Redcar and Cleveland Council's money advice service has dealt with 115 clients with a total debt approaching £1.5m in the past year.
Figures showed the average debt per client was just over £13,000, with the main problems being credit/store cards and personal loans.
The service, based at council offices in Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, offers free advice and urges people to get in touch before agreeing any credit arrangements.
For more information, call (01642) 444284.
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