Debt Shield is a debt settlement company based in Columbia, MD that provides debt relief services for clients throughout the United States. The team at Debt Shield has years of experience in the debt settlement, consumer credit counseling, collection and banking industries.

Here are some quick facts about Debt Shield:

Company Founded: December 2003

Years In Business: 5

Number of Employees: 110

BBB Rating: No Rating

BBB Complaints: 31 complaints in the last 36 months

Fee Information: one time activation fee and monthly maintenance fee

Escrow Available?: funds are held in a third party savings account

Source of Funds: money “set-asides”

Fee Structure: included in monthly payment for the length of the program

Avg. % Settled: less than 40% of balance at the time of settlement

Refund Policy: you may end participation in the program at any time with funds in the savings account returned to you

Minimum Debt Required: $10,000

About the Company:

Debt Shield is a debt settlement company that specializes in helping consumers experiencing a financial hardship (loss of employment, medical problems, death and divorce) by eliminating unsecured debt. Founded in 2003 Debt Shield’s Chief Executive Officer is a leading national authority on unsecured consumer credit and protection law. The company extends to its clients a customer service guarantee as well as a term guarantee. They are a member or associated with the following organizations, United States Organization For Bankruptcy Alternatives, Netcheck Bureau, and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators.

Debt Shield has worked with thousands of consumers and has successfully settled more than $80 million in unsecured debt. Other accomplishments include: Baltimore SmartCEO Future 50 and BBB of Greater Maryland’s 2007 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

Debt Shield believes that philanthropy is an essential part of their corporate culture and encourages their employees to engage in a variety of charitable activities such as the Big Brother Big Sister Program, helping disaster victims, and the Hospice of Howard County.

The Program:

If you are having trouble keeping up with your minimum payments on your unsecured debt you may qualify for Debt Shield’s debt settlement program. Like other debt settlement companies Debt Shield will negotiate with creditors on your behalf an agreement to settle your debt for less than you owe. The length of the program is anywhere between 12-36 months but the average client is debt free in 30 months.

Website Experience:

The website for Debt Shield is packed full of valuable information. In an industry where it is common to find companies that limit the information available, this website provides pages of data that is fairly upfront and forthcoming. They provide all the basic information about debt settlement including the negative aspects and why this type of debt relief may not be right for everyone. Their FAQ’s section includes written answers as well as video clips from company employees. They also offer a tools and resource section that includes an article section, debt calculator, debt test and a virtual consultant.