They are generally a fraudulent outfit, regardless of the area code. IF you get a live person and not a robot call, they make wild claims, just to get you to sign up for a consolidation. Unless they can mail you an official offer of radical reduction, in writing, do not waste your time. Do not consolidate. Years ago, I consolidated, and in the end, I got $20k added to my debt. I now owe twice what I originally owed and cannot pay. Beware of MCM, ECMC, or SUNTRUST companies.