How to avoid getting stung if you miss credit card payments

People are increasingly falling behind on credit card repayments, so here's the best way to get debt advice.

An increasing number of people are missing credit card repayments as finances are stretched by rising bills, according to the Bank of England.

Lenders also told the Bank they expected the number of unpaid credit card debts to keep going up this autumn.

This could lead to more demand for advice on how to deal with debts – but, if you are struggling and need help, there are some traps to avoid.

Impartial, authorised debt advice comes free. You can find a provider on the government-backed Moneyhelper website, external

Check whether a firm offering debt help is authorised by the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You should cross-check the authorisation details they give with the FCA's Firm Checker, external

Anyone unhappy with the service from an authorised firm can complain and, if you are still not happy, go to the independent Financial Ombudsman Service.

Warning signs of unscrupulous firms include pressure tactics, such as repeated contact, often in messages and on the phone, pushing people to agree to a debt solution, the FCA says. Some people have been encouraged to change financial details on lenders' paperwork, or are "coached" in ways to respond