Are there any consumer credit counseling services that are reputable?
Be very careful with credit counseling agencies because a lot of them are scams. They negotiate with the credit card companies so that you can make one payment to the agency and then they’re supposed to forward your money to the credit card company, but many times they don’t forward your money or they’re late – and you’re right back where you started. They try to pass themselves off as not-for-profit but they are for profit – and guess where they make their money? Do you belong to a credit union by any chance? If not, is there a family member who belongs to one who could sign you up? Credit unions often have in-house credit counselors and their service is free – plus you know they’re on your side. Try calling your Attorney General’s office and ask for consumer services. Ask them to give you list of credit counseling agencies. If they won’t do that, ask if they can give you a list of the ones they”ve had trouble with. There has to be some branch of government in your town that can stee
