Financial Independence & Resource Education, Inc. - FIRE F.I.R.E. This company is full of false promises, empty commitment to service, a rip-off company that will ruin your credit and leave you further in debt. TEQUESTA, Florida

I received a call in November 09' with an offer from FIRE to help me settle my credit card debt for pennies on the dollar. Being a single mother I had to rely heavily on my credit cards and had racked up a significant amount on three different cards. I enrolled in their program thinking this was the solution to my problems. They told me to stop paying my credit cards and start paying them. I was nervous about trusting them with my money but they ensured me that I could get a refund if not satisfied with their program. I payed in over $900.00, the initial installment payments, and waited by the phone to hear of any settlement discussions with my creditors. Well, FIRE never contacted any of my creditors. My creditiors never even knew I was enrolled in a debt settlement program. When I tried to contact FIRE they kept giving me excuses. They said I had to pay all the program fees first and build up an account so that they could settle. Don't ever try to call them for customer service because they get rude and hateful with you. They try to blame your creditors, or tell you to wait a few more months while they suck your bank account dry. I cancelled this program in March 2010 and have still not received a refund. They will not answer any emails and they will not give you any recoginition on the phone. They are a scam company. This is how they make money. They promise to erase your credit card debt and leave you with awful credit, a broke checking account, and more debt due to late fees. I have since settled with one out of three cards on my own. Please dont trust this company with your business. They are a scam company. If you have credit problem, call your creditors yourself and work out a repayment system. Most companys will work with you on your debt. I was lucky that I didnt get sued or taken to court over my debt. FIRE is a scam company and must be stopped.