Paid Fees to a Debt Settlement Company in New Jersey? You May Be Entitled to Three Times Your Money Back.
New Jersey law prohibits for-profit companies from providing debt adjustment services to NJ residents. If you enrolled in a debt settlement, debt relief, or credit repair program and paid fees, you may have a claim—even if the program "worked."
No fee unless we recover for you · Free, confidential consultation
How do I know if I have a case?
- You live in New Jersey (or lived here when you enrolled).
- You signed up with a for-profit debt settlement, debt relief, or credit repair program in the last 6 years.
- You paid enrollment fees, monthly program fees, or settlement fees.
If all three are true, contact us. The fees you paid may themselves be your recoverable injury — you do not need to prove the program failed.
New Jersey reserves debt adjustment for licensed nonprofits.
The New Jersey Debt Adjustment and Credit Counseling Act permits only licensed nonprofit agencies to perform debt adjustment for NJ consumers. For-profit companies — including many national debt settlement brands that advertise heavily online and on television — cannot be licensed to do this work in New Jersey. When a for-profit company collects fees from a New Jersey resident in exchange for negotiating, restructuring, or "settling" their debts, that conduct violates state law. "Credit repair" shops can also operate illegally. The New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act treats those violations as actionable and allows consumers to recover three times their losses (treble damages) plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. That is true even if the program produced some results, and even if you signed paperwork agreeing to the fees.
Sound familiar?
- You were told to stop paying your creditors.
- A 'debt consultant' — not a lawyer — advised you about your accounts.
- You were sued by a creditor while enrolled in the program.
- Your credit score dropped sharply after you enrolled.
- The company took fees before settling anything.
- You were enrolled in a 'special purpose' bank account that fees were drawn from.
Tell us about your debt relief program.
Confidential. No obligation. We respond within one business day.
Common questions
Does it matter if my program is still active?
No. Whether you're still enrolled, finished the program, or dropped out, the fees you paid to a for-profit debt adjuster in New Jersey may be recoverable. Contact us to review your enrollment documents and payment history.
What if the company settled some of my debts?
It still doesn't matter. New Jersey law focuses on who is legally permitted to provide debt adjustment services to NJ residents — not on whether the program produced results. The fees themselves may be your recoverable loss, even on a 'successful' program.
How much does this cost me?
Nothing out of pocket. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act shifts attorneys' fees to the defendant when consumers prevail. The consultation is free and confidential.
How long do I have to file?
Generally, the Consumer Fraud Act carries a six-year window from the date of the conduct, but limitations can vary based on your specific facts. Don't wait — evidence, account records, and witnesses are easier to gather sooner. Call us promptly.
What if I signed an arbitration agreement?
Bring it to the consultation. Arbitration clauses don't automatically defeat a claim — they can be challenged, narrowed, or sometimes avoided entirely. We'll review the contract you signed and tell you straight.
Noah Kane, Esq.
Noah Kane is the founder of Kane Law Firm, LLC, a consumer protection practice representing New Jersey and New York residents against banks, debt collectors, credit bureaus, and businesses that violate state and federal consumer law. The firm takes qualifying cases on contingency — no upfront fees, and you only pay if we recover for you.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. This page provides general information about New Jersey law and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting the form. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.