While there are numerous companies offering debt management programs out there who are out to scam you but there are far more reputable companies.
This is where researching the companies thoroughly comes in handy and is a must and not an option.
A good tell all sign that something may be a scam is if the credit counseling company asks you to agree to extremely large "sign on" fees or "monthly processing fee".
The role of the company is to assist you in getting out of debt and not further into it by charging you enormous feeds on top of what you will be paying the creditors.
Beware of promises that seem "too good to be true".
Chances are they probably are too good to be true.
Remember the old saying when you grew up? Well apply it here as well.
Some people before coming to debt management programs have fallen pray to the "debt elimination" scams.
No matter what anyone tells you, there is no way to just "wipe out" your debts.
The person selling this program gets your money and you get a bunch of useless information that doesn't help you get out of debt any faster.
To be sure you aren't falling prey to a scam, check with your state to  see if the company is license in your state.
In addition there are two accrediting bodies that you can check for debt management companies.
They are the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.
Another great way to find an approved and legal agency is to use the ones that the government recommends for bankruptcy filers.
These can be found on the Department of Justice's website.
Remember there is always going to be someone trying to make a buck on another person's misfortune.