Debt Relief Scams: What You Should Know and How to Avoid Them
In case you’re in deep trouble with credit card debt, you may consider a debt management plan. Debt management involves working with an agency that negotiates directly with your creditors, consolidating all of your debts into a single, lower-cost package. The agency works to lower your interest rate and forgive penalties. The agency does not negotiate with your creditors to decrease the total amount you owe, and you should be aware of your options before choosing one over the other.
While approaching a debt relief company for help can be daunting, it’s the only viable option for many consumers. You’ll want to make sure you choose the right company to handle the grunt work while protecting your credit and money. Here are some tips to choose a reliable company:
Check the website of the company. While some companies may look professional and have a nice website, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a trustworthy company. Always ask for references, as well as read reviews and testimonials from other consumers. You can also check the website of the state’s attorney general, but remember that these are just tips to choose a good company. Remember: debt relief companies are not free! Moreover, they are expensive. As such, they should be regulated by your state.
Avoid scammers. Debt relief scammers usually make unrealistic promises. While legitimate companies may reduce your debt, they may not do so. They may even charge you a fee to help you, but that fee will soon be more than offset by the new interest and penalties. The best way to stay away from these scammers is to contact your creditors directly. If you’re having trouble repaying your debts, your lender can tell you about various options available to you.
Fraudulent companies may promise to reduce your credit card interest rates, but these companies are bogus. They want to bilk you by charging you a non-refundable upfront fee. After all, what’s the point of paying for something that doesn’t actually help? Then don’t pay them unless they actually help you. It’s better to avoid scammers than waste your money and time. If you’re not willing to risk it, you’ll be worse off than before.
While some debt relief programs make repayment easier, the process is rife with scams. Some organizations require upfront payments, promise to lower your debt, and ask for payment before sending you information. If they don’t send you a free copy of their services, they’re most likely scams. A better way to avoid scams is to check out the reputation of debt relief organizations and their policies. You don’t want to be taken advantage of and end up with a higher debt than you can handle.
There are many companies offering debt relief services. A nonprofit credit counseling agency can negotiate with your creditors to lower your debt, and a reputable attorney can negotiate with debt collectors on your behalf. If you choose a nonprofit credit counseling agency, be sure to research the organization. The DOJ maintains a list of agencies that provide credit counseling and other assistance to consumers. If you’re still confused, you can also consult a bankruptcy attorney in your area for recommendations.
There are many benefits of debt relief programs, and they may be the best option for your situation. While they do come with fees, these services can be much more affordable than filing for bankruptcy. A good debt relief program will allow you to pay less than the entire amount owed to your creditors. Unlike bankruptcy, debt settlement programs don’t cause as much damage to your credit as bankruptcy does. Missed payments may damage your credit and decrease your credit score. Your forgiven amount may be taxed by the IRS. It’s important to consult with a tax professional if you decide to choose this option.
Another benefit to debt relief is that you’ll receive more favorable interest rates than you’d otherwise have to pay. Moreover, the debt relief company will help you reduce your debt by reducing the principal amount and/or lowering your interest rate on your outstanding loans. Furthermore, it will extend the repayment period to help you get a fresh start. Debt relief is a viable option for people with bad credit and can help you pay off your debt.
If you have multiple debts and can’t keep up with them, debt relief may be the best option for you. By combining multiple debts into one, you can reduce the total amount you owe. This type of debt relief is often beneficial because you can pay off your new loan with much lower interest rates. However, be aware that debt settlement may damage your credit score more than other options. If you choose this option, be sure to check your eligibility.
Tags: Certified Debt Counselor, Credit Management, Debt Consolidation, Debt Help, Debt Reduction, Debt Relief, Debt Relief Services, Debt Settlement, Debt Solution, Legitimate Debt Relief Company