An economic recession has forced Congress to enact legislation in an attempt to stimulate economic growth throughout the country. This is the goal of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The bill, which is roughly a $780 billion dollar package, includes such provisions as tax cuts and low income housing grants. What it does not cover, however, is consumer relief from credit card debt. So, why are millions of Americans all around the country watching commercials and receiving letters that pitch a national debt relief program? And why are words like “stimulus” at the core of these pitches?

In short, there is no such thing as a government funded debt relief initiative for consumers with credit card debt. So you can stop looking right now. What you are seeing, or reading, is advertisements from debt consolidation companies that are taking advantage of the current economic status of our country to lure people in to contacting them. Some may call these tactics genius, while others may call them unethical. The most important thing, though, is that consumers realize no such option exists, and signing up with one of these companies does not mean that the individual will receive government money or enjoy the services of a government backed company to pay off their debt.

GHS Solutions, a debt settlement company based out of Florida, is responsible for sending out letters that appear to be offering a National Debt Relief Program. The term national can be misleading for some, as it gives the perception that on one level or another their debt relief program is geared towards people who qualify for some sort of government aid to settle their credit card debt. Not the case. Their debt settlement program may be the right solution for some and not for others. Rather, it will depend on the type and amount of debt that the person owes, what type of monthly payment they can afford and whether or not their creditors are willing to negotiate.

Debt Relief USA, a debt settlement company also located in Florida, is even more egregious with their advertisements. They are airing a commercial that shows President Barack Obama making a speech, while the actor in the commercial makes a pitch and urges viewing consumers to, “Call in now!” to get more information on their debt relief stimulus plan. In reality, their service not once has been endorsed by President Obama nor is the company a government agency. They also offer a debt settlement service, which requires consumers to make monthly payments out of their own pocket in order to save for and achieve eventual settlements.

Debt relief, or debt settlement, is a viable option for people who are struggling to get out of credit card debt. It must be understood though that if a person is seeking relief for consumer debt, the government is not going to assist them. It is necessary that anyone considering hiring a debt settlement company to work with them research that company’s history and make sure they are reputable before hiring their services.