When you're looking for credit repair services, what do you look at above all else? Most commonly the answer is, "the fastest results.
" But this is exactly the wrong approach - one that will result in a very bad choice of credit agencies, and a lot of times, one that will operate outside the law.
Surprised? Confused? Let's take a look at it.
If your priority is the fastest possible results, you become vulnerable to corrupt credit repair services that are conceptualized and marketed exactly along these lines.
Have a look at these five tips that will help you choose the most competent credit repair services, and steer clear of corrupt companies.
Tip No 1 - honest credit repair services never advocate quick-fix methods to raise your credit score.
In fact, a legitimate company will be very forthcoming about what services can be expected.
You will be presented a contract that clearly spells what services will be performed.
Make certain there IS a contract and if they fail to show you one, look for another company.
Tip No 2 - All reputable companies will tell you your rights and guide you regarding the services you can perform for yourself at no cost.
Things such as obtaining your free annual credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus, monitoring the entries in your report, disputing wrong entries, good financial management and so on, are those things you can take care of for yourself.
The company will make you aware of what you can do yourself with little effort, and what is better left to their expertise.
The trustworthiness of the agency you are considering can be determined by judging these preliminary interactions.
Tip No 3 - No legitimate company will ever hint at using illegal means.
There will be agencies that advertise a "new identity", removal of every negative entry, super fast credit improvement and so on.
Please! Before you take such claims seriously, visit the Government site of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and looked at "credit repair.
" You will then understand that the services offered by such agencies are fraudulent, and even illegal in some cases.
Tip No 4 - All reputable agencies offer, as a part of their services, free and quality counseling.
As we have already discussed, a legitimate credit repair business is more than willing to help you achieve financial self-sufficiency.
They will be ready to offer you the best of credit repair services and at the same time show you what you can handle on your own.
If you find the company is not willing to teach you in matters regarding credit repair, contacting a credit bureau, and/or discourage you from taking any action on your own, that is a sure sign you are about to be scammed.
Tip No 5 - The best tip is being mentioned last, because it is the most important and likely the one you will remember the most easily.
Check out the membership organizations to which the company belongs.
As an example, many leading companies of this industry align themselves to the codes of conduct laid out by the ECRA (Ethical Credit Repair Alliance), which ensures that you - the customer - get the best possible services.
Make certain your company of choice is a member of a reputable regulatory agency.
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