A lot of people consider "debt settlement" or "debt resolution" companies before they decide on bankruptcy. Those "debt settlement" plans rarely work out as well as promised.
If you feel like you were misled by a debt settlement scam, there's a place where you can lodge a complaint. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau does try to shut down the worst offenders. Here's instructions on how to complain.
The National Consumer Law Center also publishes info, explaining why "debt settlement" is rarely a good idea. https://www.nclc.org/special-projects/need-help-with-debts.html
The National Consumer Law Center is a source of good information to consumer, and for lawyers who fight for consumers.