As the national consumer debt amount increases, many people are looking for an easy and quick way to eliminate their debt. Unfortunately, there is no quick solution to becoming debt free. In spite of this, many people fall victim to debt elimination scams.

Debt elimination scams insist that consumers are not under obligation to repay their debts because creditors charge interest rates illegally. Unsuspecting consumers enroll in these programs for a typical fee of $2000. In the end, the scammers disappear with your money, and you are still responsible for repaying creditors.

Consumer Debt Elimination Options

If you are hoping to become debt free, there are several options available to you. You may opt to seek additional employment. Moreover, some consumers consider bankruptcy. Before permanently damaging your credit, you should investigate debt consolidation and debt negotiation.

Types of Debt Consolidation Loans

There are two types of debt consolidation, and these two debt elimination strategies are often confused with one another. However, they are very different. One method of debt consolidation involves obtaining a loan to payoff your debts, and the other involves working with a debt management program. The debt management program is ideal for individuals with a poor credit history.

Through both avenues, you are able to consolidate your bills into one sum. The interest rate on debt consolidation loans is very low, which allows you to become debt free in a few years. Similarly, debt management companies contact your current creditors and strive to get your interest rates reduced, and help you reduce your debt sooner.

Dangers of Debt Negotiation Settlements

Debt negotiation or settlement is a little different. Moreover, this method of debt elimination is frown upon, and may be damaging to your credit history. With a debt negotiation, an attorney contacts your creditors and arranges a settlement amount. For example, if you owe a credit card company $5000, the attorney handling your case may convince the creditor to accept a settlement amount of $2500. Once you pay the settlement amount, you will no longer owe the creditor additional funds.

While debt negotiation may be attractive, this method of reducing debt should be used as a last resort. If your consumer debt amount is tremendously high, and you want to avoid bankruptcy, a debt settlement may be ideal. However, debt consolidation is a much better alternative. Moreover, once your consolidated debts are paid, your credit score and rating will improve.

Here are our recommended Debt and Bill Consolidation companies online.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.