3/19/2010 3:58 PM (PST)

do you know of any services that would help credit card debt without hurting credit.

3/19/2010 4:25 PM (PST)

Maybe you should start by calling a reputable nonprofit credit counseling agency (a counseling session will be free). They will identify and explain your debt repayment options and help you with ongoing budgeting. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling's direct agency referral number is 800-388-2227. This will connect you to an accredited agency in your area. These agencies maintain strong service and case management standards. There is another association, www.aiccca.org, that is a network of counseling agencies that is also good. Their network number is 866-703-8787.

Here are some articles on credit repair and credit reports from the Los Angeles BBB:
http://www.la.bbb.org/GIReport.aspx?DocumentID=79

http://www.la.bbb.org/GIReport.aspx?DocumentID=165

Read through these and be sure to pull your own reports to make sure you know what's in them. Also, make sure you opt out of pre-screened credit offers (call 888-5OPTOUT or visit www.optoutprescreen.com). Collection agencies access these credit bureaus for lists of former debtors who are applying for current credit.

3/28/2010 2:16 AM (PST)

As in all contracts where the money is paid up front for services.....BEWARE. Debt settlement companies are rift with FRAUD. This is especially true of those that operate in Florida and has to do with State laws or lack there of. Just because they have no record of mis-deeds/complaints with BBB doesn't mean much as they operate under numerous names and actually the ability to have complaints stricken from BBB records.

4/2/2010 9:24 PM (PST)

Thank you, I thought it was to good to be true. I was actually trying to find a way to get my interest rate on my credit cards lowered, called credit card companies and they said that the rate I have is now the standard, they were no help at all. any suggestions