FORTH Glossary of Terms

Term

Definition

Set Forth, LLC

The legal entity name of the company. "Forth," "Set Forth," and "SetForth" all refer to the same organization.

Forth CRM

The proprietary CRM platform built and maintained by Set Forth, LLC and used by DRSPs to manage contacts, debts, enrollments, settlements, payments, and communications.

ForthPay

Forth's proprietary payment gateway for processing ACH transactions, managing dedicated accounts, and handling settlement payments and fee disbursements.

Forth Credit

Forth's own credit pull integration powered by Spinwheel. Pulls consumer credit via Equifax using a soft inquiry and verifies identity through Identity Connect (SMS) or KBA (security questions).

Clixsign

Forth's proprietary e-signature platform for generating, sending, and tracking electronic signature requests on settlement letters, authorization forms, and document packages.

DebtPayPro (DPP)

Former name for Forth CRM before DPP and DPG merged to become Forth

DebtPayGateway (DPG)

Former name for Forth Pay before DPP and DPG merged to become Forth

FORTH Mobile App (FCMA)

A specific application designed for consumers enrolled in debt relief programs through ForthPay to manage their accounts and track financial progress

Managed Data Cloud (MDC)

A turnkey, cloud-based data warehousing product sold by Forth that gives clients direct, secure access to their CRM and payment processing data for reporting and business intelligence. Powered by Snowflake (SF).

Centrex Software (CTX)

Sister Company to Forth - Centrex provides a menu of white-labeled fintech products and services dedicated to the commercial and consumer finance industry. With the Centrex ecosystem, you can run your finance business all under one roof.

Term

Definition

Contact

The core record/object in Forth CRM that stores all information for a consumer.

Consumer

An individual enrolled in a debt relief program through a DRSP. In Forth CRM, a consumer is represented as an enrolled contact record.

Client

A contact who has been enrolled in the CRM, usually with a live payment schedule.

Client Dashboard

The main contact record view in Forth CRM, displaying the Client Snapshot and providing access to tabs for History, Calls, Emails, Notes, Docs, Events, Tasks, Debts, Bank Account, and SMS.

Creditor

A company or entity to which a consumer owes a debt. In Forth CRM, creditors are stored on the Debts tab and can be populated via credit pull or manual entry.

Debt

A financial obligation owed by a consumer to a creditor. Tracked on the Debts tab of a contact record with creditor name, account number, balance, and status.

Settlement

A negotiated agreement to resolve a consumer's debt for less than the full balance owed. Managed through the Settlements tab where negotiators create offers, track statuses, schedule payments, and generate settlement letters via ClixSign.

Enrollment Plan

The configured payment program structure a consumer enrolls into within the CRM

Custodial Account

A dedicated, FDIC-insured bank account opened in the consumer's name where scheduled drafts accumulate over time to fund settlement payments and earned fees.

Gateway

A payment processing platform (such as ForthPay) used to manage consumer draft schedules, settlement disbursements, and fee collection within the Forth CRM.

Savings (Settlement)

The difference between the original balance owed on an enrolled debt and the settled amount paid to the creditor, representing the total dollar amount the consumer avoided paying through the settlement process.

Compensation Template

A configuration in the Forth CRM (also called "Comp Template" or "Fee Split") that defines how participants (payees) get paid on a file.

Webhooks

An executable tool to send information from the CRM to another system via HTTP Post or JSON formats.

Workflow

A series of Stages and Statuses a contact will transition through as they progress through a company's servicing process within Forth CRM.

Triggers

Configured system automation that is performed upon the CRM detecting specific events and qualifying criteria.

API

Short for Application Programming Interface, it is a software intermediary that acts as a contract of service between two applications.

Gateway Hold

A hold placed on a consumer's enrollment that prevents scheduled ACH debits from processing until a specific condition is resolved (e.g., authorization review, missing documents, returned payments). Hold reasons are managed by ForthPay and displayed under the Enrollments tab in the Forth CRM.

Hold Release

Releasing of a gateway hold, allowing a consumer's ACH debits to process.

Paused

A temporary suspension of a consumer's scheduled transactions (ACH Client Debits, Credit Card Debits, Debit Card Debits) initiated by the DRSP, during which no API calls are made to the gateway to process payments. The consumer remains enrolled in the program and displays as "Paused by DRSP" on the ForthPay Client Dashboard.

Data Source

A tool that allows users to mass or automatically load leads into the CRM. These can be performed either by importing a CSV file or by having leads be sent to the data source directly via an HTTP Post.

Integration

The process of connecting different software applications, systems, or components to work together as a unified whole, allowing them to share data and potentially automate workflows.

Dialer

A telephony tool used by agents to place outbound calls or manage inbound call queues. In Forth CRM, dialer integrations (e.g., ViciDial, BluRock) connect call activity to consumer records for tracking and disposition.

Credit Pull

The process of retrieving a consumer's credit bureau file through an integrated provider (such as Forth Credit). In Forth CRM, a credit pull populates the Debts tab, credit scores, and generates a PDF report under Docs → Uploaded Files.

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The email sending method used when configuring a sender in Forth CRM's E-Marketing module.

Sender

A configured email identity in Forth CRM used to send e-marketing campaigns and trigger-based emails. Can be set up as a Verified Email (SendGrid) or SMTP sender.

SMS

Short Message Service. A text messaging protocol used to send outbound messages to consumers. In Forth CRM, SMS is configured through triggers and campaigns, and requires an assigned phone number and opt-in compliance settings per client account.

ACH (Automated Clearing House)

The U.S. electronic payment network used to process consumer debits and credits, including pulling funds from a consumer's bank account and disbursing settlement payments and fees through a connected payment processor.

Teams

A grouping of users within a Forth CRM account used to organize staff for contact routing, shared user data access, and workflow management. Teams are managed under the Admin tab and require the Create, Edit, or Delete Teams role permissions.

Campaign

A tracking record in Forth CRM used to identify and attribute the source of contacts (leads). Managed under Contacts → Campaigns, each campaign can be marked active or inactive and linked to intake forms to capture lead origin. Campaigns should be used instead of custom fields to track lead sources.

E-Marketing Campaign

A scheduled bulk email campaign in Forth CRM managed under the E-Marketing tab. Setup requires three components: a configured sender (with SMTP credentials), a contact list (dynamic, max 25,000 records per list), and an email template. Campaigns run daily at their scheduled time and send to contacts populating the list at that time. All scheduling uses CST.

SMS Campaign

A scheduled bulk text messaging campaign in Forth CRM created from the SMS tab. Setup requires a from number and a contact list. Campaigns include a delivery window, message body (with optional template), and can be sent immediately or scheduled for recurring delivery. All scheduling uses CST.

Client Balance Forecaster (CBF)

A microservice within Forth CRM that projects a consumer's dedicated account balance forward in time by combining their settlement payment schedule with incoming debits (deposits). Available for ForthPay, GCS, and CFT gateway accounts. (Not to be confused with Credit Bureau File, also abbreviated CBF.)

Credit Bureau File (CBF)

A consumer's credit report pulled through a credit reporting integration in Forth CRM. Contains tradeline data used to import debts and assess a consumer's financial profile.

Chargeback

A reversal of a payment initiated by the consumer's bank, to return funds to the consumer's account after they dispute a transaction

Term

Definition

File Type

A required classification on each enrollment plan that identifies the type of program (e.g., Debt Settlement). Each file type should have its own plan, even if the fee structure is the same.

Program Length

The duration of a consumer's debt relief program, configured on the enrollment plan with a default, minimum, maximum, and increment value (e.g., default 36, min 12, max 60, increment 6).

Est. Settlement Percentage

The estimated percentage of total enrolled debt the consumer is expected to settle for. Configured on the enrollment plan with default, minimum, and maximum values. 

This applies only to the "Debt Settlement" filetype.

Fee Type

The calculation method for a fee on an enrollment plan. Options include Debt Percent, Fixed Amount, Sett Savings, Fixed Amort, Per Debt, Custom Debt Percent, and Monthly Fee.

Earned Performance Fee (EPF)

The fee a DRSP earns upon successfully settling a consumer's debt. Only collected after settlement completion on performance-based plans.

Processor Fee

A fee on the enrollment plan designated as belonging to the payment gateway (e.g., ForthPay monthly or setup fee).

Setup Fee

A one-time fee charged to the consumer at the beginning of their program, configured on the enrollment plan.

Monthly Fee (Plan)

A recurring fee on the enrollment plan charged to the consumer's dedicated account each month. Schedules as a standalone ACH credit on the selected monthly date regardless of payment frequency.

Weighted Fee

A fee setting that front-loads a higher percentage of the fee earlier in the program, with a lesser amount collected later.

Fee Profile

A template that defines allowable fee ranges based on a contact's total enrolled debt, number of debts, and program term.

Payment Frequency

The schedule on which a consumer's ACH debits process. Options include Monthly, Semi-Monthly, Bi-Weekly, and Weekly (must be enabled in Forth CRM Settings).

First Payment Date

The date of the consumer's initial ACH debit in their program, selectable when "Select First Payment Date" is enabled on the plan.

Recurring Payment Date

The date on which subsequent scheduled debits process each payment cycle after the first payment.

Draft

A scheduled ACH debit from the consumer's bank account into their dedicated account as part of their enrollment plan payment schedule.

Program Deposit

The consumer's total monthly payment amount regardless of frequency. Auto-populated from the enrollment plan into the Budget Analysis tab.

Defer

A fee setting that delays collection until a settlement offer is completed. Only applicable for performance-based debt settlement plans.

Shared Enrollment Plan

An enrollment plan shared from a parent account to receiving (affiliate) accounts. Receiving accounts can manage role access but cannot modify the plan's core structure.

Custom Debt Fee Percent

A per-debt fee override that allows users to set a specific fee percentage on an individual debt, overriding the standard EPF from the enrollment plan. Configured on the Admin Tab → Settings → Debt Settings.

Sub-Type

A customizable label applied to individual fees on an enrollment plan. Managed under Enrollments Tab → Sub Types.

Savings (Enrollment Plan)

The portion of the consumer's total payment that is set aside and deposited into their custodial account to fund future settlement payments.

Term

Definition

ACH Client Debit

A consumer's scheduled program payment (deposit) into their dedicated account via ACH.

Balance Transfer

Funds deposited into a consumer's dedicated account to account for a balance transfer from a previous account management provider to ForthPay, typically during a client migration.

Client Check Payment

A consumer's scheduled program payment (deposit) into their dedicated account made via check.

Custodial Reimbursement

Funds transferred from ForthPay into a consumer's dedicated account, typically to reverse an overbilled fee or to advance funds when a consumer is low balance on a settlement payment.

Debit Card Payment

A consumer's scheduled program payment (deposit) into their dedicated account made via debit card.

Settlement Advance

Funds transferred from a DRSP's reserve balance account to a consumer's dedicated account when the consumer does not have sufficient funds to cover a settlement payment. The DRSP typically recoups the advance before the consumer exits the program.

Account Transfer

A debit to a specific payee account, typically used to move money from the DSC bank account into a consumer's custodial account for settlement advancements or to pull back fees. Displays as 'Transfer' once created.

Account Adjustment

A business transaction that has not yet been recorded in the system's accounting records as of a specific date.

Balance Forward

The previous balance on a consumer's account carried over from the prior statement to the current statement period.

Client Advance

Funds issued directly to a consumer as an advance against their dedicated account balance.

Credit Card Payment

A consumer's scheduled program payment charged to the credit card on file, as an alternative to ACH debit.

eCheck

A digital payment method containing the same information as a paper check (account number, routing number, and amount), processed electronically over the ACH network.

Trust Deposit

A deposit held on trust in a consumer's dedicated account that is not classified as an agency, investment, protection, or special deposit.

Term

Definition

ACH Credit / Fee

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to a DRSP and/or third party (e.g., Veritas) for services related to the debt relief program. Used by upfront-model DRSPs to schedule program fees that are not tied to settling a debt first.

Advance Recoup

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to a DRSP to recoup funds previously advanced via a Settlement Advance.

Client Refund

A withdrawal of funds from the consumer's dedicated account back to the consumer, typically used when a consumer cancels or graduates their program. Funds are returned via ACH credit, check, or bank wire.

Forth Reimbursement

A reimbursement issued from ForthPay to the DSC or Payee for previously held or reversed fees.

Disbursement Fee

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to ForthPay for disbursing funds to a creditor via a Settlement Payment transaction.

Forth Custodial Fee

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to ForthPay for its monthly custodial service fee.

Earned Performance Fee (EPF)

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to a DRSP for their settlement services. Can only be collected after the DRSP has changed the terms of a debt, the consumer has authorized the new terms, and at least one payment has been made to the creditor under those terms.

Settlement Payment

A payment from the consumer's dedicated account to a creditor based on the new terms negotiated by the DRSP and authorized by the consumer.

Check Paid Fee

A fee payment associated with having a payment disbursed via paper check.

Fee Account Withdrawal

A withdrawal transaction initiated from the fee account to adjust or recover previously applied fees.

Retained Performance Fee

A fee held by ForthPay that is realized to the DRSP or Payee once a settlement has been reached. Distinct from Earned Performance Fee (EPF), which is collected after settlement completion.

Transaction Fee

A per-transaction expense charged each time an electronic payment is processed for a consumer.

Remittance

A money exchange using a transfer, often done internationally.

Term

Definition

Open

A scheduled transaction where no funds have been reserved. Transactions remain in Open status until transitioning to Pending.

Pending

Funds for the upcoming transaction have been reserved; the transaction has begun processing but has not yet cleared

Cleared

Transaction has processed and funds have been credited or withdrawn

Low Balance

Consumer does not have sufficient funds in their dedicated account to cover a scheduled settlement payment. Automatically tagged as Returned by ForthPay.

On Hold

Transaction has been placed on hold and will not process until the hold is released.

Cancel

Transaction scheduled on a consumer’s account that was cancelled by the DRSP or FP prior to processing or entering the Pending status.

Reversed

Transaction was reversed. Most commonly used for stop payment checks on Settlement Payment transactions.

Shipped

A physical check has been dispatched and is en route to the creditor

Unauth Return

Original ACH debit was returned as unauthorized (R05, R07, R10, R11, R29, R51); the cleared status is updated to Unauth Return and a reversal transaction is created.

Returned / NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds)

ACH debit was returned by the bank, including returns due to non-sufficient funds (NSF).

Error Processing

Transaction failed due to a processing error

Stop Payment

Transaction was stopped

Void

Only applicable to Settlement Payments. The transaction has been voided.

Rejected

Transaction was rejected by the payment processor and will not be processed.

Resubmitted

A previously returned or failed transaction that has been resubmitted for processing.

Delivered

A refund or settlement payment has been confirmed as delivered to the recipient.

Term

Definition

In-Review

The offer is being reviewed internally before being sent to the creditor or before a decision is made. This is the default settlement offer status unless otherwise specified for the account.

Accepted

The settlement offer has been fully accepted and approved. In the default workflow, this triggers the system to transition the offer to "Completed" and schedule the corresponding settlement payments and performance fees.

Declined

The settlement offer has been declined (by the consumer, attorney, or internally). The offer is closed without scheduling payments.

Completed

The settlement offer has been finalized and all corresponding transactions (settlement payments and earned performance fees) have been scheduled on the payment calendar. (Cannot be manually selected, offers that are Accepted automatically transition to “Completed”)

Voided

The settlement offer has been canceled post Completion. Voiding removes scheduled transactions tied to the offer. A new offer can be created after voiding.

Term

Definition

CRM

Short for "Customer Relationship Management." A technology and strategy for managing all of a company's interactions with current and potential customers.

VBA

Short for 'Virtual Bank Account.' A digitally assigned bank account number used to route and track payments without requiring a traditional, physical bank account for each entity. It is the same as a Payee account.

DRSP

Short for "Debt Relief Service Provider," these are our Debt Settlement clients with a Forth CRM account

DSRP

A common internal misspelling of DRSP (see above)

Affiliate

Typically a Front-End account that handles marketing/sales responsibilities, who submits to one or more differing back-end servicing accounts.

Front-End (Account Type)

An account type that handles marketing, sales, and lead generation.

Back-End (Account Type)

Back-end accounts handle the servicing.

Full Service Account

A CRM account that handles both Front-End marketing and Back-End servicing.

Performance (Account/Fee Model)

A debt settlement service model in which the DRSP must first "perform" the act of settling a consumer's debt before collecting any fees.

Face-to-Face (F2F)

A debt settlement service model in which the DRSP meets with the consumer in person and has contracts signed face-to-face. Because of this in-person meeting, the servicer is permitted to collect fees upfront

Center for Internet Security (CIS)

A nonprofit organization that publishes the CIS Controls — an industry-standard cybersecurity framework used by Forth to protect against cyber threats.

Snowflake (SF)

A cloud-based data warehousing and analytics software platform that allows organizations to store, process, and analyze large volumes of data across various clouds