Credit Repair Choices
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Independent education. No quick-fix promises. How we review information and providers
Credit Repair Choices

Scams & Rights

What Credit Repair Companies Can and Cannot Legally Do

A company can help organize and send legitimate disputes. It cannot legally create a new identity or guarantee the removal of accurate information.

A credit repair organization may review reports, help identify possible inaccuracies, prepare dispute correspondence, and provide education. You can also perform those actions yourself without paying a company.

Promises that should stop the conversation

  • A guarantee that all negative information will disappear.
  • Instructions to dispute information you know is accurate.
  • A new credit identity, credit privacy number, or altered Social Security number.
  • Pressure to pay before promised services are completed.
  • A request to hide the company relationship from a credit bureau or lender.

What federal law requires

The Credit Repair Organizations Act includes contract and disclosure requirements and restricts advance payment for covered services. State laws may add registration, bonding, contract, or fee rules. A listing in our directory is not a government endorsement or a guarantee of compliance.

Before signing

Read the written contract, cancellation terms, total cost, service timeline, and exactly what work will be performed. Ask which state requirements the provider relies on and keep every document. Compare the paid service with the free dispute rights available directly from credit bureaus and furnishers.

Join the conversation

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External References

  1. Federal Trade Commission: Fixing Your Credit FAQs
  2. Federal Trade Commission: Only scammers promise to remove all negative information
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