Have you heard those radio commercials asking you if you are in in credit debt and have lost all hope of getting out. Well guess whay they have the debt relief solution for you just call our debt relief counselors and they will lower your bills by at least half of what you owe now. Wow doesn’t that sound great let me get a pen and write down that phone number. This company could be the debt relief answer I have been needing.
Well guess what that company that is pumping themselves up as debt relief heros is probably being run by a bunch of scam artist. They will most likely request an upfront fee which is normally a few hundred dollars and they will never actually do anything on your behalf. Other than make you think that they are handling your bills and talking to creditors on your behalf only for you to find out a few more months down the road that your situation has gotten much worse and now you are out a few hundred dollars.
Does that scenario sound familiar well it does to a lot more people than it did even a year ago. As more and more of these supposed debt relief programs are being run by scam artist that are simply moving from state to state taking advantage of people that are already in trouble financially and making it worse. So be aware because even those companies that claim to be non for profit some of those are actually being run for profit. Both of these scenarios are simply dispicable and these people need to be tracked down and jailed!
When looking for a credit counselor or debt management program do your homework! Check with the better business buerau and the consumer protection office your county. Also make sure they interview you to find out your situation thouroughly, get it in writing plus any fees involved as well. It’s unfortunate that in times of need that people will prey on that and take advantage of you. Do you have any other tips for what to look out for? Please share your opinions on these companies and what should be done about these scam artist.
7:17 am on November 6th, 2008 1
True..one needs to be alert even when facing debts as, if you fall prey to a scam credit counseling agency you will end up accruing more debts than before. So make sure the agency is authorized and listed with BBB. Ensure that the counselors are certified from an accredited institute such as AICCCA, AFCPE etc.and they look into your problems thoroughly. A genuine credit counselor will examine your financial situation in depth and suggest a debt management plan only if required.
4:11 am on November 20th, 2008 2
I don\’t normally leave comments… but I really enjoyed your post! I will be leaving a link back here in my blogroll! Thanks!