Christian Debt Counseling Services Can Trap You: How to Avoid Them
Perhaps, in considering your financial situation you have made the decision to use a debt counseling service. A lot of people assume that going with a christian service is the way to go because it means they will be fair, legitimate, and perhaps even free or low cost.
Unfortunately, this is frequently not the case. In fact, many companies that have set out to scam consumers and take advantage of their vulnerability strategically use the word “Christian” in their title in hopes that you will make just such an assumption. They prey on your faith and your desperate financial situation, and their sole intent is to squeeze as much money out of you as possible.
There are a range of bad companies. Some of them are just that, bad companies who charge you a fee each month, but don’t really do anything for you. Others charge you upfront and don’t do anything for you and you leave them in the same position or worse off. But there are some companies that really prey on people in a bad financial spot. Being deep in debt is also every emotionally challenging and often we throw caution to the wind hoping that someone or anything will get us out of this mess. But be wary because there are companies out there that are down right illegal and will scam you right out of thousands of dollars doing absolutely nothing for you.
Because any body can promise anything, there are a few good way to protect yourself when you are looking for a good debt settlement company. First, I would get references, as many as you can. If you know someone who has successfully negotiated their debt, find out who they used. Second, look the companies up in the Better Business Bureau. Third, once you do hire a company understand that you are still ultimately responsible for your debt and nobody is going to work as hard as you to fix you. Do not pay large sums of money up front, don’t sign any long term contracts with them, and don’t give them electronic access to your bank account so you can quit quickly & easily if they are one of those bad companies.
In the end, just protect yourself. Be aware, and put the things in place so that you don’t end up a victim, but can choose a great debt settlement company and become debt free in a few years.
C. Arnold is an professional at budgeting and debt management. To learn more about Christian Credit Debt Counsoling.
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