How to Choose a Debt Relief Agency

When a credit crunch affects thousands of people worldwide, many individuals look for debt relief. There seems to be a helping hand around every corner, but not all debt relief agencies are created equally. It's important to know the facts about how to choose the right debt relief agency for you in order to maintain your good name and credit rating.

Instructions

1

Research debt relief agencies online. When selecting debt relief agencies, take your top three choices and check out the Better Business Bureau website to see how many complaints have been filed and how they have addressed those complaints. If an agency is complaint-free, you can rest assured that you are selecting a reputable company.

2

Ask questions of the agency representatives. For example: Do they have full time credit attorneys or do they have credit advocates? There is a big difference between the two. Attorneys are required to maintain continuing education in the credit and debt laws, whereas credit advocates receive the same amount of training as customer service representatives.

3

Review the agencies' fees completely. The fees that agencies charge will vary based on the services you require. Credit clean up in addition to debt consolidation can run from $40 to $140 per month, depending on the needs that you have. Don't select an agency just because they are inexpensive. In this line of work, the old adage that you "get what you pay for" holds true nearly 100 percent of the time.

4

Research the companies' claims on being seen on national networks. Sometimes debt relief agencies will have been featured on major syndicated networks, but they might not have been featured in a positive light. Make sure you visit the network sites that they claim to have been featured on, do a site search for the companies and find out the facts.

5

Make a list of the pros and cons for each company. This will give you a side-by-side comparison of what each company offers and helps you decide which services are most beneficial to you and your unique situation.