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Choosing an Agency:
Questions to Ask
If you want to work with a credit counseling agency, interview
several. Here are some questions to ask. Check with your state Attorney General, local
consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to find out if consumers have
filed complaints about the provider you are considering. Any reputable credit counseling
agency should send you free information about itself and the services it provides without
requiring you to provide any details about your situation. If not, consider that a red
flag and go elsewhere for help.
Services and Fees What services do you offer?
Do you have educational materials? If so, will you send them to me? Are
they free? Can I access them on the Internet?
In addition to helping me solve my immediate problem, will you help me
develop a plan for avoiding problems in the future?
What are your fees? Do I have to pay anything before you can help me? Are
there monthly fees? What’s the basis for the fees?
What is the source of your funding?
Will I have a formal written agreement or contract with you?
How soon can you take my case?
Who regulates, oversees and/or licenses your agency? Is your agency
audited?
Will I work with one counselor or several?
What are the qualifications of your counselors? Are they accredited or
certified? If not, how are they trained?
What assurance do I have that information about me (including my address
and phone number) will be kept confidential?
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