BARNEGAT, N.J., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of credit users have been logging on to DebtSmart.com to learn more about beating the system -- the credit-card system. DebtSmart.com has been helping consumers save money on their credit cards and debt since 1998 with hundreds of free articles plus a free biweekly email newsletter focused on taking an out-of-the-box approach to controlling one's finances.

The web site is the creation of Scott Bilker, author of many books on consumer credit, his latest titled, "Talk Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt: Phone calls to banks that saved more than $43,000 in interest charges and fees." This book details 52 phone call transcripts with banks, wherein Scott negotiates lower interest rates, gets fees waived, and negotiates settlements.

In an online survey, 85 percent of DebtSmart.com readers reported that they have been late paying at least one credit card bill. Of the people who were late, 96 percent were charged a late fee ranging from $25 to $49, and as a penalty, nearly half interest rates raised from an average of 8.33 percent APR, with a maximum 20 percent hike.

DebtSmart.com presents information in an easy-to-read and understand, format, which is why the web site's popularity has been growing. "I like to experiment with new ideas in presenting the sometimes complex information." adds Scott. "My latest project for communicating new concepts is the Debt Daredevil(TM) comic."

In his first adventure, "Car on Credit" (DebtDaredevil.com) the Debt Daredevil takes on the evil used car salesman. Bilker's recommendation is to consider credit cards as an option when financing a car, which is why some people categorize his advice as daring.

"I've always thought of myself as a credit-card and debt vigilante, but many radio hosts have referred to me as the Debt Daredevil," explained Scott. Future adventures planned for the Debt Daredevil include taking on credit card banks, making a profit from cash advances, and crushing debt collectors!

Scott's other books are "Credit Card and Debt Management" and "How to be more Credit Card and Debt Smart."