Credit Repair Companies - Why Hire One?

There are five things at minimum that should be expected from credit repair companies. If you are one of the millions of Americans who have bad credit, you may find yourself trying to make up your mind whether to hire a company to repair your credit, or try and do it yourself. Now you might very well be successful in fixing your own credit and raising your credit score, provided your willing to take the necessary time to learn how to do it. However, there are good reasons to hire a credit repair company to accomplish the task for you. Look at these reasons why getting help might be the best choice.

1. Years of experience - credit repair companies are experienced in dealing with the three major credit bureaus. They will have handled various cases and learned many tricks along the way. They know the best and fastest way to achieve results.

We've all heard it said, "Given the know-how you can accomplish anything." Credit repair companies already have that knowledge, and will use it to your benefit.

2. Saving time - a great deal of time is involved to have the credit bureaus fix the mistakes in your credit report. Credit dispute letters must be correctly worded and followed up on repeatedly until your credit report is free of mistakes. Trustworthy credit repair professionals know what has to be done, and will work hard for you, until all the mistakes in your credit report have been deleted. Getting help from a credit repair company is a good choice, if you want to save yourself some time and frustration.

3. Gets you on the correct road - self learning is a great thing, and the Internet has made it easier than ever before. However, teachers are still a basic requirement. Having a good teacher can mean the difference in success or failure. Most trustworthy credit repair companies will not only improve your credit standing, but will teach you financial self sufficiency. The best credit repair companies will even provide you free counseling.

4. Continued monitoring - a good credit repair company will continue to monitor your credit report. Credit improvement is only the beginning. Once your credit report is repaired and brought to the optimal level, it must be watched closely, especially for the possibility of identity theft. Close monitoring is critical so that mistakes can be found and dealt with in a timely manner. It will provide you a good look at how well how or how poorly the credit bureaus are keeping records of your credit habits.

5. Saves you money - trial and error can be a good thing sometimes, but not always. Improving your credit score using the trial and error method could very well cost you more than you thought regarding high interest payments, unfavorable loan terms, and time spent. Reputable and experienced credit repair companies will be able to save you a lot of money because you're improved credit will mean lower interest rates. Their experience will enable them to get quicker results with less expense

As you can see there are lots of advantages to hiring the services of a good credit repair company. Needless to say it's important to take all factors into account before you decide whether to go this route or not. In the end hiring a credit repair company is simply a personal choice.

Credit Repair Scams - Avoiding Tragedy

It's likely you've heard about those who have sought out credit repair organizations for help to improve their credit report, but to have instead been taken in by bad credit repair scams. In order to understand what pathway to take to protect yourself against these scammers, you must know how they function.

They're betting that those who find themselves up to their neck in debt will be desperate enough to grasp at whatever is told them, in the hope that these fake agencies really can deliver on their promises, so they can regained their serenity. They are often so disheartened by the system, which is downright cruel to those who have problem credit, that they'll do anything to resolve their problems.

Most those seeking help on the verge of declaring bankruptcy. It is these who are most likely to fall prey to credit repair scams.

And why is this? Because they want fast results, and are unaware that raising their credit rating can take up to 12 months. Very often, they feel like time is running out on them, and unless they take fast action, it will spell future disaster.

Ironically, when they sign up with these scam artists instead of improving their financial situation, they will find themselves in even worse financial straits, because they've been deluded into chasing a mirage.

Here are the warning signs that alerts you to credit repair scams:

1. They promise the impossible

These less than honest companies promise they will have all the negative remarks removed from your credit report. They will guarantee you that your credit score will improve within the next 2-3 months.

They attempt to do this by disputing every negative trade line in your credit report. The bureaus may initially remove some or most of the disputed items which they are unable to verify within the required 30 days. In the meantime, it will seem that this fraudulent agency has delivered on its promise.

But if the credit bureau is later able to verify the negative items, they'll end up back on the report - plus you will have earned a bad reputation - that of a scammer!

2. They tempt you to bend the rules

They actually break the law with their tactics, such as using other people's identity to increase your overall credit, by offering to give you a new SSN, so that you can "start from scratch." Look out! Such tactics can land you in a lot of trouble. Not only is it illegal to take up a "new" SSN, the number could have a police record attached to it, or any such things that will be much worse than bad credit.

3. They ask for full payment up front

Most of the credit repair scams are characterized by the fact that they ask for payment in full up front. This is understandable, because they realize that you will eventually find out that they cannot really remove bad credit or improve your credit score as they had promised. And at that point, you won't pay them.

In conclusion, credit repair scams are avoidable. Just don't forget that no matter how desperate your situation, look closely for the warning signs!

And one more thing: Get your hands on a copy of "The Danger Signs to look for in a Credit Repair company" CLick here and fight credit repair scams!

Credit Repair Company - Avoid Credit Repair Scams

A credit repair company by definition is an organization that helps to boost your credit report by various methods such as checking the accuracy of your report with the credit reporting agencies, taking action in regard to any credit report dispute as it arises, fixing your credit report in the wake of bad debts and so on. In other words, this is an organization that helps you improve your financial situation.

Just what does credit repair company do to improve your finances?

A lot of people argue for the "do-it-yourself" credit report repair method rather than hiring the services of a credit repair company. Is that better? It's your choice.

Here is what a credit specialist should offer you:

• checking each trade line in your credit reports for accuracy: they should do this with the report from each of the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
• initiation of a credit report dispute when inaccuracies are discovered; following it up until all mistakes are deleted from the credit report
• advising you on what are the best methods to adopt so as to improve your credit report as quickly as feasible
• counseling you on how to best manage your finances, so you will not fall into debt traps again.
• facilitating avenues that will enable you to earn your livelihood again
• keep a close eye on the credit report maintained by each major credit Bureau, to prevent any errors that could damage your credit report
• teach you how to maintain a good credit-to-income ratio that will reflect well on your credit report

What You Should Not Expect from a Credit Repair Specialist.

There are many people who expect near miracles from a credit repair specialist. Here are some things you should not expect from a trustworthy credit repair agency:

• settle any credit report dispute in a very short time - it takes at least 60 days
• repair credit history overnight - it requires at least of 6 months
• wipe off bad debts - it takes at least 6 months
• change facts entered in your credit report - it will remove only those itmes that are being reported inaccurately
• erase a history of bankruptcy - it can only help you improve your credit score, since a bankruptcy stays on your record for a minimum 7 years
• improve your credit report by tomorrow - credit repair is a gradual process that requires at least 3-6 months

3 Warning Signs That Point to an Untrustworthy Credit Repair Company

It is true that there are a lot of fly-by-night organizations out there who thrive on the gullibility and helplessness of desperate people, just to make a fast buck.

Here are three red flags help you avoid credit repair scams:

• it demands complete payment up front
• it promises you immediate results
• it uses illegal means to improving your credit worthiness

Avoid any such credit repair company like you would the plague! Remember, a bad debt or even bankruptcy is not the end of the world. But using illegitimate tactics to fix poor credit will backfire on you.

Never be tempted into accepting such "help" because these organizations are not trustworthy and will lead you into an even more desperate situation than you're in already.

Assessing Credit Repair Companies

You hear so much about credit repair companies that if you're having credit problems you are very tempted to seek their help to improve your credit report. However, making a good choice may not be so easy, because you will find that evaluating such companies in not such an easy task! Because they are service oriented, there's no physical product to evaluate, and the trial-and-error method is ... well, completely out of the question!

Here are three points that you must consider before making a decision. These indicators will also keep you safe from being ripped off by less than reputable credit repair companies whose goal is to relieve you of your money, not your problems.

1. Honest Credit Repair Companies Are Affiliated With Organizations

Just as any legitimate business, a professional credit repair agency will affiliate itself with reputable organizations such as the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or the ECRA (Ethical Credit Repair Alliance). The affiliation would have these companies abide by certain business codes, that provides protection to you the consumer.

Determine to which organizations the company you are considering belongs to. What are they? Do not stop at finding out what affiliations they have - research a bit further and check whether these regulatory bodies are indeed what they claim to be. Research on the Net and get the complete picture.

2. Reputable Credit Repair Companies Have Many Satisfied Customers

It's always expected that a good local credit repair agency would have a fair amount of verbal positive feedback from local people. This is an excellent sign that this company delivers on its promises. However, do not trust them with improving your credit report just on the basis of hearsay.

Ask them to give you the the name of some satisfied customers who they worked with satisfactorily and then follow up with a visit. Most people will be happy to discuss their experience with the company. Ask them about their level of satisfaction, and whether they would recommend the company.

3. Above-Board Credit Repair Companies Do Not Sell You Shortcuts

There are no shortcuts in the credit repair business. Your credit score is not going to improve overnight, nor can you make your bad credit disappear.

Be wary about credit repair companies that promise an overnight makeover. It is likely that they are lying or that they are using illegal means. Don't be misled because this could end very ugly for you. Stick to legitimate methods to improve your credit rating and in the end you will be the winner.

As you can see, it is not too hard to choose the right one from among the many credit repair companies. Just remember that it's better to be cautious, than to act rashly and then regret it later.

Credit Repair Companies - Good or Bad?


There is the idea shared by the public in the USA is that credit repair companies are comparable to vultures. They are happy about the misfortunes of others, since they will earn handsomely when a person is faced with unmanageable debts.


Fortunately, this is a myth. These agencies are rather offering a priceless service to a population that is in dire financial straits. Most people never think or believe they are in serious financial trouble until they are turned down by a creditor due to bad credit score or a below par credit report.


Self Help as an Alternative


Yes, it is true that you could repair bad credit by your own means. It's also true that you can learn all there is to know about credit repair and it,s possible to use it to maintain your credit report.


But at the same time, you need to understand and accept that correcting one's credit score demands huge efforts in close follow up and focused correspondence with all concerned parties. The credit repair companies play a vital role here in taking on all these troubles to save you the headaches involved.


You can compare this service with driving or cooking. It is not whether or not you can drive or cook; but when you hire a person to do these jobs for you, you leave the hard part to the one you hire.


The credit repair companies are the best you can have and therefore can ensure that you are back on your feet much faster and easier than if you had done it yourself. Who do you think will produce better results - a novice who is learning, or a specialized agency who hires and works with highly qualified and experienced personnel in every matter that is connected with credit and finance? These agencies not only help straighten out debts, but also provide a help line to you so you will never see bad days again.


An invaluable service credit repair companies offer is debt management counseling. You could work things out with the creditors and even the credit bureaus; you could reverse a bad credit report and increase your over score. However, without proper guidance on correct financial management, you will never be totally out of the woods regarding your finances. These habits will be like hidden traps for you, ready to create trouble when you least expect it.

Yes, you need credit repair companies!


It's therefore easy to understand the popularity of this business and reason why it is flourishing in spite of the continuous negative feedback this segment receives. They do deliver a very vital service without which, the percentage of bankruptcies and bad credit would have multiplied unchecked. It is thanks to these credit repair companies that people today understand the importance of watching their money, financial counseling and legal credit report repair.

FTC Charges Credit Repair Companies

Here's a good reason to do your "homework" if you're looking for an honest credit repair company. FTC Charges 7 Credit Repair Companies.

Credit Repair Companies - 5 Tips to Avoid Being Scammed!

Credit Repair Companies - Can You Trust Them?

Credit Repair Companies, in general, have gotten a "bad rap" and for good reason! A lot of scammers have posed as credit repair experts, promising to help relieve their clients of their problem credit. But at the end of the day, all they have "relieved" them of is their savings!

But not all credit repair professionals are crooks! There are a great many ethical credit repair companies that provide a valuable and much needed service to the consumer.

Poor credit can dig deep into your pockets and drain away your hard-earned money on appallingly high interest rates. At the same time, credit repair is a long drawn out process, which requires close follow-up and often specialized and customized appeals to delete inaccurate negative data from your credit report.

You are undoubtedly aware that there are a great many credit repair companies and credit repair lawyers ready to offer their services, but you're unsure of which one to choose. You may have heard too many stories of people being ripped off, and for that reason, you are undecided.
Here are five factors that you should consider:

1. Professionalism - is the company you are considering professional? Check out their web site carefully and see whether you are comfortable with what you find there.

• Is the website easily easy to navigate?
• Does it have a page with FAQs that can help guide you?
• Do they have a live chat or fast-response email service to address your questions?
• Is there counseling offered free by the companies?
• Does it make extraordinary claims? (Beware!)
  
  Check carefully every aspect, and trust both your logic and your gut feelings.

2. Ethical - it is very important that the credit repair companies you choose behaves ethically. Do not be taken in by agencies that claim they can remove all your negative accounts, whether they are being accurately reported or not. You should expect to remove only those accounts that are erroneous.

Do not be persuaded to use illegal means to increase your score. You might be inviting more trouble than you could handle. Search the Web for reviews or feedback on the credit repair companies you're considering. Be on the lookout for any negative reports. Check whether the agency is listed with any reputed organizations such as the ECRA (Ethical Credit Repair Alliance) or the BBB (Better Business Bureau) which will require that they adhere to strict codes of conduct.

3. 24/7 monitoring - credit repair goes beyond just "credit repair." It means education, counseling, awareness, and monitoring among other things. Regular monitoring and immediate intervention when negative remarks find their way into your credit report are far more effective in maintaining a good credit score that just repairing it. Are the credit repair companies offering you more? Do they offer these additional services on their menu?

4. Reasonable - it is true that credit repair companies are in business to generate revenue. However, this should not be at the cost of their clients. The best business relationships, ones that survives time and changes in technology, are often associated with the offer of value-for-money by companies. You must feel happy about the price and services offered. Research these aspects well enough to be empowered to negotiate the best rate. Do not be afraid to negotiate.

5. Offer solutions - you need solutions. The best credit repair companies are those that strive to draw you out and learn about your problems in detail, so that they can design a customized solution for your personal situation. This is especially important since no two financial problems will be identical, and what works fine for one person may not be the best solution for another. Look for a credit repair agency whose goal is offering solutions - solutions that are "tailor made" for YOU!