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Those who feel like they are drowning in debt might be willing to try anything to stay above water.

"When people are in debt, they may be looking for a quick fix and unfortunately there is no quick fix to debt reduction," says Better Business Bureau President Claire Rosenzweig.

However, that has not stopped countless businesses from cropping up, promising vulnerable consumers a "get out of debt quick" card, often in the form of debt settlement.

"Generally, debt settlement is where they charge you fees upfront to go negotiate with your creditors. It's a service that really nobody needs," says Cathie Mahon of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The Government Accountability Office recently took a look at some of these businesses and found that 17 of the 20 companies they contacted charged upfront fees. Customers might think the payments -- which can amount to thousands of dollars -- are going to be used to pay down their outstanding debt, but experts say that's hardly ever the case.

"Oftentimes what they will do is have you pay into an escrow account instead of paying your creditors and that puts the loans very, very delinquent," says Mahon.

"They'll often work with people that are up-to-date in their debts and tell them to stop paying their bills, and this could really lead to other unintended consequences," says Chris Dlugozima, a credit counselor with GreenPath. "Not only their credit rating down, but even the possibility of a creditor suing them."

Rosenzweig says the Better Business Bureau has received over 3,500 complaints against debt settlement companies since the recession began. Before turning to such companies, she suggests consumers explore other avenues first.

"The critical thing is to talk to your creditors and try to work it out with them first. And if you can't work it out with them first, to talk to a credit counselor," says Rosenzweig.

A nonprofit credit counseling center can provide advise and expertise for free or for a very small fee.

"If they do wish to pursue settlement we'll give them tips on how to handle that on their own. if they wish to pay over time on their own, we'll give them tips on that. Or if they are thinking about bankruptcy, we can go over the pros and cons of that and refer them to the appropriate legal services," says Dlugozima.

The city also offers free counseling through its financial empowerment centers. To find the one nearest you, call 311.