Credit Information



LifeHealthInsurance.ca

Credit Repair Scams


"Erase Bad Debt !"

"Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report"

You've probably seen these headlines and others just like it promising to clean up or "fix" bad credit. For someone who suffers from a bad or poor credit rating, these headlines are certainly an appealing offer.

Imagine finally being able to buy that new car, get debt collectors off your back, and enjoy a new found freedom from your past debts.

Sound to good to be true ? It probably is. Once you fall prey to the credit repair offer and pay the hefty fees involved to clean up your record, here's what happens:

1) The credit repair scam artist contacts the credit bureaus and reports that the negative information in your file is false.

2) The credit bureau removes this negative information from your report while they investigate the claim.

3) The scam artist will then show you the cleaned up version of your credit report and "ta-da" your credit history has been fixed !

But here's what the scammer doesn't tell or show you. After the credit bureau completes their investigation the negative information is placed back on your credit report.

Negative but accurate information cannot be removed from your credit profile. Only incorrect information can be removed.

Accurate information remains on your credit file for a period of 7 years from the time it is reported to the credit agencies; a bankruptcy appears for a 10 year period.

Many legitimate companies exist that can help you with your debt problems. But how do you spot a scam offer ? Easy, they'll ask you for their fees up front. By law, credit repair agencies cannot ask for payment until they've provided the service they promised.

Additionally many states require that a credit repair service, whether they are for-profit or not-for-profit, must provide you with a detailed written contract, an explanation of your legal rights, and the opportunity to cancel any signed contract within 3 days.

Also, be aware that a "credit repair offer" could be an attempt to steal your identity by getting you to provide personal information such as a Social Security number, bank account and credit card account numbers.

Always make sure you know who you are dealing with before accepting any offer to help you repair your credit. Those who don't can have their credit ruined further and create more debt problems.

© 2004, www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
Author: James H. Dimmitt.
James is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a weekly free newsletter. Subscribe to the newsletter by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

NY1

Figuring out college tax breaks: American Opportunity Credit
USA Today
Here's a look at the tax breaks available: This credit, included in last year's economic stimulus package, provides a tax credit of up to $2500 per student. ...
Claim The Homebuyer Tax Credit Before It ExpiresSan Francisco Chronicle
Tax Tip: 10 facts about claiming the Child Tax CreditKOAM-TV
Recipients of 2008 homebuyer credit must repay fundsThe Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Detroit Free Press -Healthy Financial Habits -NewsReleaseWire.com (press release)
all 67 news articles »



KVAL

Family Finance: Credit Cards Part of College Plans
New York Times
But a new law making it harder for students to get their own credit cards means most parents now have to choose whether to help their kids get one, ...
What's Up – And Down – With Credit CardsThe Moderate Voice
New Bank of America Credit Card StatementConsumerism Commentary (blog)
Learn the new credit card rules to live byPalm Beach Post
GulfNews -AOL News -FOXBusiness
all 77 news articles »


Analyst Sees Little Impact From Home Tax Credit
ABC News
AP Pulte Homes Inc. is not seeing many sales as result of a federal tax credit designed to spur home purchases, an analyst wrote Friday, so its sales are ...
Home buyer tax credit set to sunset? Don't bank on itBoston Globe (blog)
Has the Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Flopped?Wall Street Journal (blog)
Federal housing tax credit for new homeowners 2009 tax year – IRS tax credits ...Healthy Financial Habits
Subprime Blogger (blog) -The Hill (blog) -Today's THV
all 84 news articles »


Mortgage Rates & Trends (blog)

Credit Scores Can Drop After Getting Loan Help
ABC News
"Why should people's credit be hurt even worse when they're trying to do the right thing?" said Eileen Anderson, senior vice president at Community ...
Loan Modification Can Harm Credit ScoresMortgage Rates & Trends (blog)
Mortgage loan modification is the best deterrent to foreclosureBigNews.biz (press release)

all 255 news articles »


Morningstar to Buy Credit Rater Realpoint
Wall Street Journal
Morningstar Inc., best known for its analysis of mutual funds, said it is acquiring privately held credit-rating ...
Morningstar to acquire Realpoint for $52MBusinessWeek
Morningstar buys credit rating agency RealpointChicago Breaking Business - Tribune (blog)
Morningstar buying rater of structured financeReuters
Pensions & Investments
all 61 news articles »


MTR Gaming gets new $20 million credit agreement
BusinessWeek
MTR Gaming has entered into a new credit agreement worth $20 million, half of which it drew Friday. The company said the agreement for the senior secured, ...
MTR Gaming Group Enters into $20 Million Credit AgreementMarketWatch (press release)
MTR Gaming arranges new USD20m credit facilityTrading Markets (press release)

all 50 news articles »


Seattle Post Intelligencer

Will US Lose Its Triple-A Ranking? Investors Yawn
ABC News
Blase about triple-A: Will US lose its top credit rating? Bigger worry: Investor indifference By BERNARD CONDON AP Business Writer The Associated Press It's ...
Fitch Says Credit Profiles of AAA Countries Have DeterioratedBusinessWeek
U.S. credit-rating warning should spur actionSan Francisco Chronicle
US testing Moody's patience on debt loadKansas City Star
Bucknell University -Jutia Group -Portfolio.com (blog)
all 141 news articles »


Chicago Tribune

Credit mix-up leaves ComEd customer with $2000 charge
Chicago Tribune
When he called the power company, he was told the $2052.92 was added after he was identified as a former owner of the house by the credit bureau Experian. ...

and more »


GenCorp amends $280 million line of credit
BusinessWeek
GenCorp Inc. said Friday it amended a $280 million line of credit in a move that the aerospace and defense products maker said gives it greater financial ...
GenCorp Announces Senior Credit Facility Amendment and Repurchase of DebtPR Newswire (press release)
GenCorp restructures debtSacramento Business Journal

all 23 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006