| Credit repair businesses are known for helping | | | | 3. Some fraudulent companies actually promise to |
| people get back in control of their finances and | | | | make your report perfect because of supposed |
| out of debt. Trained professionals, certified | | | | contacts in the big 3 reporting agencies. This is |
| counselors know exactly how to deal with your | | | | highly illegal and seems an obvious and ridiculous |
| creditors and are experts at negotiating workable | | | | scam though amazingly people do fall for it. |
| payment plans with them in your behalf. These | | | | 4. Some scam companies will file disputes on your |
| repair businesses aren't free services and can | | | | legitimate debt (which gets removed from the |
| sometimes be costly, but most fees can usually | | | | record till the resolution) Then they take your |
| be included in the plan. | | | | money and run and then of course the debt is |
| Before even considering a credit repair business, | | | | placed back into your history. |
| be aware that there are a lot of fraudulent scam | | | | 5. If you are told to change your tax identification |
| companies out there just waiting to steal your | | | | number in order to get a new and clean history. |
| money. Some red flags that should help you stop | | | | Know that this is an illegal practice as well, and it |
| the bad ones are as follows. | | | | doesn't really work anyway. All your other info is |
| 1. If any business tells you that they can restore | | | | still the same so the link back to you is automatic |
| your rating completely in 30-60 days, it's a scam. | | | | so don't believe them. |
| It is simply not possible to repair bad history in so | | | | If you are planning to hire professional credit |
| short a time. It takes months or even years. | | | | repair services, be on the look out for these signs |
| 2. If a business wants you to pay up front for | | | | and research thoroughly the company you plan to |
| their services they're not on the level, Real credit | | | | use. Consumer reports and blogs, and the BBB |
| repair professionals advise and consult for free | | | | should all have good reviews of the company in |
| and charges are included in whatever plan is finally | | | | question and don't use them unless they have a |
| agreed upon. | | | | favorable history. |