Board Certified Specialist in Bankruptcy
Unfortunately for those in financial hardship, filing for bankruptcy protection isn't free. Too often, we counsel people who need bankruptcy protection who haven't saved the money for the court costs or attorney fees. And sometimes, we meet with new clients who may have been able to save a troubled business if they’d just gotten some legal advice earlier rather than later. This is usually … [Read more...]
People who can least afford to lose money are too frequently targeted by con artists. This video interview (below) with a Better Business Bureau executive highlights some of the prevalent scams that prey on people who are in financial difficulty.Our advice is if you are looking for employment and a company asks you to pay up front for ANYTHING, be wary. Call the Better Business Bureau in … [Read more...]
Increasingly, we hear from new clients that they have paid a substantial sum of money to someone who has promised to “stop a foreclosure.” Generally, these new clients tell us that they found “an agency” or “a law firm” online with an out of state address that advertises such services and requires an up-front, non-refundable fee. Behind the slick ads and promises When we ask for … [Read more...]
Unfortunately, companies touting their ability to "fix/lower/relieve income tax debt" are often in the business of helping themselves to the detriment of their clients.In the latest development, American Tax Relief of Beverly Hills, CA has been sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for bilking customers of some $60-100m and siphoning off some $30m for its owners. While the FTC is … [Read more...]
The kind of identity theft that most often leads to bankruptcy is perpetuated by someone KNOWN to the victim. The usual scenario involves someone knowingly allowing a friend, family member or associate apply for and use credit in his or her name, because the other person isn't credit worthy but agrees to pay the bills.Surprise: they don't.This video may help you prevent identity … [Read more...]
Sometimes I think people read our blog and wonder if everything we say is designed to get people to stop trying to pay their debts and just file for bankruptcy protection. Then I come across a story like this about the downside of trying to settle debts either with or without involving a "debt settlement" company.The article tells an all-too-familiar tale of spending money with a debt … [Read more...]
To supplement our series for Distressed Homeowners, I found some resources to help preserve home ownership, avoid foreclosure, and protect against foreclosure and debt elimination scams.Before you work with a firm that claims it can help you "rescue" you from foreclosure be sure to familiarize yourself with:Foreclosure “rescue” and refinance fraud Fake “government” modification … [Read more...]