Turning to a business that offers help in solving debt problems may seem like a reasonable solution when your bills become unmanageable. Be cautious. Before you do business with any company, check it out with your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau in the company's location.

Ads Promising Debt Relief May Really Be Offering Bankruptcy

Consumer debt is at an all-time high. What's more, a record number of consumers ? more than 1.5 million in 2004 ? are filing for bankruptcy. Whether your debt dilemma is the result of an illness, unemployment, or overspending, it can be overwhelming to you. In your effort to get solvent, be on the alert for advertisements that offer seemingly quick fixes. And read between the lines when faced with ads in newspapers, magazines, or even telephone directories that say:

"Consolidate your bills into one monthly payment without borrowing"

"STOP credit harassment, foreclosures, repossessions, tax levies and garnishments"

"Keep Your Property"

"Wipe out your debts! Consolidate your bills! How?

By using the protection and assistance provided by federal law. For once, let the law work for you!"

While the ads pitch the promise of debt relief, they rarely say relief may be spelled b-a-n-k-r-u-p-t-c-y. And although bankruptcy is one option to deal with financial problems, it's generally considered the option of last resort. The reason: it has a long-term negative impact on your creditworthiness. A bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years, and can hinder your ability to get credit, a job, insurance, or even a place to live. What's more, it can cost you attorneys' fees.

Use your head and if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Getting out of debt cannot happen over night. It takes time, but it can be done. You have to patient and persistent and you will be able to battle back.