The Office of Fair Trading is telling people in debt to be careful if they’re searching for debt help online, as they’ve recently ordered 11 companies to shut down “fake” debt advice websites.
The “look alike” websites pose as official or charity advice sites, not only look similar to their genuine counterparts, but they also use similar web addresses to the real sites, as well as containing similar content offering free advice, despite the companies ultimately charging fees for their services.
The OFT cannot name the fake sites to look out for, but if you are looking for debt advice, here are some good places to start:
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Advice UK
- National Debtline
- Consumer Credit Counselling Service
- Parents, Pennies and Pounds
Rob, thanks so much for the taking the time to post this information. With the economy the way it is right now with all the layoffs and more to come; government spending and deficit out of control; the continued housing slump; one wonders where to turn for help. It sure is nice to know that there are people out there like you that can help folks such as myself. Thank you.
It’s really saddening that a lot of bad people are taking advantage of other people’s weakness. Instead of helping other people manage their debt, they put them in a situation where they will pay more just to get a fake debt advice.