Choosing a Counseling Service
Before Choosing A Counseling Service...
Be advised that all credit counseling services are not alike. A new breed of counselor has emerged that may not have your best interests in mind. To help you decide, here are some of the questions you should ask:
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How long has the agency been in business? Organizations with a long history of helping consumers are more likely to be reputable. Check with the Better Business Bureau or State Consumer Protection Division to see if any complaints have been lodged against the agency.
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Is the counseling service affiliated with a national trade association? CCCS of Maryland & Delaware, Inc. is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Membership in the NFCC signifies that the agencies meet the highest quality standards including maintaining a 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
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Is there a cost for service? Ask if there are consultation, setup, or monthly maintenance fees. There are no upfront cost with CCCS of Maryland & Delaware.
Is the counseling service accredited? CCCS of Maryland & Delaware is accredited through The Council on Accreditation. Rigorous quality and professional performance standards must be met to achieve and maintain this distinction.
Are the agency's counselors certified? Counselors that are trained and tested on their knowledge of financial education and debt management are more likely to provide accurate and professional advice. Counselors at CCCS of Maryland & Delaware achieve certification through a series of tests developed jointly by the NFCC and Purdue University and updated by Accel eMedia.
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Is the agency in compliance with the MD Debt Management Services Act? The Maryland Debt Management Services Act requires agencies that are providing debt management services to Maryland residents to be licensed and bonded. The law also limits the amount of fees that can be charged to a maximum of $50.00 for set up and $8.00 per creditor included in the debt management program up to $40.00. CCCS of MD & DE - License #14-1.
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