best way to be sure you’re working with a legitimate nonprofit organization is to ask if the agency is currently accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA is the largest third-party accreditor of nonprofits and does a very comprehensive, agency-wide audit of practices, safeguards, and policies before certifying an agency. Perfectly good nonprofits are out there that aren’t accredited, but no dishonest agencies are.
Bucci, Steve (2008-08-26). Credit Repair Kit For Dummies (Kindle Locations 1615-1618). For Dummies. Kindle Edition.