Some people try to do anything they can to avoid having to file for bankruptcy. While this is a good thing for many, it is imperative that you make sure that you have a viable option that isn’t going to lead to you being scammed. There are some unscrupulous companies out there that prey on your desire to avoid bankruptcy.

One of the best things that you can do if you are in this position is to review the credit counseling or debt relief agency you are considering working with. While there are some that will do what they are promising, you should avoid ones that make promises that seem too good to be true.

Sometimes, these companies do nothing more than just call the creditors to see if they can get them to accept a lower total if you pay the balance in full. This is something that you don’t need to pay someone to do as you can make that call yourself. Plus, there is a chance that you won’t be able to pay it all off in one quick payment.

A common scam that these companies run is that you must pay the fees upfront for their service. They then tell you that you must pay monthly payments to them, and they will disburse the payments. The issue here is that the money you give them each month never makes it to the creditors.

When you are looking for a company to use, find one that offers credit counseling and budget assistance. Check out the pay schedule. You shouldn’t be charged a large amount upfront. Sometimes, you will have a small fee, but the initial consultation is usually free.

If you are taking the time to review credit repair and counseling services, you should make sure that you explore all the options you have. One of these is to file for bankruptcy, which might be a feasible option for you.