Credit Repair

Consumers Info USA list this as a separate category even though some of the things used in credit repair can seem similar to the previous category of debt consolidation.

Many companies do try to consolidate all of your loans, allowing you to make one payment… However Credit Repair primary goal is to clean up your credit report.

Which means they are dealing with current debt, and well as any past negative items that are listed on your credit report.

Credit Repair companies concentrate on anything, past or present, that is a bad mark on your credit report. Ensuring any incorrect information is completely removed from the report, misleading information is corrected, accounts that have been paid show a zero balance, etc.

We all already know that every time you apply for credit or a loan, the very first thing they do is pull your credit record. But… more, and more the use of these reports has broadened. Insurance companies have begun to use them to determine whether or not to give you car insurance, or charge you a higher premium for the coverage. Many employers have started checking credit reports as part of the job application process.


So your credit report, which was already very important, is becoming even more crucial!

There is clearly a need for credit repair services. It is estimated that 4 out 5 people has inaccurate or outdated information on a credit their report from one of the three major credit bureaus:  Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian (used to be T.R.W.)

When it comes to repairing your credit report you can attempt to do it on your own. There are many who advice people that a lot of the things credit repair companies do… you can do yourself!

But… consider the time, and effort involved. Correcting one error may average four hours or more. That includes applying for your credit reports, reviewing and highlighting errors, documenting the mistake, typing up your dispute letter and mailing it to the creditor, waiting for their reply. Then contacting each one of the credit bureaus separately to provide them with the documentation, etc.

A credit repair service does all this daunting legwork for you! They pull credit reports, review for errors and send out dispute letters along with documentation. They have knowledge, expertise, and professionalism. They save you time, and can save you money. Yes there is a fee for their services, but often times they are able to negotiate a much lower payoff settlement with the creditor than you could have accomplished on your own.

So the issue really becomes… finding an honest and reputable credit Repair Company.  

Those Credit Repair Companies follow specific guidelines by the Federal Credit Repair Organizations Act, which is intended to protect consumers.

You should request and receive an explanation of these rights before signing any written agreement.

You should receive a contract with all of the following information:

• The payment terms for services, including their total cost
• A detailed description of the services to be performed
• How long it will take to achieve the results
• Any guarantees they offer
• The company's full name and business address
   

Ask if there is a grace period. The credit repair company cannot perform any services for you until you've signed a written contract and completed a minimum three-day waiting period. You may cancel the contract without paying any fees during this period.

Do Not use a company that asks you to send in a significant amount of money before services are provided!

Many may require a minimal deposit ($30 to $50) to start the process... this also gives them the legal right to represent you when talking to a creditor about your personal account.

However, a company that ask you to send in a large fee right upfront is a direct violation of the Credit Repair Organizations Act, which states that credit repair companies can't charge you fees until after they have completed the promised services.

Other things to be cautious of:
 

• Advise you to dispute all negative information in your credit report. The company will flood credit bureaus with a plethora of letters disputing both inaccurate and accurate information. The theory being that many times creditors fail to respond within 30 days and that item is permanently deleted. The truth is that most credit is verifiable, very rarely are credit scores improved and the consumer has wasted time and money.
  
   
• Promises you the moon. Credit repair companies cannot remove accurate records of bankruptcies, judgments, liens or bad loans from your file... unless they can show that the way that it is reported violates the Federal Credit Reporting Act.  If not... most negative information can stay on your credit report for seven years; judgments and lawsuits are reported for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out; bankruptcy for 10 years.
  
   
• Offers to help you get a new credit identity. The company tells you to apply for an Employer Identification Number, which has the same number of digits as a Social Security number. Then they instruct you to apply for credit using this and a different address. This practice, known as file segregation, it is considered is a federal felony.  

Consumers Info USA directory of Credit Repair Companies, listed below, all adhere to the Federal Credit Repair Organizations Act. They are members of the Better Business Bureau and will tell you the truth about your credit situation and the best ways available to repair your credit report.

They represent over 20 years of experience in the
 credit repair industry. Combined they have deleted
over 700,000 negative items from credit reports!


You Can Start to Stop Living With Bad Credit Today!

Veracity Credit Repair
When you need the professionals... Veracity is an established credit repair and optimization firm. Our clients are provided with unmatched consultative services, and our satisfaction rating is unparalleled in the industry.  We help thousands of clients per month by fixing their damaged credit - with that kind of volume, BBB membership, and a full refund policy!



Lexington Law Firm
As the name states, this is a actual law firm with real lawyers that specialize in credit repair. Many people feel it make a more powerful impression when you have lawyers contacting creditors and negotiating on your behalf... especially if is a dispute between you and a creditor in which you strongly feel that they are at fault.

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