Go straight to the source.

The guides link claims to their sources. Government sources establish the general rules and cautions; provider pages establish only that provider’s published disclosures.

Checked October 15, 2026. Prices and rules can change; a personal written agreement still matters.

1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations16 CFR 310.4(a)(5): debt-relief fees and dedicated accounts ↗
2. Federal Trade CommissionDebt Relief Services & the Telemarketing Sales Rule: A Guide for Business ↗
3. Consumer Financial Protection BureauWhat is a debt relief program and how do I know if I should use one? ↗
4. Consumer Financial Protection BureauWhat is the difference between credit counseling and debt settlement, debt consolidation, or credit repair? ↗
5. Federal Trade CommissionHow To Get Out of Debt ↗
6. Internal Revenue ServiceTopic no. 431, Canceled debt – Is it taxable or not? ↗
7. Consumer Financial Protection BureauHow do I negotiate a settlement with a debt collector? ↗
8. Consumer Financial Protection BureauCan debt collectors collect a debt that’s several years old? ↗
9. Freedom Debt ReliefFreedom Debt Relief FAQs — cost and account fees ↗
10. National Debt ReliefNational Debt Relief — How It Works ↗
11. Federal Trade CommissionReport fraud to the FTC ↗