February 3, 2005
Consumer Credit Counseling Service Encourages Consumers To Know The Difference When
Choosing Help With Credit Problems
Tulsa, OK - This time of year, consumers evaluate their financial situation and many will realize they need help creat-
ing a budget and managing their debt. But when they open the yellow pages or talk with family and friends, they quickly
become confused about their options.
“Consumer Credit Counseling Service wants consumers to know the difference when choosing help with their credit
problems,” says CEO Margo Mitchell. “There are options depending on your unique situation and itsÌ“ important to be a
knowledgeable consumer.”
Consumer Credit Counseling Service offers this summary of credit help options:
Credit Counseling Organizations: credit counseling agencies fall into two categories: member affiliated agencies and
independent agencies. While several member groups have been formed, the two leading umbrella organizations that many
agencies affiliate with are the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer
Credit Counseling Agencies.
The credit counseling industry originated through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Inc.® (NFCC) and has
more than 125 community-based members. NFCC members are predominately known as the Consumer Credit Counsel-
ing Services in their local community. Some of the members have other names, but all members carry the NFCC Member
seal, which serves similarly to the “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval. This seal helps to assure consumers that they
are receiving services through an agency that is accredited, has certified credit counselors, protects client funds, credits
consumers for all debt payments and offers affordable services.
Many of the new highly visible debt services agencies that are strictly national phone bank centers are not affiliated with
either of the two organizations above. While they all advertise as nonprofit agencies, many of the new debt service/coun-
seling