PITTSBURGH -- At first glance, it looks like a letter that came straight from Uncle Sam -- a "Federal Debt Relief Plan" with its own special seal emblazoned with the American flag and a mailing address from the nation's capital.

"Looks like it would be from the government," said J.P. Gonzalez of Swisshelm Park.

Wilkins Township resident Dana Theys said she thought the same thing.

But the reaction from the Better Business Bureau was much different.

"If this was a piece of mail that I received in my home, it would shoot up red flags automatically," said Warren King of the Better Business Bureau.

The plan is actually from a debt settlement company called Global Debt Management, claiming it can reduce more than $15,000 worth of credit card or other unsecured debt by more than half.

WTAE Channel 4 "Call 4 Action" reporter Aaron Saykin called the number listed on the letter and was told by an operator that the design was "a little bit of creative marketing."

Officials from Global Debt Management did not return calls from "Call 4 Action."

Debt settlement often requires those involved to stop paying bills, which could spook creditors into negotiating a smaller payment.

But any forgiven debt can damage a credit score for years and taxes will likely be owed on the forgiven amount.

Sometimes the settlement company charges thousand of dollars in fees.

"Consumers have to be careful. Do your homework before making an agreement or sending any money to these types of debt settlement companies," said King.

The Better Business Bureau recommends that those deep in debt talk to a professional debt or credit counselor.

Robert Guy, COO of Global Debt Management, sent the following statement to WTAE Channel 4 Action News:

On April 13th, 2009 Global Debt Management, LLC (GDM) took action and removed the use of the word ‘Federal’ from its mail advertisements. The example mail piece aired on your segment was a test marketing campaign and was distributed in small numbers in Pennsylvania. This action was taken after receiving some consumer feedback and in an effort to reduce any confusion created by the advertisement. At no time did GDM claim to be a department of the government or claim to provide a Government program.

Furthermore, GDM provides among other services a comprehensive and thorough financial review, conducts an in depth discussion of the consumer options and provides education materials on how to develop a budget and manage their debts. Each client must qualify before enrollment into the settlement program and most often is dealing with a financial hardship. All clients are made fully aware of the impacts on credit and the potential tax consequences in the event they are not considered to be insolvent. The debt negotiation process is a better alternative for both creditor and client when compared to Bankruptcy.

Global Debt Management, LLC is a reputable company and maintains good standing with all Regulating Agencies and Association Memberships. GDM makes every effort to ensure that each consumer receives the highest level of customer service and strives to exceed each consumer expectation.