Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 

 

Informative Articles

Christ-Centered Dating
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal salvation," John 3:16. Just mention this verse and any Christian worth his salt from here to Timbuktu will be able to...

Hot Dating Tip For Men.
Hot Dating Tip to Attract Beautiful Women! By Mick Jones, Author; How To Meet Women On The Internet. I've mentioned this before but repetition is the mother of skill. **You must avoid being predictable and boring.** There is nothing worse...

The real unwritten rules of online dating - The experts tell
A recent survey indicated that over 40 million singles have used or are currently using online dating services. It’s a huge business that has ushered in a whole new era of dating with its own unique set of rules. Of course you know about online...

Where to Find Free Jewish Dating Services
Where there’s a will there’s a way, the old expression goes. With many online dating services there are ways to take advantage of most of the services they offer for free. Free Jewish dating is available for those with the savvy to investigate some...

Writing An Online Dating Service Profile? 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid...
Well, after 4 years of reading far in excess of 10,000 profiles of men and women searching for a partner through online dating services, I've laughed at my fair share of poorly written introductions... Of those 10,000 online dating service...

 
from our sponsors
Internet Home Business Training Course
Your privacy is safe.


Mike%20SaundersQuantcast
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.




Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?
Try a Specialized Search HERE




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.