Guardian Debt Relief is a top consumer-rated provider of debt settlement services, based in the heart of the Financial District in New York City.We provide an alternative to bankruptcy, credit counseling, and debt management. Through debt settlement, we have improved the financial situation of thousands of clients just like you.If you’re barely making ends meet because of outstanding debt, we’re here to help. Whether you’ve found yourself unemployed or underemployed, are already being hounded by creditors, have had a medical emergency, or you can only make minimum payments on your outstanding debts, we’ll work with you to figure out your best options.We’ve helped thousands of people regain control of their finances and their lives and we can help you too!
Guardian Debt Relief (guardiandebtrelief.com) has 53 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5.
Also known as
guardiandebtrelief.com
Website
guardiandebtrelief.com
Category
Credit & Debt Services
Location
New York, New York
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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Most recent review: July 2026.
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Do NOT USE THIS COMPANY. Absolutely awful. The Indian person that answered my call was so rude obnoxious and also suggested that I wanted revenge debt collection and then hung up one me. Obviously I rung back and gave her a piece of my mind and clearly found a company that was professional.
GH
Gloria H.
I had a bad experience as well
I had a bad experience as well. I was in a worst predicament. I cancelled last October.
KN
kathrynlaratt.net
Do not trust
I signed up with Guardian litigation group February 2025 for a debt consolidation program. They did not deliver what they promised and I am in worse shape financially than I was when I started with them. They are a lot of pap blah, blah blah and no substance. At the least I am disappointed and trying to put the pieces back together that they shattered. They will hurt you more than help you. Beware!
KF
Kim F.
Just started and regretting it
Just started and regretting it
Have only made one payment. They call us, I am helping my 83 year old dad with this. Can not understand what they say half the time. Will be talking and they hang up on me in the middle of conversation. I have a very bad feeling and am getting dad to change to different company
ER
Erik R.
I wish I saw these reviews before I…
I wish I saw these reviews before I signed up. I owed 36k total in 12 accounts. Signed up for 4 year plan at 600+ a month. After two years and not one missed payment, my credit score hadn't moved from 521. Also, they called multiple times to ask for more money. Bc it takes them so long to negotiate, I've been sued by two of the creditors. Last week my wife and I refinanced our mortgage in part to pay off the remaining 2 years of the program. They quoted me 17k+ which they said was 65% of the remaining debt and I paid it in full! They literally just called me today to ask for more money. I've given them over 32k the last 2 years for 36k of debt, being sued twice and they now want more money. I'm on crazy pills, literally the worst company I ever worked with, I feel completely scammed!
PX
Paxan X.
Beware! DON'T DO IT..Scam!
Beware of Guardian's Predatory Practices - My Experience with Their "Debt Consolidation Program"
I want to share my experience with Guardian's "debt consolidation program" to warn others. My financial situation was dire when I first engaged with them—I had approximately $100,000 in debt and was behind on payments for several months. Here's what unfolded:
Sales Tactics
Guardian's sales team claimed their long-standing relationships with creditors would allow them to negotiate settlements for "approximately 50%" of my debt. I requested the contract for review, but they insisted I sign it over the phone. This is a high-pressure sales tactic, and I regret falling for it. The contract included their hefty 27% "performance fee"—a detail I overlooked in my rush to avoid further arrears.
Results of Their Service
1. Initial Settlement:
The first debt they settled was for 60% of the amount owed. After their 27% fee, I saved only about 10%.
Still, I remained optimistic, thinking it might improve over time.
2. Lawsuits and Lack of Action:
Despite claiming to represent clients in lawsuits, Guardian requires same-day submission of court documents. This is nearly impossible given their 3-4 business day processing time.
Two of my creditors sued me. Guardian failed to engage with these creditors before legal action, which is the best time to negotiate.
One debt of $26,000 was settled for $24,900 (a 90% settlement), yet they still charged their 27% performance fee.
Another debt of $22,000 was settled for 86%, again with their full fee applied. I ended up paying more than my original debt.
3. Unsettled Debts:
After a year, Guardian has only addressed 3 out of my 10 debts.
My credit score continues to suffer due to ongoing late payment reports.
4. Independent Action:
I personally negotiated with one creditor, settling $28,000 for $18,000 over 3 years. Guardian had not contacted this creditor in over a year.
When I informed Guardian, they used scare tactics to dissuade me, claiming my agreement might lead to legal action.
Hidden Fees
Guardian adds additional charges, including:
$11/month to hold your money.
$12/month per disbursement to creditors. Over a year, these fees amounted to $500. Combined with their high performance fee, these charges feel exploitative.
Key Issues
Guardian fails to negotiate proactively, often waiting until lawsuits occur.
Settlements are far from the promised 50%, with some reaching 90%.
The 27% performance fee negates any savings and can leave you paying 120% or more of your original debt.
Their practices further damage credit scores by delaying contact with creditors.
Conclusion
Guardian’s program is not debt consolidation. Their tactics prolong financial strain, worsen credit scores, and exploit vulnerable individuals trying to avoid bankruptcy. I successfully negotiated better terms independently and without paying their exorbitant fees. I urge others to explore alternatives and avoid this.
KA
Kathleen
Beware of Guardian
I sent Guardian over $10,000.00 last November to pay off all my accounts I had sent to them. I came into some money and wanted everything paid off. There has been only one or two that have been paid and nothing has been paid on the others. I even paid one off myself. This is ridiculous. What is happening with the money I sent. BEWARE! DON'T EVEN CONSIDER USING GUARDIAN.
DJ
DOUGLAS J.
Guardian is a rip off
Guardian is a rip off. If you haven’t tried their service, please don’t. They charge excessive fees and pay your creditors basically nothing on your accounts. The excessive fees that Guardian charges could be applied to your creditors accounts. I deposited over $3000 in an account with Forth. Guardian paid less than $1,400 on my accounts and charged me over $1,600 for fees. Again, a total rip off.