It may sound like a dream come true when services offer to consolidate credit card debt for you. However, it may end up being more like a nightmare. The truth is, there are few agencies that can do more to consolidate your credit card debt than you can, and it takes careful investigation to find out which services are legitimate and which aren't. Illegitimate agencies will charge high fees and make extravagant promises that they can't deliver. In addition, they are usually unwilling or unclear about their fees. The best solution for someone just beginning to face credit card debt problems is to quit using your credit cards, get on a budget, and use your extra cash to pay off your credit card debt before it gets out of hand. A true credit counselor can help you do that for a small fee. In some cases, they may be able to help consolidate your debt, but that may not be the best option for you. If your debt is truly overwhelming, you may need to consult a lawyer to help you determine the best option, up to and possibly including bankruptcy.