With gas prices at record highs, rising food prices and the housing market in turmoil, consumers nationwide are feeling the money crunch. For those individuals with excessive debt the promise of relief and debt assistance sounds like an answer to their prayers, but it too comes with a cost.

Hagens Berman recently filed a lawsuit against Credit Solutions of America, the largest debt-consolidation company in the country, claiming the company violates federal laws on predatory behavior against individuals with significant debt.

Our suit claims that Credit Solutions promises customers it can get them out of debt by negotiating with credit companies and lenders. We heard from consumers who say that CSA often tells customers to stop making payments while the company negotiates better terms on their behalf.

Sound too good to be true?

That's what thousands of consumers think. We are hearing that while CSA claims it can reduce debt by up to 60 percent, in reality the company charges huge up-front fees and does little for the consumer, often leaving them themselves further in debt.

KIRO-TV in Seattle recently ran a story on the lawsuit, highlighting the stories of consumers caught up in the CSA issue.

As this case progresses you can view updates on hbsslaw.com.