Can Credit Repair Companies Be Trusted?

The truth is some can and some can not. I know this is probably not what you want to hear but let’s be honest here; there are some non-ethical people out there who want to take advantage of desperate people. Unfortunately these guys have given the credit repair industry a “black eye” for those companies that really do provide a great value. So it’s important to do your homework before you decide.

There are two approaches to cleaning up your credit, 1) Do it your-self, 2) Hire a professional company. I look at this way, I can change my own oil in my car if I want, but I rather save my time for more important things in my life such as family, work, friends, sports, etc. So what are some things to look for in a trusted credit report repair company?

First off stay away from those who companies that say, “One hundred percent guaranteed!! Credit report 100% cleared in 30 days!!" No credit repair company is good enough to guarantee a specific outcome. It would be like a defense lawyer guaranteeing that the jury will find his client innocent. Guarantees are a sure sign of credit repair fraud, a better thing to look for is a refund if certain results don't occur, this more realistic.

Second, look for results and longevity of the company. Chances are that if they post their results and have been in business for a while then they are a trustworthy company. Some even are part of the Better Business Bureau.

Third, stay away from the companies that make you pre-pay for their service. This is illegal according to the CROA laws. It’s perfectly fine to have a set up fee for a reasonable price that helps set up your account and get everything ready to dispute, but if you have a company that says we need $1000 before we can start, I would walk away.

The important thing you need to understand is that you CAN dispute items on your report and obtain impressive results. You do not have to endure bad credit for seven to ten years as long as you feel comfortable challenging the accuracy or verifiability of your credit listings. The simple truth remains: you can restore your credit.