A recent debt survey revealed that the average distressed debtor has £25,000 outstanding, spread over 15 creditors, and that bailiffs are chasing more than £5 billion of debt.

City of York Council Trading Standards advises readers to beware of "easy credit" that could get them deeper into debt than they ever intended to.

While the Consumer Credit Act 1974 protects consumers by laying down rules for lenders, it is all too easy to be induced by offers of multiple credit cards and end up with major money problems.

The following tips can help you avoid the credit "hard sell".

The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a good indicator of the true cost of a loan. Compare the APR of different lenders before making a decision

Payment protection schemes do not cover you for all eventualities. Make sure the cover is adequate for your needs

So-called interest-free options may turn out to be expensive if you miss the deadline for payment and end up having to pay interest

Some loans are only given if they are secured on your home. A secured loan gives security to the lender, not to you

If you act as a 'guarantor' for someone else's loan it is a real responsibility. You will have to pay everything they owe if they stop paying

Don't buy into the promises of a 'credit repair' company - anything they offer to do you can do yourself

A credit broker can only keep £5 of a fee or commission if you don't enter into a credit agreement within six months of being introduced to a lender

Unless you have signed the agreement at home you cannot cancel credit agreements after you have signed them, and even if you signed the agreement at home you only have a short time to change your mind.

If you do have debt problems don't ignore them. Seek impartial advice. Contact those to whom you owe money - they may be able to help. Keep copies of all letters you send and get about your debts. Prioritise your debts - like mortgage or rent, or those which cost you more.

For further information about credit, or where to go for impartial advice phone City of York Trading Standards on (01904) 551562 for advice or to make an appointment. Our website address www.york.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, November 20, 2003