Many people assume the Christian debt counseling services provide free or low cost service, are more fair and legitimate than another debt relief service just because they have the word Christian in them.
This is not the case, though there are several good christian debt companies, there are also several bad ones. The bad ones are often headed by dishonest men who are just looking to make a quick buck. In doing so the abuse the faith so many put in the word christian as well as the hard financial & emotional situation you are in.
Some companies make promises and don’t deliver because they are just plain bad companies. They have lazy staff, they don’t communicate well, etc. However, some companies are illegal scamming companies. The debt relief industry seems to attract these scammers because of the high emotional toll being deeply in debt plays on people. It is so hard to have bills that you just can’t pay, have people calling you up all hours of the day and telling they’re going to sue you if you don’t pay them and you’re just trying to figure out how to keep the lights on and buy groceries. Just be aware that these kinds of companies are out there and you can avoid them.
Be careful in choosing a debt relief company. First, you need to understand that they can’t do anything for you that you can’t do yourself (like negotiating down your rates or payoff amount). Second, even though they promise to stop hassling phone calls, you are the one ultimately responsible for the debt and therefor the creditors are still going to call you (you can then refer your creditors to the company you have given power to act in your behalf to). Third, anybody can promise anything. Several debt settlement companies promise no hassle, no more heartache, and that you will be out of debt in a few years. These things are entirely within your control and nobody can change these things but you. They also promise things like, negotiating your debt down with your creditors and getting your rates down. These things are up to your creditor, not them. When you go to choose a debt settlement company, go with someone who is rated well by the Better Business Bureau, or get a referral from someone you know. Do not sign any contracts that hold you to a long term agreement, and DO NOT give them electronic access to your bank account so you can stop at anytime if they don’t fulfill their end of the bargain. And definitely don’t give them large sums of money up front. It doesn’t take $1000 to set up any account.
Knowing the right things to look for will help protect you from scams and will ensure that you locate reputable Christian debt counseling services.
C. Arnold is an expert at budgeting and debt management. To find out more about Christian Debt Counseling.
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