Your Better Business Bureau has received several inquiries about debt settlement mailings. These offers may seem appealing if you’re drowning in debt. Unfortunately, many people are:

• Providing personal information to identity thieves

• Paying high upfront fees

• Driven deeper in debt

• Sued by creditors

A Dayton woman received a letter from American Debt Relief Foundation Ltd. offering a debt reduction program reducing the principal and interest on her revolving debt. The letter stated previous attempts to reach her failed and she must take immediate action. She was given a reference number, toll-free phone number and website to contact the company.

The mailer was traced to American Debt Relief Foundation Ltd. in Cincinnati. BBB has also linked the business to other company names, including National Homeownership Assistance Foundation Ltd. and VA Payment Reduction Notification.

National Debt Service contacted an Englewood woman through a final notice mailer claiming she’d been pre-approved to participate in a consumer debt relief program. The program was supposedly available for a limited time only and instructed her to call a phone number with the provided file number.

A Kettering woman was contacted by National Debt Relief Initiative in Washington, D.C. The letter claimed she was eligible for an estimated $12,988, but had to meet several requirements to qualify. She was instructed to call a toll-free number with the account number provided.

Fortunately, the women contacted BBB inquiring about the aforementioned companies. All five have ‘F’ ratings with BBB, its lowest rating. Before enlisting the help of a debt settlement company, BBB recommends you:

• Beware of red flags, including include high upfront fees, too-good-to-be-true promises and claims of fast and easy processes.

• Contact lenders to work out agreements before enlisting outside help.

• Be wary of instructions to stop paying creditors.

• Seek help from a nonprofit credit counseling service for little or no cost.

• Don’t be fooled by claims that companies can end harassing collection calls.

And, always check companies with BBB at www.bbb.org or call (937) 222-5825.

John North is president and CEO of the Dayton Better Business Bureau.