Most credit-counseling agencies are reputable and trying to help consumers. For the few that are not, you may want to lodge a formal complaint. This will help others in deciding which agency not to use and may have an adverse effect on the agency. Here are some good ways to complain:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB). You must find the BBB in which the credit-counseling agency is a member
• Your state licensing division for credit-counseling agencies, consumer protection division
• Trade associations-AICCCA and NFCC

Try to be objective when complaining. State the facts. Consider whether you had a role in the problem (e.g., did you fail to follow the agreed terms?). Did the agency attempt to resolve the problem in good faith?

It's hard to be fair sometimes when it comes to money issues, but it's important to be objective in deciding if it's a good agency that made a mistake, or an agency that should be out of operation.

Outdated, Incomplete, or Inaccurate Credit Reports
According to the Consumer Federation of America, millions of Americans could pay more for—or be denied—credit, insurance, or utilities because of inaccurate credit scores.

Many credit reports are missing a credit card account in good standing or a mortgage account that has never been late. See the Bankruptcy Basics for more information on correcting errors in your credit report.