Credit repair services make confusing claims. They claim to be able to repair "bad" credit, leaving you with the impression that if your credit is legitimately bad, they can erase the bad data on your report. Many people with poor credit ratings buy into their claims, hoping to be able to increase their credit score in order to improve their chances of getting a loan, credit card or other form of credit. However, what they find out is that any credit repair service that promises to erase legitimate bad credit is either lying or engaging in illegal activity.
If you are considering using a credit repair service, there are several things you need to do and consider.
- Get a copy of your credit report from the three major credit reporting companies - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. These three agencies have set up a website that allows consumers to get a free copy of their credit report once every twelve months. To get your free report, go here.
- Carefully review your credit report to see where there is any inaccurate information. If you have a dispute with any of the charges on your report, you may want to consider calling a credit repair service.
- Before choosing a credit repair service, you should be familiar with The Credit Repair Organizations Act. This act was designed to protect consumers from credit repair services that take their money and give them little or nothing in return.
A credit repair service is legally required to give you a booklet called "Consumer Credit File Rights under State and Federal Law" that explains the act.
Some of the act's provisions state that a credit repair company cannot: charge for any services until they have been completed in full; provide any services until a contract has been signed, you have been given the booklet that explains your rights, and a three day waiting period passes; make any claims that are untrue.
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Author: Robin Shreeves