So, if the question is whether debt consolidation services be trusted, then the answer is no.
All debt consolidation companies cannot be trusted, but neither can all furniture companies, or all grocery stores, or all taxicab companies.
There is no popular industry today that has all good companies.
In order to avoid the bad companies, you must do your homework.
You must think realistically.
You are about to go into debt with this company because they will pay off all of your previous credit debt.
You will then pay them off.
If they are a disreputable company, you could wind up in more trouble than you are already in.
Once you've chosen a company that you plan to work with, check online for any negative reviews about them.
Make sure you see a fair share of reviews because some of them will be blatant advertisements.
Ask yourself, are the reviews too positive? Do they sound natural? Do the negative reviews sound like a competing company vying for more business? Next, if you can contact any of the reviewers and ask them more about the story behind their reviews, do so.
Many forums will allow you to private message other users and you can post comments on blogs that will allow you to contact the blog owner.
Call the company with two test questions and see how quickly you receive answers.
How is their customer service? Check online with the Better Business Bureau.
Make sure no complaints have been made against this company.
If the company passes these tests, this speaks to the company's legitimacy.
Finding a good debt consolidation company that you can trust can be a longer process than you'd hoped.
You might have to do days or weeks of research before you finally make a decision.
Just remember this is a decision that will effect the rest of your life.