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By Carrie Reeder
If it's been a while since you've looked at your credit
report,
you may be surprised to find errors, mistakes, or even a black
mark or two. Fortunately, a Credit Repair Company can help you
fix those mistakes and erase those black marks. Watch out for
scammers, though, and choose a reputable Credit Repair Company
with these tips:
Don't pay anything up-front
Avoid a Credit Repair Company that wants you to hand over a
fee
or payment before they meet with you. Reputable companies will
first talk to you, assess your credit report and discuss your
current situation before asking for any type of payment for
their services. An up-front fee is a red flag that the company
will probably take your money and run. And no matter what type
of charges you may incur, be sure they aren't exorbitant. If a
Credit Repair Company claims your case will cost thousands of
dollars, look for another one.
Watch out for "re-inventors"
Some companies will tell you that you can wipe your credit
slate clean by "re-inventing" yourself with a new social
security number. But that's not true! In most cases, what they
plan to do is get you a new credit report by applying for an
Employee Identification Number (EIN)--used by
businesses--which
resembles a social security number, and you're told to use it
as
such. But this practice, known as "file segregation," is a
scam,
and it's also illegal! Avoid any Credit Repair Company that
suggests this practice.
Look for one that helps you help yourself
A good Credit Repair Company will tell you (for free!) what
you
can do yourself, such as writing letters to creditors and
contacting the credit reporting bureaus about errors. Avoid
any
Credit Repair Company that encourages you to do anything
illegal
or unethical--such as disputing a legitimate charge or fee on
your credit report.
Before signing up with any Credit Repair Company, make sure
you
check with the Better Business Bureau. They'll have records of
any formal complaints against the company, so you can avoid
scammers and rip-off artists.
About The Author: Go to
www.abcloanguide.com/creditrepair.shtml for more
information on how to Repair Bad Credit.
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