[header] How to choose a debt consolidation company [title] Understand debt consolidation options. [step] A lot of things can be meant by " debt consolidation, " and there are a lot of shady operators who will claim to help you out of debt or " repair your credit. " the first step in making sure that the agency you're dealing with it legitimate is by verifying their nonprofit status. 
Nonprofits offer more reliable debt consolidation services because they do not stand to gain from taking advantage of you. [substeps] Check with your state's charity regulatory body to see whether or not the agency is registered as a nonprofit.