Illegal Debt-Repair Companies in Oregon

Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) has a website with information about debt-repair (or debt management) companies:

FAQs for consumers about debt management companies:

Excerpt: “If you’re looking for help reducing or managing your debt – whether it’s credit card debt, a mortgage, or a car loan – you may be considering a debt management company. These companies must be registered by the state of Oregon, and Oregon has many protections in place for consumers who use these services. Before you pay anyone to help you with your debt, it is important to:

1) Check to see if the company is registered in Oregon.
2) Know what services you are receiving and how much they cost. Be cautious of high fees.
3) Understand your rights….” (Link to website.)

Debt management companies must register in order to do business lawfully in Oregon:

Debt Management / HUD Foreclosure Counseling Search

See the Oregonian story:

State wants your help reporting illegal debt management firms, by Brent Hunsberger, The Oregonian, May 25, 2010, and the It’s Your Money Column.