Once
you fall prey to the credit repair offer and pay the hefty fees involved
to clean up your record, here’s what happens:
1)
The credit repair scam artist contacts the credit bureaus and reports
that the negative information in your file is false.
2)
The credit bureau removes this negative information from your report while
they investigate the claim.
3)
The scam artist will then show you the cleaned up version of your credit
report and “ta-da” your credit history has been fixed !
But
here’s what the scammer doesn’t tell or show you. After the credit bureau
completes their investigation the negative information is placed back
on your credit report. Negative but accurate information cannot be removed
from your credit profile. Only incorrect information can be removed. Accurate
information remains on your credit file for a period of 7 years from the
time it is reported to the credit agencies; a bankruptcy appears for a
10 year period.
Many
legitimate companies exist that can help you with your debt problems.
But how do you spot a scam offer ? Easy, they’ll ask you for their fees
up front. By law, credit repair agencies cannot ask for payment until
they’ve provided the service they promised.
Additionally
many states require that a credit repair service, whether they are for-profit
or not-for-profit, must provide you with a detailed written contract,
an explanation of your legal rights, and the opportunity to cancel any
signed contract within 3 days.
Also, be aware that a “credit repair offer” could be an attempt to steal
your identity by getting you to provide personal information such as a
Social Security number, bank account and credit card account numbers.
Always
make sure you know who you are dealing with before accepting any offer
to help you repair your credit. Those who don’t can have their credit
ruined further and create more debt problems.
About
The Author:
©
2005, http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Author:
James H. Dimmitt James is editor of “To Your Credit” a FREE weekly newsletter
focusing on managing your personal finances and credit. Subscribe and
get a FREE copy of your credit report when you visit: http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com