Most Americans have no idea how threatening the credit bureaus have become. People's money problems are a multi-billion dollar business! And the worst part is that it's hard to tell who the bad guys are any more!

That's especially hard when you have money problems, need a loan, or want to make a major purchase. More and more people are getting caught in the debt trap, while the debt counselors, credit bureaus, financial management services, and debt collectors all try to get your business! "We're here to help," they say. "Pay no attention to the man behind that curtain, he won't hurt you!"

The truth is that they hurting us! For the first time in history, the average American credit rating dropped by 16 points! That's huge! Especially when that means you will have to pay more for your mortgage, for your home and auto insurance, and it might even cost you a job since potential employers often use your credit rating as part of their evaluation of you! 

Here are some of the startling facts that few people know:

Credit card companies use a variety of unfair practices to trap consumers in a cycle of over-priced debt. The companies are allowed by regulators to raise your rates for any reason, including no reason. They are allowed to operate nationally out of states, like Delaware and South Dakota, with weak consumer laws and no limits on interest rates or fees.

Missing even one payment can knock your credit rating down 50 - 100 points!

When credit card holders call the companies and ask for a reduced rate, nearly 1/3 of the consumers were successful saving them thousands of dollars a year.

Getting a grip on debt and moving toward debt-free living is looking better and better all the time. When the pack of wolves are looking for prey, get out of their way!