Brachfeld and Associates, P.C.

Bad Credit? Thinking about useing a credit repair service? Avoid the scams, repair  your credit on your own. There are also numerous non-profit credit counseling organizations which can help you to devise a plan for managing your finances and improving your credit.

If  you don’t feel you have the support or financial backup to do this on your own, if you are are overwhelmed by the process, or if you just want to turn the whole thing over to professionals, there are some basic rules for picking a reputable company to assist you in repairing your credit.

According to the FTC, the main warning signs of scam credit repair companies are:

• Companies that want you to pay fees upfront for credit repair services before they provide any services. Credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they have promised.

• Companies that do not tell you your legal rights and what you can do for yourself for free.

• Companies that recommend that you not contact any credit reporting companies directly.

• Companies that suggest that you try to invent a “new” credit identity — and then, a new credit report by applying for new credit cards

• Companies that advise you to dispute accurate information in your credit report or take any action that seems illegal, like creating a new credit identity. If you follow illegal advice and commit fraud, you may be subject to prosecution.

• Make false claims about their services.

• Use common sense when contacting these kinds of companies who will promise to repair your credit, what they are actually offering to do for you are steps that you can do yourself.