How to Identify Common Credit Repair Scams

Everyone has seen the ads before. A business will guarantee you perfect credit. (As if your credit history were a joke). Unfortunately, your credit isn't a joke.

And your credit history will not disappear over night, despite what a company may have promised you. There isn't a quick remedy to your credit repair. It's something that you'll have to work on.
Your credit repair solution may come in several forms. You may choose to contact a credit repair company. You may not.
However, it's important to know that credit repair companies can't do any more for you than you can already do for yourself.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) annually warns consumers on credit repair consultation. There have been many allegations and lawsuits with notable credit repair agencies. It seems that many of these companies have made wild statements, like "we'll repair your credit by erasing negative feedback," which isn't a legal option.
Be wary of these types of companies. They're promising you something that is unethical, illegal, and most certainly untrue.

There are several ways you can fall prey to a credit repair scam. Some of the most commonly reported scams are told by consumers who've tried "credit by phone" and promotional credit cards. These "guaranteed” credit or cash loan [phone calls] usually end up costing you money, rather than helping you.
In addition, promotional credit cards may sound like the promise of a new beginning, but they're usually not. Avoid calling "900" and "976" telephone numbers like the plague! These exchange numbers will rack up some pretty hefty charges on your phone bill.
It's not worth it.

Let's face it. Time is the only true solution to heal your credit. Look at a copy of your own credit report prior to seeking outside help.
If there are any genuine errors which can prove are incorrect, by all means consult a reputable credit agency. They'll [more than likely] be able to correct your information. While it may cost a few dollars now, it may save you from a lot of financially related headaches in the future.

Scott Brown is a fair credit reporting advocate and the author of his own website Credit Repair, a free information site dedicated to help consumers repair bad credit and optimize their credit reports and credit scores. For more indepth information on the above topic please visit Credit Repair.

Scott Brown