Quick answer
Verify the provider and understand costs and risks before paying or stopping creditor payments.
Do now
Request written terms, fees, cancellation rights, and an explanation of what is actually promised. Compare reputable counseling and legal options. Independently verify any government affiliation or licensing claim.
Watch for
Guarantees, pressure, requests for bank credentials, and instructions to ignore lawsuits are warning signs. Debt settlement can have tax, credit, collection, and litigation consequences.
Official sources
FTC — Debt Collection FAQs, CFPB — Debt-Relief Programs, CFPB — Foreclosure-Relief Scams.