Avoiding Scams and Unlicensed “Debt Relief” Companies

If you’re stressed about arrears, you’re a target. Scammers and unlicensed “debt relief” outfits promise miracle fixes—“federal forgiveness,” “erase your child support,” “stop paying now”—and then disappear with your money or your identity. Here’s how to spot the fakes, protect your data, and find real help.

Red flags. (1) Up‑front fees to “negotiate” with the state before doing any work. (2) Guarantees of forgiveness or immediate license reinstatement. (3) Claims of a secret federal program to wipe child support (there isn’t one). (4) Advice to stop paying through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU) or to pay the company instead. (5) Requests for your portal password, SSN photos, or bank logins over text. (6) High‑pressure deadlines and gift card or crypto payments.

What legitimate help looks like. Only courts and authorized child support agencies can modify orders, waive statutory interest (where allowed), or approve amnesty programs. Legitimate programs are advertised on official .gov sites or court pages, not Facebook comments. Real lawyers are licensed in your state; you can verify bar numbers on your state bar’s website. Legal aid and court self‑help centers never ask for your password or payment to the helper personally.

Protect your identity. Create a dedicated email for your case, use strong unique passwords, and enable two‑factor authentication on your SDU and agency portals. Never share portal credentials. If a “case manager” needs documents, upload via the official portal or use encrypted attachments—never send full SSNs or bank numbers over unverified links. If you suspect a breach, freeze your credit and change passwords immediately.

Common scam scripts—and safer responses. “We’ll consolidate your arrears into one low payment”—Courts already allow payment plans; propose one directly in a motion or with your caseworker. “We guarantee license reinstatement by Friday”—Agencies can often reinstate upon a down payment and signed plan, but no one can guarantee a judge’s or agency’s timeline. “Send us $599 to enroll in federal forgiveness”—There is no blanket federal child support forgiveness program. Hang up, then report to your state AG and the FTC.

How to verify a service. Search the company name with “attorney general complaint,” “BBB,” and “reviews.” Call your child support agency to ask if they recognize the program. If a lawyer is involved, check the state bar directory and confirm the attorney‑client agreement lists the lawyer’s full name, bar number, scope, and fee structure. Insist on a written contract and pay only through traceable methods—never gift cards, crypto, or cash apps to a personal handle.

Beware “credit repair” around support. Some firms promise to “delete” accurate arrears from your credit report. Furnishers (agencies) are legally required to report truthfully. Disputes can fix errors, but no one can lawfully purge accurate data for a fee. Spend your money on catching up, not chasing magic.

Safer paths. Talk to your caseworker about amnesty days, arrears compromise policies, or license reinstatement programs in your state. Use legal aid for advice on interest waivers where permitted. If you hire counsel, consider limited‑scope services: a one‑hour consult to map a payment plan, or drafting a modification. These steps actually move the needle.

Bottom line. If a promise sounds too good to be true, it is—especially in child support. Use official channels, verify licenses, guard your data, and put every dollar toward a plan the court will approve.