Most of us are swamped with bills like credit cards and auto loans, so we’re turning to debt consolidation services to help us regain control of our finances. And it’s a good idea, since some debt consolidation services can also help you lower your interest rates and monthly payments. But there are some unscrupulous folks out there, and that means you need to watch out for scammers when you’re looking for a Debt Consolidation Service online. Here are three warning signs of a disreputable company:

Large, outrageous fees

Some companies charge $100 just for your problem, often disguised as a “credit analysis.” Others offer an “educational program” consisting of mostly free forms, letters and information gathered from Internet websites. The cost for this “education”? It can be as high as $1,500! Be wary of any company that pushes for up-front payment before you receive any type of service or materials.

Silly promises

“Your monthly payment will be half of what you’re currently paying!” “We’ll get your rate of interest slashed to zero percent!” “You’ll be paying less in just two weeks!” These types of exaggerated promises are designed to lure you in, and they’re rarely true. No one can work miracles, and they certainly can’t work them in just two weeks. Expect it to take at least a month–and probably longer–before you see the effects of debt consolidation on your finances.

They make first contact

Any company that sends out SPAM, cold calls your home, or sends you junk mail is fishing for a fee. Chances are they only want your money, and once they get it they’ll offer very little in terms of services. Most reputable companies will wait for you to contact them.

You can always double check a Debt Counseling Service with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. You might also consider asking family and friends if they have any experience with the service.

Tags: Debt Consolidation, Debt Consolidation Services

What Are Debt Consolidation Services?

Debt consolidation services are companies who specialize in helping you free yourself from the burden of debt. If you have debt that seems to pile up more and more each month, bills for which you can’t even afford the minimum payments, and the trend has been continuing for a long time with no end in sight, then a debt consolidation service may be just what you need to help you out of the tangle of debt you’re in.

How Can Debt Consolidation Services Help?

Did you know that your creditors are the ones who absorb most of the costs when you consolidate your debt? To those you owe, it is a better financial decision for them to accept partial payment from you than none at all if you file for bankruptcy or simply never pay. A debt consolidation services company representative will stand up for you and negotiate with those you owe and decrease your overall debt as well as get rid of interest payments and taxes.

What Do the Creditors Gain From Debt Consolidation Services?

The reason why your debt is so high is not necessarily because you spent too much money. Your debt may be due in large part to the high interest rates and fees that accrued as the months passed without payment. Creditors usually recoup at least the original expenses – that is, the amount the bill was originally before it was doubled and tripled or even quadrupled by over limit and late payment fees and interest charges.

Additionally, creditors can write off all the money they lose in interest and fee payments on their taxes so as long as they still get the original amount that you owe them, they have nothing to lose.

What Do You Get From Debt Consolidation Services?

You get to combine all your bills into one bill payment every month. You get one payment that is considerably lower than all your other bills were before. Your phone will stop ringing off the hook with creditors calling you and asking for money. Your stress will dramatically decrease knowing that you have taken the steps to get yourself out of the downward spiral of debt.

All of this starts when you employ a specialist in debt consolidation services.

Tags: Bankruptcy, bill payment, company representative, debt consolidation service, Debt Consolidation Services, financial decision, high interest rates, interest charges, interest payments