If you are grappling with unmanageable debt, rest assured that you are in good company. Thousands upon thousands of Americans have fallen on hard times in the last decade or so and countless debtors continue to struggle. Aggressive credit card companies' overextension of credit, mortgage lenders' subprime loan schemes, rising unemployment and rising health care costs have caused problems for many people.
Your visit to our Illinois bankruptcy law website may be a sign that you are looking for answers to your debt crisis. Perhaps creditors are harassing you with aggressive collection tactics. Perhaps you have been targeted by companies that claim to have solutions that will help you deal with burdensome debt while avoiding bankruptcy.
"Avoiding bankruptcy" may sound good. However, many people have suffered harsh consequences by following advice of unscrupulous debt relief advisers. Consider the following recent warnings about debt counseling, debt consolidation and debt settlement services:
"[B]e aware that, just because an organization says it's 'nonprofit,' there's no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make 'voluntary' contributions that can cause more debt." (Source: Federal Trade Commission)
"GAO's investigation found that some debt settlement companies engage in fraudulent, deceptive, and abusive practices that pose a risk to consumers." (Source: Government Accountability Office)
Ledford & Wu urges debtors to proceed with caution when dealing with organizations that make promises that sound too good to be true. Protect yourself from unethical practices. Learn how to protect your consumer rights as you seek an authentic, legitimate and effective method to confront your debt problem. Talk to a lawyer with extensive experience in debt relief legal services.
Ledford & Wu, a bankruptcy and consumer rights law firm serving clients throughout Chicago and other Illinois communities, welcomes the opportunity to share its attorneys' knowledge and experience. We will never recommend bankruptcy if it is not the best option for a potential client. We have valuable information to share about how you can protect yourself from fraud, abuse and exploitation as you seek debt relief.
Keep in mind that only three lawyers in Chicago are certified in consumer bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification*. Two are partners at Ledford & Wu.
Protect Yourself From Unethical Practices as You Seek Debt Relief · Contact an Experienced Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer
Our Illinois bankruptcy attorneys are prepared to advise you about your debt relief needs and how to protect your consumer rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
*The American Board of Certification is accredited by the American Bar Association and sponsored by the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Commercial Law League of America. Federal law recognizes board certification in bankruptcy. The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.
