After struggling with trying to control and eliminate debt by yourself you’ve finally decided that its time to get help. There are people who have heard the cry for help from people swamped in debt and have created debt counseling agencies.

However, just as there are plenty of legitimate debt counseling agencies, there are also plenty of agencies that are illegitimate. These bad companies will offer plans that, often times, not help at all, and sometimes may even make things worse.

It really pays to do your homework and do a lot of research before you commit to an agency to help. When doing research make sure your information is also from a credible source. Multiple recommendations from big name companies, or prominent figures are a good indication of important information.

To get things started I have compiled a list of some things you should look out for when researching a credit counseling agency.

Be weary of any promises where you will not have to pay creditors. This is usually an indication that they may try and prove the debt to be invalid. These attempts may cost you a hefty fee, that in some cases push $2000. It is also wise to note that unless you are a victim of fraud, it is very likely that the debt is valid and any attempt to change it will go on your record.

Avoid any debt elimination companies that charge a large fee up front.

Unwanted solicitations are a bad sign. Emails, phone calls, letters, etc are all forms of solicitation. A legitimate company will most likely never resort to any form of ‘spam’ to gain customers.

When doing background checks on a company be sure to stop by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read what they have to say. Look for customer reviews.

Look for companies that have a good record of customer service. A company that is understanding and efficiently solves customer complaints against them is worth making note of.

A non profit debt counseling agency should be a high priority on your list. Since they are non profit, financial gain is not their main objective, but instead it is helping their customers. Since financial gain is not their motivation, it is unlikely that they hold allegiances to any company, which may sway their services.

Make sure that the credit counseling agency is a part of a national organization. Two such organization are The National Federation for Credit Counseling, and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. On top of being a part of a national organization, they should also have fulfilled state requirements for credit counseling.

Counselors should take time to understand their customer’s personal needs and unique circumstances. They should tailor a plan for those unique circumstances and not just implement a general ‘once size fits all’ type plan. If this is the case it may be a good idea to consider dropping their program.

See which creditors the agency can work with. The more it can work with the better. Some agencies may not be willing to work with any creditors that do not support them financially. An agency does not always have to directly work with any and all creditors, but they should at least be in contact with them.

Any and all information and moneys given to the agency should be protected. Get evidence that all personal information is confidential and that the agency has insurance to protect your finances.

Any added services such as counseling, or education is usually beneficial. It doesn’t hurt to at least look into such things. Make notes of what is offered and how much these things cost.

Credit counseling can be a powerful resource to help you relieve the burden of debt and bad credit. It is just rarely ever as easy and simple as some of these bad companies would have you believe. That is why it pays to do your research and use some common sense when looking at credit counseling agencies.