There are RATED settlement companies? This is the first question that comes to our mind when we read about debt settlement companies and ratings. Most of us work on the opinion that settlement companies are unregulated and unrestricted by law. It is foolish to think like that. These companies perform the task of acting as a bridge between lenders and borrowers. Such companies have helped more than a hundred thousand people in the past six months alone. The savings facilitated by such entities runs into billions of dollars. Do you think the government and industry will function in an unregulated state?

Visit the website of The Association Of Settlement Companies and find out whether the settlement company you have in mind is a registered or affiliated with the Association. You can check out other regulatory bodies as well. However, TASC happens to be the most popular body. The Association has specific guidelines about the information that can be provided on web sites and the manner in which fees should be charged. Of course, the exact amount of fees will have to be arrived at with mutual negotiations. However, maximum limits have been imposed. You will definitely increase your chances of finding the best rated settlement companies if you adopt this approach.

Secondly, you should make use of debt relief networks and forums that act as a meeting ground for those seeking settlement, those offering settlements and those who have experienced settlements in the past. Always opt for free forums because there is no guarantee that you will get better quality advice just because you are paying for the same. You can now find good references and testimonials related to settlement companies in these forums and networks. You can also get in touch with companies are situated close to you. This will help you deal with firms that are aware of local as well as national factors.

Thirdly, do not be in a hurry to sign on the dotted line. Do not cede control completely to your settlement company. Insist on retaining control of your escrow account. Get a copy of the written settlement agreement before diverting funds to the escrow account. These small things, if ignored, often lead to devastating consequences at a later date.