debt settlement programs

The Federal Trade Commission's telemarketing rules aim to protect consumers from debt-settlement companies that charge upfront fees or overpromise results. But some companies already have found ways to get around those rules, consumer groups warn.

Debt settlement companies can be very useful tools when it comes to reining in an out-of-control debt spiral. Unfortunately, a number of individuals, some criminal and unethical, others just inept and inefficient, have set up companies that end up making a consumer's debt problems worse rather than...