What are the pros and cons of using debt relief agencies to get rid of debt? What does it do to your credit?

If you are in a bind try contacting your creditors, many of them have hardship programs they can set you up on. Another option is CCCS, they will contact each of your creditors and submit a proposal which generally lowers your monthly payment and interest rate. I would not go to a Debt Settlement Company or Attorney. I work for a large global bank and we are done dealing with them. We’ve sent them letters advising them to stop taking on our Customers, and they continue to do so. They brainwash the Customer into thinking they will take care of everything. They tell these people not to answer their phone or open their bills. I know of three global banks that will not deal with them…Citi, GE Money, and Bank of America. Our company has taken a new stance…If we receive documentation from a debt settlement company along with a cease and desist we refer it to our attorney network to file the paperwork in your local court to try to obtain a judgement. So….I wouldn’t suggest one of those companies. CCCS or contacting your creditors directly is your best bet.