How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam
Credit repair is the only solution when your credit score is not very good. While some people do it on their own, there are those who ask for help. If you need assistance, you should know how to spot if this company is legitimate or not.
The first thing you have to know about credit repair companies is that they are governed by a law known as the Credit Repair Organizations Act. This means you have certain rights that you should know about and any company who violates the rules is probably just a scam.
You can tell if this is a credit repair scam if;
The credit repair company does not give you a pamphlet which states your rights under federal and state laws.
If they have a copy, you must be able to read and review it before you are asked to sign anything.
Upon reviewing the contract, it should be indicated there how much money you will be charged for their services, the services they will offer, the date by which this will be done as well as the name and address of the organization. There should also be a clause in the contract telling that you can cancel the contract within 3 days.
The credit repair company tells you to pay up front for their services even if they have not done anything yet. The law states that they can only be paid after they have done their part in helping you repair your credit.
If they promise that they can remove anything in your credit report. If this is not possible, they might even say that they will help you create a new federal employer identification number which of course is illegal.
Lastly, the credit repair agency gives you a piece of paper which you have to sign stating that you waive your rights under the CROA or Credit Repair Organization Act.
There are certain things that a credit repair company can do and improving your credit score from their end is not one of them. This is something that you have to do yourself because you are the one that owes your creditors the money.
All they can do is facilitate a deal that is good for both parties like a debt consolidation plan which you have to fulfill.
Should the information stated in your credit report be wrong, again there is nothing you can do because you are the only one that has the supporting documents which prove these issues have been resolved. You may not even need the help of a credit repair agency because you can send a letter together with the documents to the crediting agency.
If it just so happens that the credit repair agency has asked for payment up front, not informed you for your rights as a consumer, want you to waive your rights or tell you to do anything illegal, walk away and report them to the authorities. After that, continue looking for a legitimate credit repair company.
To tell if this company is a scam or not, you can also check with the Better Business Bureau and any other agencies in your area which are responsible for preventing such things to happen. No one wants to be come a victim but when you desperately need credit repair, it is possible.
