Credit Repair Scam - How To Avoid Being A Statistic?
A good credit history is critically important for the consumer. A bad credit will prevent you from getting a business loan, owning a home, or even a job. Promises to "fix" your credit are always made by credit consolidation companies, but they are seldom true. Here are some of the important tips to avoid scams:
First things first. Negative information cannot be erased if the information is correct. Only inaccurate information can be corrected in your credit file. Credit file information remains on your record for seven good years from the time it is reported to the bureau. For bankruptcy, the information remains on your record for ten years. All the consolidated information about your credit bills you fell behind on, but are now paid, will remain on your report for the time period mentioned above.
Do not pay the credit repair company unless their promises are kept. Remember, the law is on your side. Federal law requires credit repair companies to give you a complete detailed explanation of your legal rights, a completely documented written contract, and above all, 3 days to cancel. This applies to all credit repair services including for-profit services, non-profit services, creditors and credit unions.
Be wary about emails you receive. When you hover your mouse over the link in the email, you will know for sure if it is a trusted website or a fraudelent one. If fraudelent, report it to your bank promptly.
You don't need a counselor to correct your mistakes in the credit report. Take charge of it yourself. If you were recently denied credit, you can request a free credit report. Otherwise there is a small charge for it. Some states will allow you a free copy of your credit report once a year. It doesn't cost you anything to dispute or question items in your credit report. Get online or follow instructions from your credit bureau. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax (800- 685-1111), Experian (800-682-7654) and Transunion (800-916-8800). In most cases you will need to contact all the three credit bureaus as the information they have about you may vary.
Remember that you can't create a second credit file. Some of the fraudelent companies will offer to provide the consumers with a different social security number (tax identification number if ssn does not exist) in order to create a new credit file for the consumer. Such a practice is called as file segregation. File segregation is illegal and does not work.
Whereever possible, add explanation to your credit report to prove your point. If you have legitimate reasons for not paying certain bills on time (switching jobs, illness), or if you refused to pay because of a dispute, send the bureau a statement to be tagged with your credit report. Each lender who pulls your report will be aware why you fell behind on those bills.
Counseling might be a good option. Find a good non profit consumer credit counseling service in your neighbourhood. Get online or open your yellow pages to find one. Seek the guidance of friends and family members. Select a counselor, meet them in person to make sure they are right for you. Ask them on tips and advice on how to build a good credit history. If you are still lagging behind on your payments, credit consolidation firms will be able to set up a payment plan with your creditors. If money is an issue, select a non profit credit counseling service. They will offer their service for free or for a very low cost.
Ameri credit services provides credit counseling and credit consolidation to customers. Visit us at http://www.americreditservices.com for free credit consolidation articles, free credit counseling tips and non profit credit management services.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Calgary Herald | Bush: US will work with partners on credit crisis The Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush says world's wealthiest industrial countries will work together to attack the credit crisis spreading around the globe. ... G7 seeks to halt global crisis Bush says financial crisis needs coordinated response US pleads for patience in crisis repair efforts |
 Boston Globe | Global leaders seek answer to credit crisis San Francisco Chronicle, USA - At the same time, loan markets everywhere remained broken, especially the critical wholesale credit markets, in which financial institutions lend each other ... Video: Bernanke: More Economic Pain Ahead TREASURIES-Surge in Europe as shares skid on credit woes Stocks down despite government moves to free up credit |
 The Associated Press | US will work with partners on credit crisis: Bush CBC.ca, Canada - It was the 21st time in 26 days that the president has spoken publicly about the credit crisis gripping financial markets and dragging down stock markets. ... Meeting G7, Bush Vows World Economic Fix |
 Calgary Herald | High anxiety rules Wall Street as global credit crisis deepens Emirates Business 24/7, United Arab Emirates - High anxiety on Wall Street will not subside this week as the deepening credit crunch pushes the international economy into recession and corporate profits ... Video: Stocks Fluctuate After Fed Corporate Debt Plan Easy credit and financial crisis G-7: We're Working On It |
 New York Times | Lehman Credit-Default Swap Payout Could Climb as High as $365 Billion Washington Post, United States - By Heather Landy NEW YORK, Oct. 10 -- In what may shape up to be the most expensive payout ever in the credit-default swap market, sellers of insurance ... STOP FINANCIAL WMD'S: Credit Default Swaps Insurance on Lehman Debt Is the Industry’s Next Test Lehman Credit-Swap Auction Sets Payout of 91.38 Cents (Update1) |
Is my credit union safe? Los Angeles Times, CA - By E. Scott Reckard, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer The government-run National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund insures most deposits at credit unions, ... Got Your Money in a Credit Union? You Too Are Safe In tumultuous financial times, credit unions might be an option to ... LETTER: Your money is safe with credit unions |
 Los Angeles Times | Fears Grow That Tight Credit Could Crush GM, Ford NPR - Standard & Poor's downgraded the credit of both companies and their financing arms this week. AFP/Getty Images Ford F-150 trucks sit at a dealership in ... Video: Money Minute: GM, GE, Oil GM, Ford too big to fail? CREDIT WATCH HITS GM, FORD |
Financial troubles spread to credit unions Los Angeles Times, CA - By E. Scott Reckard, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer It's not just giant banks on the brink these days: Losses are clobbering nonprofit credit unions that ... |
 Citizen | Credit Crisis Collapse What Happens Next? The Market Oracle, UK - To not take actions to stem the credit crisis would be that major policy mistake which would compound all the other mistakes. I think everyone knows the ... Regional financial experts focus on lending; say credit crunch is ... Market news this week for strong stomachs You have some input on interest rates |
 Voice of America | IMF endorses G7 plan to fight global credit crisis CTV.ca, Canada - The International Monetary Fund is backing a plan by Canada and the other G7 countries to fight the worldwide credit crisis, which continues to play havoc ... Video: IMF: Timing right for G7 Credit CRISIS ALERT Press demands some G7 credit crunch punch |
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.
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.
Identity Theft Exploding: Here's How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim
Americans are more concerned about identity theft than unemployment or corporate fraud, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by Star Systems.Nine out of ten Americans demand new federal legislation, while two-thirds say the financial services industry needs to do a better job of verifying the identity of customers who open bank accounts (66 percent) and credit card accounts (72 percent).
Improving Your Credit Report
Even if you think you have a wonderful credit report, be wary of the error factor. Just as you receive mail with your name and address misspelled, your credit report can have errors as well.
Triple AAA in 30 Days
Have you ever wonder about how to get good credit with spending alot of money. Well here is a little secret I used to get my credit back up to par.
How A Prepaid Debit Card Can Help You Rebuild Your Credit
Consumers today are up to their eyeballs in debt. And many people don't realize it until their good credit has been devastated.
Bank Robbery Growing In U.S.
Bank robbery has grown to become a huge problem in the United States but I am not talking about people robbing banks. I am talking about banks robbing people.
7 Surefire Ways To Repair Bad Credit
Do you have a poor credit rating? If so, you are one of tens of thousands of Americans with the same problem. In fact, it seems that this has become a national 'disease.
Myths and Truth about Credit Scoring
Credit score is the key factor determining approval of almost any type of credit. It is based on the information contained in your credit report files.
How To Prevent Fraudulent Credit Card Transactions
What Are Possible Signs of Fraudulent Transactions see at Web Hosting Companies?Customer wants to pre-pay for a yearDomain Name Registration for 5 years or moreOrders using free email address providers like Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.Usage of multiple cards to complete order.
Trying to Land a Job? Poor Credit Scores May Hurt Your Chances
Many employers are now looking at an applicant's credit report for hiring purposes. During an interview process a potential employer may request your written consent to access your credit report.
Your Credit Score
Credit scores: all lenders use credit scores to determine interest rates and credit limits.The credit scoring system was developed in the early 1950's.
Is Plastic Making You Happier?
If you're like most people, you probably own at least one.And like most people, you've maybe never thought what it's really costing you?At a recent conference held by the Fabian Society at London's Imperial college, one of the issues discussed was happiness, and, more specifically, why it seems to elude so many of us.
Compare Credit Card Offers and Reward Yourself
Here's a simple system on how to pay zero interest and get tons of free stuff. Almost everyone uses credit cards.
Credit Score - for Scoring the Right Loan
Somebody once said, "There is always a way of knowing your limitations and going beyond it." It is fundamentally true with respect of credit score.
Dealing With and Repairing Bad Credit
Bad credit can be a burden for otherwise good credit. It may not seem fair at times that financial mistakes in the past can haunt you in the present, but with a little bit of work and some time bad credit can be turned around and repaired.
19,178 Identity Theft Victims Per Day - Are You One Of Them?
Identity theft statistics are shocking. And we are told that it will only become worse, before it gets any better.
Which Credit Bureau Should I Use To Check My Credit Report?
There are three main credit bureaus in the United States; Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Each bureau collects your personal and financial information which is then sold to lenders such as banks, credit unions, credit card companies, mortgage and auto loan lenders.
Stop Struggling Because Of Poor Credit And Improve Credit Rating Now
Did you apply for a personal loan only to be turned down by a bank or lending institution? Like most people there is always a need to borrow money to buy a car or to renovate a home or even to get a student loan. There are many reasons why people need a loan and lenders turn people down from a loan application based on ones credit rating and credit score.
Do You Know Whats On Your Credit Report ?
It is important to know your credit rating for a number of reasons. Believe it or not there may be errors in your credit report, and it is essential that you repair them immediately.