When you’re ready to set out and fix your credit for the first time, you’re already taking a step that many other people don’t take and that is taking action.  Those that dream of becoming debt free never do anything!  The same goes with those that want to become millionaires.  What’s stopping you from doing it!?  You can’t just sit there and blame everyone else for your own problems.

Now, to get off that rant, I wanted to give you steps on how you can pick out the best credit repair service.  There are a lot of scammy ones out there and I want to make sure that you avoid companies such as these.  They are going to do more harm than they are good.

How to notice a credit repair scam…

Stating things that aren’t true: If the company is making statements that sound way too good to be true, they most likely are.   You’re going to want to make sure that you use your head.  Sure, you may be desperate to get out of debt, but what you’re going to find out is that if you’re desperate, you may have a different state of mind.  You can’t get out of debt in 24 hours!

Pay before services start: If a company requires that you pay for services before they do anything, this is technically illegal according to the Credit Repair ACT.  You’re only entitled to pay the company after services have been completed.  Always make sure that you receive documentation on what they have done.

Staying undercover: What I mean by this is that they really don’t tell you what they are doing.  A good company is going to outline their process.  They will tell you how they are going to get your debt down to zero, as well as what they are going to do with each debt.  You want to know what’s going on.

Illegal activity is recommended: If a company ever recommends that you dispute items that shouldn’t be disputed, or that you should open up an EIN, you need to run fast.  When you do illegal things, it’s going to come back to bite you in the butt, so watch out!

What does a good credit repair service have?

If you’re looking to sign up with a good credit repair service, you’re going to want to make sure that they meet the following guidelines.

  • Has a great BBB rating.  Anything over an A is excellent.
  • Great reviews online.  There will always be negative things to say about something, but trust your gut.
  • Easy to get a hold of.
  • They tell you what’s going on.
  • No false advertising.

There are a lot of companies out there.  Personally, I recommend Lexington Law because they meet a lot of these guidelines.  Be sure to check out this FTC guide as well if you have any questions regarding this.