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Question:
DEC 12, 2011

Rise Above Debt Relief Evaluation

Have you heard of a company named Rise Above Debt Relief - I am thinking about them for debt relief.

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Bill's Answer: Bills.com Resident Expert

Thank you for your question about Rise Above Debt Relief, the debt settlement company you hired. I am not familiar with Rise Above Debt Relief and I do know most of the leading players in credit counseling and debt resolution so they must be small or new.

Comparison Shop to Find the Best Settlement Company

I suggest that you do some comparison shopping. Speak with more than one firm. Remember, when selecting a debt settlement, it is not the company that says that it can save you the most money, but the company that gives you an accurate idea of what to expect that you want to choose

You can get a free consultation from Bills.com's approved partners by following this link: Free Debt Relief Savings Quote

I can share with you that looking at Rise Above Debt Relief's public information I see that the company has only 10 employees and hasn't been around long enough to have graduated a material number of clients. On that basis, I would be very wary, since there are a lot of fly by night companies out there that are very small. I generally advise consumers to stick to larger companies that have been in business for several years and proven themselves through successfully settling the debt for thousands of clients.

When seeking a debt settlement firm to help you resolve your debts, look for a firm that is a member of AFCC, the American Fair Credit Council, formerly The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC). The "AFCC is ONLY for those willing to abide by the AFCC's new Code of Conduct that emphasizes full compliance with the federal and state rules regulating what we do. There is now a bright line between good actors - and bad." USOBA, another debt settlement industry trade group, does not require its members to comply with the FTC rules, so Bills.com does not recommend any USOBA member debt settlement firms. Don't be scammed by a debt settlement firm that charges upfront fees!

Bills.com also recommends firms whose debt consultants are accredited by the IAPDA, the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.

I hope this information helps you Find. Learn & Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com

Comments (18)


Vince L.
Los Angeles, CA  |  May 02, 2011
Rise Above is terrible. They are a big rip-off. Not to mention that they take advantage of the elderly. They get authorization to take money from your account, and then they just take your money even after you tell them not to do it. Then when you try to call you get the run around. They ripped off my Mom and stole her money to the point where she can't pay her rent. This is the worst company EVER. DON'T EVER USE THEM !!!! I have spent hours and hours trying to get in touch with them just to have them make false promises on making good.
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Claudia A.
Moline, IL  |  August 04, 2011
I would not recommend this agency. I had a horrible experience with them. Yes when they are trying to get you to sign up with them they are really nice, but once you need their help they are mean and rude.
Jennifer P.
Crown Point, IN  |  February 23, 2011
I personally encountered a series of events that caused me some significant hardships this past year or so. I used Rise Above Debt agency against my hesitation. There is a hesitation for a reason. They have taken more than 3k of my money and have not done anything for me. If your are in financial trouble you are better off falling behind and taking a settlement with your credit card company directly! I was scammed by the touchy feely lies that RAD was going to provide me financial freedom! It is all lies!!!
Sean .
October 14, 2010
Bill- WHY would you recommend one of these companies that charges ALL their fees BEFORE they do any work? Freedom for example? Or a TASC company? TASC, a NOW DEFUNCT lobbying org for front loaded programs- by whose own Congressional admission help less than 10% of their clients. The other 90% paying huge fees and never getting settlements. There are a few companies who do NOT charge fees upfront! And why... if your such an unbiased blog, would you not mention that FTC law effective 10-27-10 BAN upfront fees? All you have to say to these poor people is WAIT a few weeks! I dare you to post this & dare you to answer! telecomslave@yahoo.com
Bills.com
October 14, 2010
That is a good question, and the answer is timing. We posted this answer well before the new FTC rules went into effect, but I would whole-heartedly agree with you that in the new age of FTC "advance fee" bans that no consumer should use a firm that charges fees before resolutions are completed or that does not comply (read: violates a federal law) with the new FTC rules. As far as I am aware, there are only a handful of companies that have announced full compliance, and to the best of my ability they are: Freedom Debt Relief, D&B Financial, New Era and possibly a few others. People - wait a few weeks or just go ahead and join a company that has already made the changes and is currently in compliance. Great comment and thanks for the note. Bills.com
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Bills.com
September 01, 2010
I am sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with Rise Above Debt Relief's debt resolution program. As in every industry, there are good firms and not good firms in the debt resolution industry. When selecting a debt settlement program, I recommend that you find a firm that is a member of the AFCC, the American Fair Credit Council, which was formerly TASC,The Association of Settlement Companies. Also look for a firm whose debt consultants are certified by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.
Nikki .
September 01, 2010
I would not recommend this company. The service suck's the CSR are rude, you can't get them to return phone call's. Out of the 3 account's that were settled while I was Rise Above Debt, I had to negotiate the settlement of 2 with the debt collector's because Rise Above would even respond to the collector's phone call's. My first account was settled smoothly but that was because Rise Above had not collected all their fee's from me yet, but once all their fee's were paid they were of no help what so ever! I finally terminated our contract but I'm still out the couple of thousand dollar's of the fee's for what was suppose to be their help.
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Bills.com
January 23, 2010
Joey - Thank you for your note and feedback on both Rise Above and Freedom Debt Relief. If you have worked at both, then your opinion is greatly valued and appreciated. Good luck with your health too! Bill
Joey .
January 23, 2010
Hello All, I have worked for both Freedom Debt Relief and Rise Above . I have nothing ill to say about either firm. That said, I can say from experience that Freedom treats clients, and employees like family . Freedom Debt Relief puts the client first . There is an underwriting process, that is very strict put in place to protect the client . If the clients best interest is not in debt relief, they will not only direct the client elsewhere, but usually directly transfer the client to the most suitable agency for help . The active client / graduation rate I am almost positive in the industry. The firm has an open door policy where there is little to no red tape . Why did I leave ? Health Issues ! I have also been told I may return should my health improve to perform at an adequate level . I could go on and on . If you call Freedom you will be treated with compassion and respect . Good Luck !!!
Rise A.
January 12, 2010
Rise Above Debt Services Suck. . . . I sign on after checking with the Better Business Burea - after one Month i canceled my service with them because the phone calls were overwhelming. that was back in dec 08 - I am still waiting to be refunded the money they took - my calls and emails are ignored. I have filed a complaint with the BBB who now states they have a "D" rating I am also in the process of filing a complaint with the Attorney Generals Office. I would not recommend this company to a Dog.
Barney F.
December 30, 2009
If rise above debt relief is no good, then should I go with anyone else? I am torn between debt settlement and credit counseling.
Brooke B.
December 14, 2009
So glad to have debt settlement article.
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