Credit Repair: Evaluating What To Do

Are you wondering about what you have to do with credit repair? Or maybe you’re just curious whether your credit needs fixing or not? Last time you checked, you didn’t but who knows what could happen in five years? Maybe, you already know that you do need credit repair but you’re unsure whether to do it yourself or pay for the services of a credit repair company? Or perhaps, you’re about to undergo a credit check to qualify for a career promotion and you’re hoping to make it absolutely sure that you’ll pass?

If so, here’s everything you have to know about credit repair.

Each step that you take in credit repair must be evaluated carefully. If you’re going to do it yourself, prepare beforehand by reading credit repair books, searching the Internet for advice from experts, purchasing a do-it-yourself credit repair kit and so on.

As you read, you’ll see that the first thing everyone shall advise you to do is to procure a copy of your credit report. If you were under the impression that only finance companies, banks and merchants can ask for a credit report, you’re wrong. As long as you’re asking for a credit report done on you, then certainly you can ask for a copy. This would cost you a bit so better prepare to spend. We advise you to take at least copies of your credit reports from the following credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax because most financial institutions usually base their decisions on either of the credit reports provided by the aforementioned credit bureaus.

Got your copy now? Okay, roll it out and study each and every item in the list. Don’t overlook anything, even your personal records because you’re certainly not the only Lisa Smith in Washington, D.C. and who knows if the other Ms. Smith have unimaginable debts that were somehow mistakenly listed under your record? It pays to be cautious, okay. Now, with a do-it-yourself credit repair kit, they’re sure to advise you about the common things to watch out for. You’ll be surprised to know that approximately thirty percent of credit reports contain items. So who knows if you’re one of that thirty percent?

Lastly, if you find out anything to dispute, it’s time to fill up the form for disputes and then approaching the credit bureau responsible for the erroneous credit report. Take our advice and use time to your disadvantage. File for disputes during the busiest times of the year like the ones following Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Credit Repair: Don't Get Scammed

You see the ads in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. You hear them on the radio. You get fliers in the mail. You may even get calls from telemarketers offering credit repair services. They all make the same claims:

"Credit problems? No problem!"

"We can erase your bad credit-100% guaranteed."

"Create a new credit identity-legally."

"We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!"

Do yourself a favor and save some money, too. Don't believe these statements. They're just not true. Only time, a conscientious effort, and a plan for repaying your debt will improve your credit report.

The Warning Signs

If you should decide to respond to an offer to repair your credit, think twice. Don't do business with any company that:

  * wants you to pay for credit repair services before any services are provided

  * does not tell you your legal rights and what you can do yourself — for free

  * recommends that you not contact a consumer reporting company directly

  * suggests that you try to invent a "new" credit report by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number

  * advises you to dispute all information in your credit report or take any action that seems illegal, such as creating a new credit identity. If you follow illegal advice and commit fraud, you may be subject to prosecution.

You could be charged and prosecuted for mail or wire fraud if you use the mail or telephone to apply for credit and provide false information. It's a federal crime to make false statements on a loan or credit application, to misrepresent your Social Security number, and to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service under false pretenses.

The Credit Repair Organizations Act

By law, credit repair organizations must give you a copy of the "Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law" before you sign a contract. They also must give you a written contract that spells out your rights and obligations. Read these documents before signing the contract. The law contains specific consumer protections. For example, a credit repair company cannot:

  * make false claims about their services

  * charge you until they have completed the promised services

  * perform any services until they have your signature on a written contract and have completed a three-day waiting period. During this time, you can cancel the contract without paying any fees.

Your contract must specify:

  * the total cost of the services

  * 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 name and business address.

Where to Complain

If you've had a problem with any of the scams described here, contact your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General (AG), or Better Business Bureau. Many AG's have toll-free consumer hot-lines. Check with your local directory assistance.

Credit Repair Service

Credit Repair Services

If you are in the business of credit repair services. You may have at one time considered purchasing credit repair leads.

The benefit of purchasing credit repair leads, is that the customer is committed to having their credit repaired by a professional such as yourself.

These customers are not playing games or surfing the net looking for information and merely contemplating the idea of credit repair, they are very serious about it, and they are waiting on a phone call.

Wether or not you are an established credit repair business or a start up, credit repair leads are a good option when considering lead sources.

So where is the best place to get credit repair leads?

The obvious answer would be to find a credit repair lead company, but that isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

Yes, it is easy to find the lead company via the internet, but finding a good one with reasonable pricing is where the challenge lies.

For starters, find a lead company that obtains their leads through web sites they own and operate themselves.

Steer clear of the companies that buy their leads from other companies and recycle them. You never know how many times that selling company has sold the lead.

Try to find a company that not only sells their own leads, but sells them at a reasonable price, exclusively, and in real time if possible.

Make an attempt to contact someone in their customer service department. Ask them as many questions you feel to be appropriate. If you are not satisfied with the answers to your questions, or the quality of the service you receive, than move onto the next company.

The quality of the service you receive is usually an indication of the quality of the lead you receive, so proceed with caution.

Credit Repair for Free

If you are one of the 42% of Americans suffering from bad credit or a low credit score (under 720), you may be intrigued by all the "free credit repair" services offered. Before you do, you should know you can do it yourself, truly for free.

Who Needs Credit Repair?
If you are planning on ever taking out a loan, whether for a car, home or anything your heart desires, your credit score will be key in determining your interest rate. Any score under 750 should be repaired as best as possible.

Self - Help Credit Repair
First, get your credit report. You are entitled to a free report if you are denied any service because of your credit. On the form you receive denying credit, find the name and phone number of the credit reporting company. You are also entitled to one free report a year. There are three consumer reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can look any of these up online.
Secondly, dispute any mistakes or outdated entries on the report. In two letters, one to the reporting agency and the other to the company who's charge you dispute, include your name, address, the item you dispute, any facts and explanations, request that it be removed or corrected and include a copy of any supporting documents and a copy of your credit report with the item circled.
Third, keep balances low, pay off credit cards and apply for new credit only when needed.