TACOMA, Wash. -- On Monday federal officials took control of a local debt-relief company.

The Federal Trade Commission sued United Savings Center & Mutual Consolidated Saving and froze all of the assets of its owners, alleging it violated telemarketing rules.

The FTC claims the company used robo-calls to aggressively target consumers in need of financial help, including those on the national Do Not Call list, by promising lower interest rates. Then, the company allegedly charged high fees while giving very little actual help, effectively cheating clients out of thousands.

Are you a target?

Bruce McClary of Clear Point Credit Counseling Solutions - a trustworthy, nonprofit counseling agency - has a few tips on how to figure out whether you're in need of help.

You're in need of help if:

1. You can only make the minimum monthly payments on your credit cards.
2. You carry a balance that exceeds half of your available credit.
3. You have no savings or have stopped adding to your savings.

Do your homework

Federal and state prosecutors warn that debt relief scammers are ripping off unsuspecting customers across the country.

They prey on people who are drowning in dept and feel there is no way out. There are ways to spot these questionable firms.

There is as serious problem with debt relief companies. They prey on the most vulnerable, promising a way out of debt quickly and easily. How do you spot the bad apples?

Facing mounting bills can be frightening, but getting debt relief is not a decision that should be based on hearing a radio commercial or getting a sales call. You want to find an organization that will design a debt relief plan specifically for you.

Shop around. Compare a couple of services and get a feel for how they operate. The credit counselor should spend at least 20 to 30 minutes with you in order to get a complete picture of your finances. If they don't do that, you're not really getting any counseling.

Ask a lot of questions and get those answers in writing. Find out about the fees. The Consumer Federation of America says you shouldn't pay more than $50 for the set-up fee and no more than a $25 monthly maintenance fee. If the agency is vague or reluctant to talk about fees, go someplace else.

Don't rely on names or the claim of a non-profit status. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection office.

By doing your homework you should be able to find a service that doesn't over-charge or over-promise. Here's a good place to start:The National Foundation for Credit Counseling. They'll help you find a certified counselor near you.

What to do when you're drowning in debt

The following tips were provided by the New York Attorney General's Office.

Be wary of debt settlement companies which falsely promise to obtain substantial lump sum debt reduction settlements. Many advertise "reduce debt now," and claim as much as 50 to 75 percent off credit card debt, but rarely obtain advertised reductions.

Never agree to sign a contract with a debt settlement company that requires payment in advance prior to obtaining the promised debt reduction.

Enrollment in debt settlement plans may not stop creditors from bringing collection law suits, or prevent enrolled accounts from growing larger by the addition of late fees, interest, and penalties. Also, credit reports will reflect derogatory information, including assessed late charges and non-payment of debt, and consequently credit scores will be adversely affected.

Creditors are under no legal obligation to accept a settlement offer for less than the outstanding balance owed.

Only a small number of consumers who enroll in debt settlement plans have the financial means to complete them. Usually, they drop out after having paid service fees to the companies with no settlements.

Enrollment in a debt settlement plan premised on stopping payments to creditors will likely lead to more frequent and aggressive creditor collection efforts often resulting in judgments, wage garnishments, and freezing of bank accounts.

Check with the Better Business Bureau to obtain a Reliability Report on a particular debt settlement company and its rating.

A wise first step to help resolve an outstanding account is to speak directly to the credit card issuer. Alternatively, it may be helpful to speak to an attorney or an accredited credit counselor who can help develop a plan of action that best works for each consumer's unique situation.

For more information:

Debt relief deals 'preying on consumer's trust'