debt consolidators

Is there any difference between Debt Consolidators and Settelers?
Where can you go online to study up and find out info on these companies that claim to help you such as their rates of those who drop out verses those they actually help, how long they’ve been in business, and an overall ranking/grading system? In short, where can you go to see whether or not they’re legit?
I signed up with a company and they took me for 6K. They claim the will settle your debts with the companies. I had alot of c-card debt. They hd me send them 600 for ten straight months and then said they would start to work on the settlements. You can actually call the debt collectors and settle your own debts. I have recently settled a c-card for 30% of the original balance. I goes as settled in full to the bureaus. Hope this helps. If you have any other ? drop me a email GULFBEACHIN2004@YAHOO