Tough times usually mean people and companies coming out of the woodwork to take advantage of desperate people. Many credit repair and debt consolidation companies are part of that group. But there are also a number of credit repair services and debt consolidation services that are really in it to help out a client (and if they make a few bucks along the way then that’s all the better).

1. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how long the company has been in business. You can also find out how many complaints have been filed against the company (if any) and how those complaints were resolved (if they have been).

2. Google the company’s name with the word review (company xyz review) to see what other customers think about the company and its services.

3. Choose a company that has legal connections if possible. Sometimes just having the title of a lawyer on a letter will make credit companies stand up and take notice.

4. Read ALL of the guidelines for the company and its services so that there are no surprises – this includes refund information, warranties and guarantees.

5. Understand the law and your rights. Anyone can dispute credit problems on a credit report. The difference between an individual and a company is that the company has more people and experience in dealing with the credit companies and the reporting agencies.

Credit repair and debt consolidation will not eliminate your debt. It does help to clear up problems that are on your credit history or to make your debt more manageable. There is no magic pill to fix a credit history or make debt go away, but the right credit repair company or debt consolidation service can help you find your way to the other side of desperation.