TOP 10 WARNING SIGNS OF A BAD DEBT SETTLEMENT COMPANY:

• They ask for all the fees to be paid up-front.  Fees should not be greater than 6% of your total debt and they should not ask for all the money at once.  If they do, they have no incentive to continue to work in your best interests.
• They ask for your bank account number just to give you a quote.  This information is not necessary for a quote and you should not give it out unless you are signed up for the program. 
• Their counselors are paid more if you sign up for certain services.  This gives them incentive to push you into programs that may not be best for your situation, rather than properly evaluating your needs. 
• There are no assurances that they will protect your information.  Their privacy policies should guarantee that your information is safe.
• They are hesitant to put verbal agreements into writing.  Without a written contract, there is no security that you will get the services or deals that you have been promised.
• They are not licensed or accredited.  If this is the case, they should not be in business and you should not work through them.   
• They charge you for educational information.  Legitimate debt settlement services should offer information free of charge.
• They do not provide you access to your accounts.  You should be able to access your accounts and control the money in them at any time.
• They do not have a physical address.  If the company does not have an address the chances increase that they are not a real or valid company.
• They claim to be a nonprofit organization.  This is no guarantee of legitimacy for a company.  They may charge large hidden fees associated with the program.  Be assured that they will not settle your debt for free.