Local Agencies

• 1). Interview several agencies to choose a qualified credit-counseling service.
  
  
• 2). Ask each agency if it is a nonprofit organization, what services it offers and how much the services will cost you.
  
  
• 3). Find out if its counselors are certified and if the agency services are confidential.
  
  
• 4). Inquire as to how soon a counselor can take your case.
  
  
• 5). Request that the agency send you information about its organization and services. Any reputable credit-counseling agency should send you free information. If not, consider this a red flag and go elsewhere for help.
  
  
• 6). Check with the attorney general's office or a local consumer-protection agency to find out if consumers have filed complaints about the provider you are considering.