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Are these organisations legitimate

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Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has had any dealings with the following organisations/companies regarding IVA?
1. Consumers Choice financial consultants. 
2. ST&R Ltd Insurance Brokers 
3. Astute Finance 
4. Freeman Jones 
I was wondering if these companies are legitimate or if they are setting me up for a scam. 

If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

Comments

  • Ebe_Scrooge
    Ebe_Scrooge Posts: 7,320 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Why not go with a well-known, well-established and totally trustworthy organisation like Stepchange?  I'm guessing the CAB would probably be able to help as well, but Stepchange are very well-regarded and totally legit.
  • MalMonroe
    MalMonroe Posts: 5,783 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Hi, I agree with Ebe_Scrooge, above. 

    StepChange helped me to turn my financial life around and get a DRO a few years ago. I'm now debt-free thanks to them. 

    And their help and advice is all free.  Here's the link :   https://www.stepchange.org/

    National Debtline is another free, legitimate debt help agency but I don't have any personal experience of them.

    Here's their link.  https://nationaldebtline.org/

    Hope this info is helpful.  Good luck! 
    Please note - taken from the Forum Rules and amended for my own personal use (with thanks) : It is up to you to investigate, check, double-check and check yet again before you make any decisions or take any action based on any information you glean from any of my posts. Although I do carry out careful research before posting and never intend to mislead or supply out-of-date or incorrect information, please do not rely 100% on what you are reading. Verify everything in order to protect yourself as you are responsible for any action you consequently take.
  • SJAP42
    SJAP42 Posts: 2 Newbie
    First Post
    Does stepchange have an email address?
  • Ebe_Scrooge
    Ebe_Scrooge Posts: 7,320 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    @MalMonroe has provided the link to their website above.  Follow the link and get started - ask any forum member on here, they'll confirm that they're genuine.  I'm pretty sure there's even a Stepchange rep on here with "special privileges" who's allowed to post advice (most companies are banned from posting).
  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Posts: 22,962 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Cashback Cashier
    I've heard of Freeman Jones as an Insolvency Practitioner. I'm guessing the others are part of a lead generator chain who will each take a cut when you are persuaded to start making payments.
  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 31,542 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    If you tell us your circumstances, we may be able  to offer some help to you ??

    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
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