medical bills, repossessions, and other types of unsecured debt to qualify for their debt settlement services.
Highlights to this company include:
- Low minimum debt of $5,000
- Money-back guarantee
- 14 years in business
The Bad
Our main concern with the company is they have an alert placed on them under the BBB. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, this company may have ties to debt relief companies promoting products and illegal services, using aggressive marketing tactics to lure in hopeful debtors seeking financial relief.
Another major concern we have is the only contact number provided on the website is a non-working number, according to an automated message. These two factors alone lead us to believe the company is either no longer in business under Debt Relief Network, or they are out of business entirely.
As with any debt settlement company weighing the pros and cons is necessary. Risks with debt settlement include tax liability, credit score hits, and the possibility of litigation if debts are not resolved in a timely fashion.
The Bottom Line
Although Debt Relief Network has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, there is a blunt alert advising consumers to be weary of the company. They have been in business for 14 years, but we have reason to believe they are no longer operating under this name, or the possibility of dealing with lawsuits has put the company’s service offering on hiatus. While this company appears to be competitive based on their company website, reviews around the web have been less than pleasing. Furthermore, the company appears to no longer be in business. We recommend researching other companies on our list.
Price
Debt Relief Network charges 20% of the original balance you enroll in their settlement program. As with other debt settlement programs, this fee will come out of the savings you accumulate in a third party savings account. Meanwhile, your negotiators will work with creditors to settle a customers’ debts for a portion of the original balances. Debt Relief Network will only collect payment for its services after debts have been successfully settled.
Up-Front Fees
None
Free Consultation
Yes, they offer a free consultation. Here’s a good thing to keep in mind: there is no reason why customers should be charged for a consultation concerning their debts and potential solutions, and a free, no-obligation consultation has become an expectation for most debt relief companies. Customers should think twice before paying for a consultation when they can get it for free.
Time in Business
14 Years. Debt Relief Network was founded in 2001, making it one of the longer-standing businesses in the industry. The longevity of the business is a testament to its dependability in an industry that is becoming more and more crowded. While some newer companies may also be effective and reliable, experience is always a plus when it comes to debt negotiation and settlement.
Debt Education
The company website provides helpful explanations of different debt relief options, including settlement, the service they offer, and also other courses of actions. This is consistent with their promise not to push their services on anyone. They offer articles about the benefits of bankruptcy, settlement, consolidation, and tax relief services. They also offer anyone access to a free debt relief guide e-book, “5 Ways to Get Out of Debt.” Debt Relief Network doesn’t feature the debt calculators and other tools that some other companies do, which are useful for customers wanting to play around with numbers as they determine their own unique debt relief course.
Money-Back Guarantee
Yes. The Debt Relief Network fee structure is laid out such that they only get paid on the debts they successfully settle, which are all approved by the customer. If the customer has debts that they are unable to settle, the savings that they’ve accumulated are theirs to keep.
Unsecured vs. Secured Loans
Debt Relief Network works with unsecured debts only, as those are far more negotiable than are secured debts. Credit card debt, an example of unsecured debt, can often be settled by a company skilled in negotiation, whereas debt from a mortgage or automobile loan—examples of secured debt—can be resolved simply by taking the collateral away from the debtor.
Mobile Friendly
Yes. They have a mobile friendly website. Individuals looking for information about the company on a mobile phone. or a tablet, should expect a user-friendly experience.
Cancellation Policy
Clients working with Debt Relief Network may cancel at any time without a penalty. Of course, debtors are then left to their own devices to conquer remaining debts, but it’s good that customers can enter into a relationship with the company knowing that they can back out if that’s what they decide. It’s always a good idea to read the terms and conditions before deciding on a debt relief program.
Contact Information
Email:
Address:
4445 Eastgate Mall #200 Sungate Corporate Centre
San Diego, CA 92121
Services Available
Debt Relief Network offers debt settlement. Here’s how it works: a certified agent will examine your financial situation and budget to create a savings plan. Each month you make a payment from your checking account to a debt settlement savings account. While the money accumulates (the faster the better!), negotiators work with your creditors to arrange a reduced settlement on your credit accounts. Though settlement is the only debt relief service Debt Relief Network offers, they can point you towards other resources as needed. They also have resources to help repair inaccuracies on your credit report by finding them and challenging them on your behalf.
Minimum Debt Accepted
$5,000. Debt Relief Network accepts unsecured debts of at least $5,000—good news for debtors who don’t qualify for debt settlement programs with a higher minimum. Qualifying customers can be assured that they will receive help from experienced professionals because their relief matters, whether it’s $5,000 of debt or $15,000.
Online Dashboard
No, all that is offered to clients is the account information for their trust account. A more robust online dashboard would benefit customers.
AFCC Accreditation
No, Debt Relief Network does not have an AFCC or IAPDA accreditation.
Are there any inaccuracies in this review? We take our accuracy very seriously and would love your feedback. Give feedback here.
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- Takes your existing debt and try to settle with your creditors for a lower amount. If you pay off the settled amount, your debt will be considered paid in full.
- Negotiates with your creditors on your behalf.
- Fee based on a percentage of your total starting debt or a percentage of the debt they save you.
- Most settlement companies have you create a separate "escrow" account where you will make monthly contributions over a certain amount of time to contribute to your settlement. Once there is a substantial amount of funds to show your creditors, the settlement company will try to negotiate a lower amount of debt.
- Combines all your debts and creditors into one monthly payment.
- Allows you to pay one monthly payment to the consolidation company, instead of multiple payments to different creditors.
- You no longer owe your original creditors; instead you pay one monthly payment to your consolidation company.
- Consolidation companies can help negotiate lower interest rates on your debts and help lower your total debt payment in the long run. A lower interest rate will lower the amount you owe in the end.
- Allows you to consolidate all your different debts into one personal loan that can be paid off over time.
- Can offer borrowers a lower interest rate with a longer payback term (compared to high-interest credit cards or medical bills). This will lower the amount of money required to pay off the loan over time.
- Personal loan debt consolidation can be an effective way to raise your credit score quickly (within 3-6 months).
- Borrowers can receive funds from their loan within only a few days.
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