Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 
 

 

 

Informative Articles

Consolidate your credit card debt
With the popularity of plastic money these days, credit cards are gaining immense importance. With growing usage of credit card the number of people in debt and the amount of debt for each of them is also increasing at a fast pace. Almost...

Debt and Bill Consolidation - Signs You Need To Consolidate Your Debt
If your debt is becoming difficult to get on top of, here are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine if you need some help managing or consolidating your debt. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should probably consider...

Debt Consolidation - Free Information About Consolidating Debt
Millions of consumers across the globe are searching for a way out of debt. Credit card bills, loans, and other unsecured debts have left many people unable to meet their monthly expenses. If you have found yourself in this position, don't feel...

Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt Consolidation Loans Wouldn't it be nice to make just one payment per month instead of several? Most of us not only have a mortgage payment. We have car payments, credit card payments, student loans, etc. If you have been living in...

Debt Consolidation Secured Loans: A race to your debt free future
A debt consolidation secured loan is particularly used for debt settlement. A debt consolidation process brings together or consolidates various debts and multiple payments like store, gas and phone bills, home improvements, medical bills,...

Risks Associated with Secured Debt Consolidation
Consolidating many small debts into one large debt is well known to be a good first step in getting out of debt, but that's not to say that it comes without risk. The main reason for this risk is that in order to secure a lower interest rate...

Securing Debt Consolidation Secured Loans
If you're like most people, then you've got debt in your life… and if that debt is getting out of hand, you might want to consider debt consolidation secured loans. These loans are designed for people who find themselves in debt beyond their means...

Understanding Bad Credit Debt Consolidation
As long as the credit report is free of any discrepancies and presents a perfect credit history, you are a favourite with the loan providers. Loans are approved within no time. Loan providers are ready to provide more than what is desired. The...

Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt consolidation loans can help you with many of your bills and reduce your payment into one low monthly payment. Before you decide to take this step you should learn what the company is offering and what bills can be included in the consolidation...

What You Need to Know About Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation is often a last resort for people who are in extreme debt and trying to avoid bankruptcy. Many people who are not in danger of bankruptcy, but have debt on high interest credit cards may also choose to consolidate their debt. Debt...

 
 
 
Consolidating Debt? 5 Warning Signs Of A Shady Debt Consolidation Or Debt Management Company

Unfortunately, not all debt consolidation companies are legitimate. To avoid the shady companies, educate yourself on the debt consolidation process and watch out for these warning signs.

Quote Unusually Low Monthly Payments

A debt consolidation company works with creditors to lower your interest rates. Creditors have predetermined rates that they will lower to, so every debt consolidation program will get you the same rates. But since 2004, creditors no longer accept reduced minimum monthly payments.

Companies who quote unusually low monthly payments are probably giving you a low figure, which they will raise once you are in the program. Instead of comparing monthly payments, request information on their fees.

Demand All Debts Be Included

Companies who demand that all your debts be included in the debt consolidation don't have your best interests in mind. Some loans, such as credit union loans, are ineligible for lower interest rates. And other types of credit, like student loans, may already have a low interest rate.

However, by including all your bills in the monthly payment, the company can charge you a higher fee for handling more accounts. Before you enter a program, decide which accounts you want to consolidate for lower rates.

Charge High Upfront Fees

The most common scam is to charge high upfront fees, up to thousands of dollars, for services.

 


Sometimes companies will promise to refund fees on completion of the program, but few clients actually complete the program.

Legitimate non-profit companies charge a flat monthly fee for each account handled. They are usually subsidized by financing companies. For profit companies will charge a competitive fee along with a flat monthly charge.

Offer Debt Settlement And Other Services

Be suspicious of those offering other services besides debt consolidation. Debt settlement, credit repair, and other programs are often just scams to take your money.

If you do need to make a debt settlement, you can save yourself money by doing this yourself. You may also find that declaring bankruptcy would be a better financial choice.

Request Account Numbers First

Be highly suspicious of any company that requests your account numbers, social security number, or other personal information before providing a quote. By providing this information, you open yourself up to identify theft.

To receive an accurate quote, simply provide creditors' names, balances, and interest rates.

About the author:

See my recommended Debt Consolidation Companies online. Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide, an informational website about various types of loans.