Superior Debt Services Problems???

One of the moderators, Mishele had signed up with SDS. Unfortunately, that was just another, uh, pissed off, person. He didn't find out for eight months that the job could have been done better by himself. With hundreds of credit counselors, it is difficult to know who works hard for you and who works hard to take your money, especially as these problems typically take several or more months to surface. As I'm sure you're already aware by now, many people have left HK, due to "customer service" issues. Whichever road you take from here, I wish you luck.

The last time I checked, I was a girl LOL! But I love your new avatar, Morningstar. I don't know if SDS is related to Hess Kennedy in any shape or form. I had issues with SDS that led me to leave their services.

Just a typo. Forgot the "S" Mishele. My goodness! LOL!

What could I do to find out if they are doing what they are supposed to be doing?

:oops: :oops: Quote:

I talked with SDS and they said they have no affiliation with Hess Kennedy & Company. Their BBB rank is in good standing. They told me I do have full access to my money as well.

Mishele, I was told that they wait for funds to build up BEFORE they can accept an offer. So, if the funds aren't enough, then they cannot pay off a settlement. I'm probably going to have to stick with them for another 4 months until I see any progress.

BTW- I called and the phone was answered within 1 ring. Then I was transfered to my agent within 2 minutes of being on hold. Every time I call, I never have a problem speaking to anyone.

Could you elaborate on what your particular problem with SDS was?

Thanks.

As far as I know, Superior debt relief has no connection with Hess Kennedy. Now, I am not sure if Superior Debt Relief is actually Superior Debt Services.

It is true that no settlement company can start their negotiation process with the creditors until you have the funds in the account. You will be in a better position to bargain with the company if you have the funds in the account and the company is not able to give you results on setting your accounts.

Is this who you are looking for?
Provided by www.bbb.org

Or is it this one?
Provided by www.bbb.org

No problem, Morningstar. I thought so about the avatar. Guest, I had plent of money in my escrow account to settle at least three of my credit card accounts. If you like them, then stick with them. Keep us updated on how you are doing with the program.

Both of those BBB reports are for the same company. The office in Colorado is the corporate office which is registered with the BBB. The NV office is a debt consultation office and is part of the same company.

The bottom line here is never pay someone before the job is done if what you are paying for is considered a service. SDS charges all fees up front. Speaking from extensive experience, you want to settle as many accounts before they charge off which is at 6 months delinquent. If you cannot tackle, the accounts that will give you the most trouble, then you will be sued. SDS does not lift a finger for you until they are paid in full. In fact, they even have you make the letters and send them via fax or mail to your creditors. Until an account is settled, they do nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Ask yourself an honest question. Would you do a better job for someone if you were paid up front or once the job is done and thoroughly inspected by who holds your check? Not a very tough one there.

Superior debt services has never made me send out letters myself to my creditors. And they have also settled one small account already and they are not paid in full

I did business with SDS for a short time and I would not recommend them to my friends and acquaintences. Their customer service is sorely lacking. Sometimes it would be a week before they would return my calls even when I left messages with a supervisor! Plus I never really felt like they represented my best interest.

This company earns every penny they get. They have been able to help me from financial disaster. It has been quick, no threats of lawsuits. They have been able to settle almost 11 acounts in one year. that is almost half of the debt. The program really works. They also will bend over backwords to help you. (for example they will put the program on hold if you run into a life changing event) for example loss of incopme. There is no limit to the length of time. As long as you continue with them when you get a new job. They are extreamly professional.

I agree with Frank, that this company earns every penny. I have been in a program with Superior Debt Services for a little over a year, and five of my nine accounts have been settled. I was sued a couple of times, but in those cases the attorneys on the summons were contacted and settlements were reached before the court date. It is not unusual to not have any settled accounts in only four months. Some creditors like to settle early on, but the majority of them, with the best offers, come later.

It is untrue that they will not settle unless you have enough saved in your account - it depends on the creditor and what kind of payment arrangements they are willing to accept. My first two accounts settled were with Bank of America, and they agreed to the settlement in monthly payments. So while there was enough in my account to get the ball rolling, it was a few more months before they were paid off.

I have NEVER had a bad experience with customer service. My rep is always available by phone, and if I email her she responds right away. I have never NOT been able to get through, or have a question answered. If my rep is gone for the day, or out of the office, someone else always finds the information or answer I need.

I just noticed the original post of this thread was almost two years ago. That poster is further ahead in the program than I am, then, and hopefully is having success by now. It would be nice for an update!

They have done it again. Settelmnt of a chase account for 20 cents on the dollar. Seems to me they kn ow there job and do it very well

It is hard to belive that you had so much issues with SDS, I have not had any issues. The settled my largest account first and did not have enough for the settlement; they lent me the money that was needed and their fees were not totally paid for either. This was so extremely shocking how they really wanted to help me. I will never have a unkind word for them, have referred my sister and best friend to them; they too have received the same kind of help I have. Yes, it may take a day for them to respond, but I also know there are so many people that need assistance that it is not a problem and I can wait. I guess I have the mindset to have the debt taken care of rather than blame other for my shortcomings. It is my fault i'm in the position and any and all help was appreciated by SDS. They are fantastic!!!!

I have now been with them for a year and a half, and seven of my nine accounts have been settled (although one I had to do on my own, because the still have never had any problem getting through on the phone, and email replies are always immediate. And the "Guest" above who says they have to be paid in full before they start settling is downright lying and has probably never even had contact with Superior. Otherwise, they would know that for the first months, only HALF of your payment goes to them; the other half goes into an account THAT YOU CONTROL that is used for settlements, so you can start building up settlement funds from DAY ONE. Settlement deals were worked out with my first two accounts, both BofA, within the first four months. KEEP IN MIND, though, that things are a bit different now. A lot has happened to banks and creditors in the past year, and from what I have been reading, many people are having a harder time getting good settlements as quickly as they used to be.

I also want to reply to the above statement that "guest" made about having to send out letters. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TOLD TO SEND LETTERS TO ANY CREDITOR. I don't know where some of this information is coming from, but it's obviously not from someone that has actually worked with Superior. At least not the same company I have been dealing with for the last 18 months.