Frequently Asked Questions.
Straight answers about debt relief, our process, and what to expect.
About Friendly Debt Relief
What is Friendly Debt Relief?
Friendly Debt Relief is a marketing service that connects qualifying consumers with licensed, accredited debt relief providers. We are a division of First Mover, LLC, a California company. We are not a debt relief provider, a lender, or a law firm.
Is Friendly Debt Relief a legitimate company?
Yes. Friendly Debt Relief operates as a DBA of First Mover, LLC, which has been a registered California company since 2018. Our contact information, legal entity, and operator name are public and verifiable.
How do you make money?
Licensed providers in our network pay us a fee when a qualifying consumer enrolls with them. We do not charge consumers anything. Our fees are paid by the provider only after the consumer enrolls.
Do you sell my information?
We share your information with the specific debt relief provider we match you to, and only that provider, unless we disclose additional sharing at the time of collection or are required to share by law. We do not sell consumer data to unrelated third parties.
Where are you located?
2108 N St, # 10003, Sacramento, CA 95816. Our operations are conducted entirely within the United States.
About debt relief
What is debt relief?
Debt relief is an umbrella term for programs that reduce what you owe on unsecured debt. The most common form is debt settlement, where a provider negotiates with your creditors to settle debts for less than the full balance owed.
What debts qualify?
Most unsecured debts qualify, including credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and certain collection accounts. Secured debts generally do not qualify: mortgages, auto loans, federal student loans (in most cases), and debts backed by collateral.
How much debt do I need to qualify?
Most providers in our network require at least $10,000 in enrolled unsecured debt. Some providers have higher minimums. We filter at match time based on what you tell us about your debt profile.
Will debt relief damage my credit?
Typically yes. Debt settlement programs usually require you to stop paying enrolled creditors while the provider negotiates. Missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and can significantly reduce your credit score during the program. The credit impact improves over time as accounts are settled and as you rebuild credit post-program.
Are there tax consequences to debt settlement?
Possibly. The IRS generally treats forgiven debt over $600 as taxable income. You may receive a Form 1099-C for settled amounts. However, if you are insolvent at the time of settlement, you may qualify for the insolvency exclusion and owe no tax. A qualified tax professional can help you understand your specific situation.
How long does a debt relief program take?
Most programs take 24 to 48 months from enrollment to full resolution. The timeline depends on your debt amount, the pace at which you fund your settlement account, and how your creditors respond.
Are there upfront fees?
Under federal law, debt settlement providers cannot charge settlement fees before they have negotiated a settlement, you have approved it, and at least one payment toward the settlement has been made. If any provider asks you to pay fees upfront before settling a single debt, that is a red flag. We do not work with providers who operate this way.
Is debt relief right for me?
That depends on your specific situation. Debt settlement is generally best suited for consumers who cannot afford minimum payments on their debts, are already behind or about to fall behind, and have at least $10,000 in unsecured debt. A reputable provider will help you compare your options before recommending enrollment.
Our process
How does your matching process work?
You answer a few questions about your unsecured debt on our site. We match you with one accredited provider based on your state, debt amount, and debt type. You see the provider name before we hand off. A licensed specialist from that provider then contacts you for a free consultation.
Will you run my credit?
We may run a soft credit check as part of the eligibility process, with your explicit written consent. Soft credit checks do not impact your credit score and do not appear on your credit report as visible to lenders. You can also choose to skip this step; your match will still be made, but it may be more preliminary.
How long does the eligibility check take?
Most consumers complete it in two to three minutes.
Do I have to enroll after the match?
No. The consultation with the matched provider is free and has no obligation. You can decline enrollment at any point.
Can you match me with multiple providers?
We introduce you to one provider at a time based on best fit. If that consultation does not result in enrollment, we may be able to introduce you to a different provider in our network. Email us at support@friendlydebtrelief.loans if you would like to explore additional options.
Is your form secure?
Yes. All data is transmitted over HTTPS and encrypted at rest in our systems. Sensitive fields (SSN, date of birth) have additional access restrictions. Our full security practices are described in our Privacy Policy.
How do I opt out of communications from you?
Reply STOP to any SMS, click unsubscribe on any email, or email us at support@friendlydebtrelief.loans with 'unsubscribe' in the subject. We honor opt-out requests within one business day and add your information to our internal suppression list.
Still have questions?
Email support@friendlydebtrelief.loans or call (888) 639-8163 to speak with a human. We respond within one business day.
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