Debt advice that may leave you owing even more money

An increasing number of people are missing credit card repayments as finances are stretched by rising bills.

Lenders have told the Bank of England they expect the number of unpaid credit card debts to keep going up this autumn.

This could lead to more demand for advice on how to deal with debts – but, if you are struggling and need help, there are some traps to avoid.

And it is worth remembering that impartial advice is available free of charge from debt charities. So here's what to think about.

If you find yourself with money troubles, it can be tempting to seize any opportunity to get things back on track.

Social media and internet search pages are full of supposed quick-fix debt solutions. Cold calls and WhatsApp messages also promise debt help.

But they may well come with upfront fees, unrealistic claims about writing off debt, and pressure to make a quick decision.

Suggestions on the best way to find help include:

Impartial, authorised debt advice comes free. You can find a provider on the government-backed Moneyhelper website, external

Check whether a firm offering debt help is authorised by the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You should cross-check the authorisation details they give with the FCA's register, external

Anyone unhappy with the service from an authorised firm can complain and, if you are still not happy, go to the independent Financial Ombudsman Service.

Alison Walters, director of consumer finance at the FCA, said: "Anyone struggling with debt deserves advice that puts their interests first.

"Free, impartial debt advice is available to everyone, and no one should be pressured or misled into paying for a debt solution that may not be right for them."

The FCA says that some unregulated firms collect people's details, through cold calling or online adverts, sometimes impersonating debt advice charities or debt collectors, and pass this information on to firms offering debt solutions that you pay for.

A quick search online will throw up lots of businesses offering ways to clear your debt, not all of which are trustworthy, according to charities.

Warning signs of unscrupulous firms include pressure tactics, such as repeated contact, often in messages and on the phone, pushing people to agree to a debt solution, the FCA says.

Some people have been encouraged to change financial details on lenders' paperwork, or are "coached" in ways to respond.

Sometimes people are steered towards a fee-charging debt solution, such as Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) or some debt management plans, without alternative options being properly explained or offered first.

And, do you know who you are talking to? Ask them who they work for, and check if their details match the firm's official details.

"Before making any decisions around how to deal with your debts, it's always worth getting full, free and impartial debt advice first, exploring all options to clear your debt in the safest and most sustainable way," said Vikki Brownridge, chief executive at debt charity StepChange.