PITTSBURGH -- With charges piling up on credit card bills, many now find themselves drowning in debt during tough economic times.

Some credit card organizations may be able to through those in debt a lifeline, but where someone seeks help could make all the difference.

Michael Thomas knows he can’t keep borrowing his way out of debt.

“You can't come out of it and it's hard. You've got to look elsewhere to try to come out of it,” said Thomas.

More consumers are turning to nonprofits like Advantage Consumer Credit Counseling on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

In August, the service saw close to a 25 percent spike in customers.

“In general, for most nonprofit credit counseling agencies such as us, our credit counseling is free. There is no charge for that,” said Kristen Garrett of Advantage CCCS.

They only charge a fee for late fees, enrolling in their debt management and when they negotiate with a credit card company to lower an interest rate.

The key is finding a reputable credit counseling organization.

The Federal Trade Commission says to be wary of any debt management companies that charge a high up-front or monthly fee just for registering, pressure customers for a "voluntary contribution,” or offer to enrollment without first teaching money management skills.

Credit scores can also be damaged by not paying one bill on time, using more than 30 percent of the credit limit or canceling credit cards that are not used and by opening too many store accounts while holidays hopping.

“Opening up credit cards in a short amount of time is also a red flag to lenders,” said Garrett.

Last week the Pennsylvania allowed, for the very first time, for profit debt management companies to do business locally.

Before choosing a company, customers should check its history through organizations like the Better Business Bureau.

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