Posted on June 25, 2009 at 12:15 am I want to go thru debt / credit counseling but i want to make sure that the company I will work with has a good record and legitimate. what are the agencies or organizations that do accreditation for these folks? could you tell me more abt these guys?

Posted on June 25, 2009 at 12:29 am Hi, KillaChrome~You need to find out if they are affiliated with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. (http://www.nfcc.org). They are a non-profit umbrella organization for credit counselors. They also uphold high standards among their member companies, especially in terms of delivering high-quality counseling and educational services. The NFCC, if I'm not mistaken, is a 'national body,' and they hold stringent standards in quality services, as well as in financial and ethical concerns to their members.The NFCC requires, if not expects, their current members to undergo yearly audits by independent CPA's. Aside from that, part of NFCC protocol among member agencies is providing their clients with quarterly statements on their financial progress, as well as written action plans specifically geared to the needs of the client.

Posted on June 25, 2009 at 2:17 am The more legit ones also offer a wide range of products and services aside from just DMP's or debt management programs. Since counseling is in itself an educational process, an accredited CCCS should also offer the following: -money and credit management education-budget planning-counseling and education programs for: credit and debt, bankruptcy, mortgage delinquency, and buying a home I've mentioned this item in a previous thread and I believe it's worth taking note of, in order to prevent unfortunate incidents from happening to consumers like yourself.

Posted on June 25, 2009 at 2:37 am Checking out the company against the BBB's records is also a good indicator of whether or not they are a reputable company to work with. The BBB upholds high standards on customer trust and satisfaction. They also rate a company based on the feedback, or more often than not, complaints that these particular companies receive, and how the company in question responded to the complaints made against them.

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 12:09 am I want to work with a non-profit company. What shud I watch out for

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 2:18 am Is that in terms of accreditation, or are you looking for a company in general? Kindly clarify your question.

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 3:05 am Well in general, i do hear some things abt non-profits being scams. What are my warning signs?

Posted on July 31, 2009 at 3:18 am Well as mentioned earlier in the thread they should receive the proper credit counseling accreditation from the NFCC, and that accreditation should be updated.You also need to ask the company when their accreditation status was renewed. Also at the onset they should not be pressuring you to sign any papers or immediately enroll you on a debt management program---cos that comes later on, after your financial situation has been thoroughly assessed.Also they should not ask you any payments up front--if they do say they are non profit

Posted on August 7, 2009 at 3:47 am how about with attorneys generals? i'm guessing that these guys also have to be recognized by them too.