BBB Tip: Credit Repair and Debt Relief Services

Promises of reduced debt, low-interest loans and magical fixes to your credit score that are arriving in the mailbox or email box are tempting, but be aware of the difference and know which is the best solution to get out of debt.

What is the difference between credit counseling, debt relief, debt consolidation and credit repair?

Credit counseling is the most comprehensive solution, focusing on a variety of resources to help solve financial issues. It also requires the most work and doesn’t promise immediate relief. Tools include budgeting, educational programs, access to counselors and a personalized plan. Credit counseling may (but doesn’t always) lead to a Debt Management Plan (DMP) where funds are deposited into an account and the agency pays debts from that account.

The U.S. Department of Justice has a listing of agencies for people looking for debt reduction assistance.

Debt relief or settlement companies provide help by renegotiating the debt so that the person doesn’t owe as much. These companies reach out to creditors and work with them to lower the balance, interest rates or fees. Consumers can also do this themselves to avoid the fees that a company like this will charge.

Debt consolidation companies offer loans to pay off debts all at once. People will often get drawn in by promises of a low-interest loan, but once they’ve gone through the application process, they’ll find there are higher fees. Depending on the situation, some people may also be able consolidate and pay off debt through a second mortgage or home equity line of credit; but be very careful as this requires the home to be used as collateral.

Credit repair companies promise to clean up credit reports for a fee, but the chances that they can do anything account owners couldn’t do on their own are slim. You have the right to correct inaccurate information in your file, but nobody can remove accurate negative information. Only time and conscientious payments will actually repair the credit report.

When worried about debt, people are often vulnerable to promises to fast solutions. Here are some red flags to help avoid companies with questionable practices.

•Fees are charged before your debts are settled

•Additional pressure to pay fees masquerading as “contributions”

•The company tries to look like a government program

•”Guarantees” to make debt go away or improve a credit score quickly

•You are told to stop paying debts and communicating with creditors

•You can’t get additional information without providing personal financial information

•Promises about what they can do without actually reviewing the financial situation

•The company offers a Debt Management Plan without teaching budgeting and money management

•Promises that the company can erase bad credit or remove information from your credit reports

Before signing up for any program, research the business offering the financial service. Check for a business review and read the complaints on the company at BBB.org.

In the US, you have rights and are protected by the Credit Repair Organization Act (CROA), enforced by the FTC. Legitimate companies adhering to the Act must provide:

•A written contract detailing your rights and the services to be performed

•A three-day cancellation period with no charges

•Details on how long it will take for you to get results

•An accounting of all costs and fees

•Any guarantees that they are making through their marketing

For more information:

•BBB Scam Tracker: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

•Approved credit counseling agencies: https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111

•FTC on Choosing a Credit Counselor (includes extensive information on DMPs): https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0153-choosing-credit-counselor

•FTC on How to Help Yourself with Credit Repair: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0058-credit-repair-how-help-yourself

•FTC on Coping with Debt: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0150-coping-debt#debt

•USA.gov on Dealing with Debt: https://www.usa.gov/debt#item-36577

•FTC on Settling Credit Card Debt: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0145-settling-credit-card-debt

•FDIC Consumer Response Center on Credit Repair: https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/ccc/repair.html

•FTC on Credit Repair Scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0225-credit-repair-scams

•Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Credit Repair Scams: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1343/how-can-i-recognize-credit-repair-scam.html

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