Here’s a detailed look at Pacific Debt Relief (formerly Pacific Debt, Inc.), how it operates, what people are saying, and whether it seems legitimate — plus some of the risks to watch out for. If you want, I can also check how it would compare with options in your country or region. For more information please visit pacific debt relief
What Is Pacific Debt Relief?
Pacific Debt Relief is a U.S.-based company (San Diego, California) that helps people negotiate or “settle” unsecured debts (like credit cards, personal loans, medical bills).
Some features:
- They do not charge up-front fees. You typically pay once they negotiate acceptable settlements with your creditors.
- They offer a free consultation to assess your debt, see what savings might be possible, etc.
- They have been in business since about 2002.
- They serve many U.S. states (though not all), and are licensed in those.
Legitimacy / Reputation
Overall, the evidence suggests Pacific Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company, with a good track record. Some details:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): They are accredited with the BBB, with an A+ rating. There are customer reviews, some complaints, but generally they handle complaints.
- Trustpilot and other review portals: Very high ratings (around 4.8-5 out of 5) with many reviews saying positive things about how the staff treated them, helpfulness, transparency (at least what was explained) etc.
- Accreditations: They have had accreditation by reputable groups like the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators, the American Fair Credit Council, etc.
- Awards / recognition: They show up in rankings of debt relief companies. Forbes Advisor, etc., list them as one of the more reliable/established ones. For more information please visit check n go
So, in general: yes, it seems legit.
What to Watch Out For / Risks
Being “legitimate” doesn’t mean “no downsides.” Debt settlement (what they do) has trade-offs. Here are some risks and things people have complained about.
| Issue | What people say / what to consider |
|---|---|
| Credit score damage | Debt settlement almost always involves missing or stopping payments to creditors while negotiations happen. This can lead to late fees, interest, and negative marks on credit reports. Some users have complained their scores dropped significantly. |
| Fees / cost proportions | While they don’t charge up front, their fees for successful settlement can be quite high — sometimes a good percentage of the amount saved or settled. Forbes noted fees up to ~35%. |
| Minimum debt requirement | You likely need to have a certain amount of unsecured debt (often ~$10,000 or more) to qualify. If your debt is smaller, other options may be more cost-effective. |
| Length / uncertainty of negotiations | Settlements may take time. Creditors may not agree, some negotiations may fail etc. Also, some customers feel that promised savings didn’t fully materialize or took longer than expected. |
| Transparency issues | Some reviews point out that how much goes to creditors vs. what the company keeps isn’t always made fully clear up front. In one BBB complaint, a user said a “$1 payment” to creditor (plus mailing costs) was used in a way that felt misleading. |
| Not available everywhere | They don’t operate in all U.S. states, and they don’t handle secured debts (mortgages, car loans), taxes, etc. |
Pros vs Cons Summary
Here’s a quick pros/cons snapshot:
Pros
- Well-established company with good reviews.
- No up front fees, so you don’t pay unless there’s a settlement.
- Free consultation to see what may be possible.
- They do the negotiation work and deal with creditors for you, which can be tough to do alone.
Cons
- Your credit can take a hit; loans / creditors may charge fees for late payments.
- It takes time, and savings may vary.
- High fees relative to amount saved.
- Some users feel unclear or pressured in some parts of the process (e.g. optional “add ons” or «credit protection» services).
My View: Scam or Not?
Given the evidence, Pacific Debt Relief does not appear to be a scam. It has substantial positive feedback, transparency in many areas, regulatory accreditations, etc. That said, it’s not a perfect or risk-free solution, and whether it’s right for you depends heavily on your debt size, your ability to wait (because credit damage, etc.), and what your alternative options are (nonprofit credit counseling, debt consolidation, bankruptcy etc.).
