Find the Best Credit Counseling Services and Agencies

We Americans have become way too accustomed to a consumer-driven society where we want what we want, when we want it, whether we really need it or not.  But sooner or later, all the chickens come home to roost, and if you become unemployed or your income drops, the chickens all roost a lot sooner.  

You’re feeling overwhelmed, and it’s time to consider a consumer credit service.  Well, it’s probably not going to come as a surprise that they’re not all legit and above-board.  So let’s cut right to the chase and lay down some warning signs that you need to be aware of.

Credit Counseling Service Scammers - The Warning Signs

If you hear any of the following claims, you should immediately take your business elsewhere:

• We can remove all your unsecured debt
• We can pay off your unsecured debt with pennies on the dollar
• We require a fat service fee monthly
• We require payment of a percentage of your savings
• We tell you to stop making payments or communicating with creditors
• Creditors will never sue for the balance of unsecured debt
• Our system will not hurt your credit score
• Our system will remove negative information from your credit report

Just remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Other things to watch out for are credit counselors who don’t want to spend much one-on-one time with you, demands for up-front fees, credit counselors who pressure you to sign before reading the fine print, or those who push a debt management plan as your first option.  

Too many fly-by-night consumer credit counselors are out to play on the nerves and emotions of people who are already close to desperation, and stampede them into a decision.

So Where Are The Good Credit Counseling Agencies?

As a general rule, the best agencies with the best consumer credit counselors are the ones who have been in the field for awhile. The best credit counselors are the ones who can offer a full range of services, from simple consultations on budgeting all the way up to a debt management plan, settlement or repayment setup.  

When doing your homework to find a good one, be sure to look into references and testimonials.  The Better Business Bureau and your local Attorney General are also good resources to take advantage of during your search.