Credit Repair Myths and Facts
There are no secrets to repairing your credit. Many shady credit repair agencies would love you to think the contrary. Negative items can be removed from your credit report and you can do it yourself. One does not need a credit repair "expert" or "law firm" to do it either. While the credit world can seem complex to the average individual, the basics are really simple once you know them.
Fact: You can remove negative items from your credit report.
According to the FCRA, you have the legal right to dispute any piece of information with a credit bureau. Upon doing so, the credit bureau then has 30 calendar days to investigate the item(s). After that time, the credit bureau will either update the item as you request or leave it alone if they proved it was correct to begin with. If you submit additional information on the dispute during the 30 days, the credit bureau is allowed to take an additional 15 days. Disputes can be submitted online at the credit bureau's site or simply sent via postal mail, which happens to be my recommendation. Disputes sent in based on the free credit report now provided under FACTA are given 45 days to resolve.
Myth: Collection agencies can call you anytime and do as they please.
To stop collection agencies from calling you, simply send them a cease and desist letter stating they are only allowed to contact you via postal mail. This ability is afforded you via the FDCPA. Collection agencies have a series of actions they must do to be in compliance. You would be surprised at just how many FCRA and FDCPA violations are committed on a daily basis by many collection agencies. Never speak with a collection agency over the phone. Conducting discussions via written form is best because you have proof.
Fact: Paying a collection account will not improve your score.
As far as credit scores go, a paid collection account is the same as an unpaid one. Your official credit score is called a FICO score. It takes into account many things such as:
- Age of overall credit file.
- Number of accounts in good standing.
- Number of accounts delinquent.
- Negative items: liens, bankruptcies, repossessions, etc.
- Time since the negative item was created.
- Amount of your credit being used (utilization).
- New account under six months old (which hurt your credit).
- Number of hard inquiries.
Myth: You must pay any bill that comes to your home from a collection agency.
Under the law you have the right to challenge the legitimacy of any bill sent to you-it is called validation. By sending a validation letter to a collection agency they must, by law, cease all collection activities until they can validate the debt. It is important to note the word is validation and not verification which mean two entirely different things. Validation means they must submit to you proof the bill is yours, which is not a simply an invoice sent to you. Until that is properly done, they can not report the item to your credit report, ask you for money or do anything which can be deemed further collection activity. Do they anyway? Yes they do. This is why it is important to know the law, which is on your side.
It is vital that you check your credit report often as most individuals have erroneous data in them. Don't assume that everything will work as it should because it almost never does. No one will be looking out for your credit identity but you. Credit standing has never been more necessary than it is today. Just about everything we do in life from applying for a job to booking a hotel room has something to do with our credit worthiness. American Consumer Group, a non-profit organization, has set up a free credit repair site with all the information mentioned in this article. Go educate yourself and spread the word.
This article is copyright Jason Andrew Martin LLC.
Jason A. Martin has been conducting business on the Internet for 11 years. He is a free-lance writer on many topics and is currently working on obtaining a degree in Journalism and Law. His blog is displayed at: Jason A. Martin
MORE RESOURCES:
 CTV.ca | Fallout From TJX Credit Card ... InternetNews.com - By Andy Patrizio: More stories by this author: The indictment of 11 criminals involved in the TJX credit card theft incident shows that cybercrime is indeed ... Video: Feds Charge 11 in Massive Retail Hacking Case Credit card thieves ran a polite, professional help desk Simple steps to protect yourself from ID theft |
 Sabah | US Consumer Credit Increases $14.3 Billion in June (Update2) Bloomberg - Consumer credit rose by $14.3 billion, the most since November, to $2.59 trillion, the Federal Reserve said today in Washington. In May, credit rose by $8.1 ... Consumer credit rose $14.33 bln in June US consumer credit rose at double the pace forecast in June Consumers release their credit cards from musty wallets |
Credit Crunch Videos Sky News, UK - Equity, bond, and money markets were reluctant to accept that this was going to be a global banking problem, leading to a massive credit crisis. ... Credit crunch and banks: from the Rock to a hard place Many happy returns, credit crunch Credit crunch: Around the world |
 Washington Post | Here comes the credit crackdown Independent, UK - One year into the credit crisis, regulators are hard at work on new laws they hope will prevent history repeating itself. Leading investment banks fear a ... Industry group to address credit risk Panel Calls for New Risk Standards Banking Group Proposes Wide Range of Reforms |
The End of Credit Card Consumerism U.S. News & World Report, DC - For more than four decades, our shopaholic nation has shown an insatiable desire to spend until our credit cards melt. And throughout this era, ... |
 Reuters | Credit Suisse auction-rate debt suit may start frenzy Reuters - ST Micro alleges in the August 6 complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, that by late 2006 Credit Suisse knew that collateralized debt ... Fannie Mae expects smaller credit losses in 2009 Credit crunch cripples European insurers' profits UPDATE 1-CS reinitiates IT hardware sector with "market weight" |
Credit Suisse Sued Over Auction-Rate Securities (Update3) Bloomberg - 7 (Bloomberg) -- Credit Suisse Group, Switzerland's second-biggest bank, was sued by Swiss semiconductor company STMicroelectronics NV for allegedly placing ... STMicro sues Credit Suisse over auction-rate debt Credit Suisse sued by semiconductor firm Credit Suisse sued over 'auction' debt |
 Boston Globe | Credit expenses lead to $2.3 billion loss for Fannie MarketWatch - The company reported credit-related expenses of $5.3 billion in the quarter, which more than offset revenue of $4 billion. Fannie Mae also took a charge of ... Fannie Mae posts $2.3 billion loss as credit costs rise Fannie: Sun will come out tomorrow Fannie Mae Posts Fourth Straight Loss, Cuts Dividend (Update2) |
 ITV.com | Barclays' Profits Hit by Credit Crunch BusinessWeek - by Kerry Capell The credit crunch continues to take its toll on British banks. On Aug. 7, Barclays (BCS) revealed its first-half pretax profits fell by ... Barclays: credit and credibility Barclays hit by £2bn profits slump as credit crunch takes hold Income at Barclays declines less than analysts expected |
Settling the credit score CNNMoney.com - Having a good credit rating is more important now than ever, but determining exactly what yours is gets complicated. By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff ... The FICO Score- Unregulated Discrimination? Back-to-school shopping tips |
Ethical Finance: Who Benefits From Our Spending?
On one hand consumers are being universally criticised for running up significant amounts of debt on credit cards, yet conversely many companies are capitalising on the growing credit card debt, from charities and political organisations to football clubs, the Association of Surgeons and somewhat ironically ActionAid, an international development agency whose aim is to fight poverty worldwide.Financial comparison site moneynet.
Winning The Credit Game!
Everywhere we go, the word credit can be found, shining huge dollar signs in front of our very eyes. Everyday we receive solicitation and promotions offering us credit.
Avoiding College Credit Card Traps
Congratulations college freshman! You're about to embark on one of the most exciting times of your life. By now your parents, siblings, and friends have offered you all kinds of advice on how to make your transition to college smoother - how to get along with your roommate, what classes to take and which ones to avoid, where to find the best off-campus food, and how to stay safe on campus.
Beat Credit Card Companies at Their Own Game!
Have you ever wondered how much money a credit card company makes? Have you ever wondered how much of that comes from late fees? Everyone has and if you haven't you should because most likely you own a credit card, which means that these late fees has or could directly affect you.As you have probably taken notice, credit card late fees are on the rise and have been so for awhile.
4 Steps to Creating Good Credit
As a consumer you've learned the importance of establishing a good credit rating with your lenders. Whether you are shopping for a new home or auto, or searching for the best deals on insurance, your credit worthiness will be judged by your credit rating or credit score.
Addressing Bad Credit Card Debt
Spending HabitsSo you've just got your credit card. The first thing you need to be wary about is that a credit card is very easy to use - afterall you can shop in stores, via catalogs and online with your credit card.
How to Deal with Hire Purchase Debt
WHAT IS HIRE PURCHASE/CONDITIONAL SALE?Although people often talk about "buying on HP", Hire Purchase Agreements are quite unusual these days. Cars are the most usual goods sold under Hire Purchase or Conditional Sale Agreements.
Balance Transfers Introduction
Credit card balance transfer involves using a credit card to pay off the amount outstanding on one or more credit/store cards. The total debt then moves to one card.
7 Ways To Squash Identity Theft
It is the scourge of our age: identity theft. Thieves learn an important part about your personal information, such as your credit card number, and they open accounts in your name and spend, spend, spend! Unfortunately, by the time you discover that you are a victim the damage is already done.
Sound Advice For First Time Credit Card Users
If you are just entering the world of credit cards, there is important information you will need to know in order to manage your credit and your finances effectively. Establishing good habits and a good credit history now is the foundation for a solid financial future.
Dont Dig Your Own Pit
If you want to enjoy your life out of spending, enjoy if you have your own resources and money.But don't enjoy your life by becoming a debtor to somebody.
Top 5 Reasons To Check Your Credit Report Regularly
#1 Make sure mistakes aren't hurting your credit.Reviewing your credit report can help you avoid costly errors.
Credit Verus Debt
Secured and unsecured debt - what's the difference?It's easy to just think that debt is just debt, but in reality, there are different types of loans, and it's important to know what which type you have.You will need to understand the differences in order to be a good money manager, or, if the worse happens and you find yourself turning to credit or debt counseling, you'll need to understand how different types of debt can be handled.
Credit Counseling: Could it Work for Me?
In the face of financial hardship, many seeking a responsible solution turn to credit counseling. Credit counseling is, all too often, the last stop before bankruptcy.
Consolidating Credit Cards
Credit card consolidation is a popular solution for those with significant credit card debt, usually distributed on three or four different cards. Basically, this means putting all your debts together on a single card, like transferring it all to one loan.
Credit and Its Cost
What is Credit? Credit is money granted by a lender (or creditor) to a debtor (or borrower) whereby the lender defers receiving payment of the debt for a period. In exchange for the credit allowed, the lender will get back the money lent plus interest.
Choosing A New Credit Card
1. Choosing A new credit cardThere are many reasons for choosing a new credit card.
7 Consumer Credit Laws You Should Know if You are Trying to Repair Your Credit
There are seven consumer credit laws you should be aware when dealing with your credit.1.
Which Business Credit Cards with Reward are the Best?
Thinking of applying for a credit card with a reward program to help you and your business? Here is a brief guide to some of the best programs on the internet.The Platinum Business Credit Card with rewards from American Express is a great offer.
Building Good Business Credit After Bad Credit
Can you establish good business credit if you have bad personal credit? The answer is yes..