Avoiding Scams & Unlicensed 'Debt-Relief' Companies

Owing back support makes people desperate, and scammers know it. The tells are consistent once you know them.

The red flags

Upfront fees before any work, promises of "forgiveness" or instant license reinstatement, claims of secret federal wiping programs, instructions to bypass the SDU, requests for your portal password or a photo of your SSN, and high-pressure demands for gift cards or crypto.

Who can actually help

Only courts and authorized state agencies can modify an order, waive interest, or approve amnesty — and official programs live on .gov sites and court pages, not social media. Licensed attorneys are verifiable in the state bar directory. Courts already allow payment plans directly, so nobody needs $599 for a "federal forgiveness" program that doesn't exist.

Protect yourself

Use a dedicated email and strong passwords with two-factor authentication, never share portal credentials, and freeze your credit if you suspect a breach. Before hiring anyone, search their name with "attorney general complaint" and "BBB," confirm the program with your agency, require a written contract, and pay only through traceable channels.

If you need a child support lawyers to collect what you're owed, Sinkin Law Firm handles collection and enforcement cases — and on those, you don't pay our fees.