Some of them are reliable and reputable, others are nothing more than shams and frauds that just want your money. You’ll still be sitting with a mountain of debt while they’ve moved on to their next victim.

One way you can be sure you are getting a good deal is to do negotiate your debt yourself with help from sites like . If you are thinking of going this route, there are some things you need to know before you commit to a debt settlement company. Here are 7 tips you should take heed of prior to picking one:

1. Within the debt settlement industry, there is a trade association called TASC or The Association of Settlement Companies. This association works with its members so that they will be in compliance with the standards and rules of the industry. If the company you want to use is not a member, then find another debt settlement company.

2. You need to know up front what kind of fees the credit card debt settlement company will charge you. Some of them charge one flat fee. This flat fee is determined as a percentage of your total debt cost. Some of them get this fee each month. They even get it when no settlements have been finalized. The fee should be connected to the result of the settlement and not as a percentage.

3. If you want to know about money back guarantees, they should be at least be good for 30 days. If it isn’t then don’t accept the agreement. Don’t allow the debt settlement collectors to talk you into something less than 30 days.

4. If you ask about commission and they tell you yes—watch out. They might try to railroad you by charging you exorbitant fees. Forget it and move on.

5. When dealing with credit card debt settlement companies, your credit will be affected negatively. If you ask and you’re advised otherwise, then that’s a red flag to not do business with them.

6. Asking how long it will take to finish the credit card debt settlement is like asking when you will stop growing. No one knows the answer to that, and the collectors don’t know the answer about time frames. If they tell you otherwise, they’re lying just to get your business.

7. When you ask about your first settlement, they should tell you that it should be done within 12 months. Anything longer than that is a lie and a fraud.

Once you get these questions answered, you should have enough information to determine whether or not you will select them to represent your credit card debt settlement. You can also check with your local consumer division as well as the Better Business Bureau to see if they are legitimate or have numerous complaints against them.

It’s better to be informed and educated up front than wait until later to get scammed.