Cuomo Subpoenas Credit Card Debt Settlement Firms

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is now hitting those companies that promise to settle people's credit card debt. He has subpoenaed 14 firms and noted how with many Americans in significant debt, "A rogue industry has stepped in, offering consumers false hope, charging tremendous fees, and leaving them in a worse financial situation." A number of these companies have been sued for misleading or unethical practices; the NY Times explains, "Unlike debt collectors, [the thousands of debt settlement companies] are only loosely regulated." Cuomo's office says, "Many consumers may benefit more from working directly with their creditors, seeking credit counseling, or consulting an attorney about filing for bankruptcy. Additionally, even when enrolled in a debt settlement plan, consumers are often still subjected to collection efforts and lawsuits filed by their creditors. Consumers are even told not to discuss their debt situation with creditors," and has tips for people with large credit card debt.