Some bad apples out there when it comes to credit counseling

Some bad apples out there when it comes to credit counseling

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Story Published: Sep 1, 2007 at 1:44 PM PDT

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2007 at 1:44 PM PDT

By Herb Weisbaum

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SEATTLE - A lot of people are on the edge right now. They need a way to deal with mounting bill and growing credit card balances.

For some, credit counseling is the answer. But beware! There are some bad apples out there. They lie to consumers about their fees, their services and what they can really do for you.

According to Alice Hrdy at the Federal Trade Commission, the government has filed more than 12 cases in the last few years against companies promising debt relief. Hrdy says these firms “misrepresented that they were a non-profit credit counseling agency.” She says they also promised consumers that they would reduce their debt substantially when they did not.

And there's this problem: So-called credit counselors who don't really offer any counseling. "They're simply putting consumers into debt management plans without analyzing or looking at that specific consumer’s needs,” Hrdy warns.

With a legitimate credit counselor, there is no right answer for everyone. They sit down with you and give you a free and objective assessment of your financial situation. Their service might not be right for you.

Read Herb’s MSNBC article: Debt relief deals preying on consumer’s trust

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