Credit Repair Services
United Credit RestorationAbout
Important information
- Additional Info:
On January 21, 2016, BBB has verified that the company is not registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State as required by Pennsylvania law.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers can make a request for a free copy of their credit report once every 12 months by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to request your credit reports by phone.
Claims such as, “We can erase your bad credit — 100% guaranteed!” or “We can remove bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and bad loans from your credit file forever!” or “Credit problems? No problem” are very likely signs of a scam. The fact is there’s no quick fix for creditworthiness. You can improve your credit report legitimately, but it takes time, a conscious effort, and sticking to a personal debt repayment plan. The Federal Trade Commission also advises consumers be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
Companies target consumers who have poor credit histories with promises to clean up their credit report so they can get a car loan, a home mortgage, insurance, or even a job once they pay them a fee for the service. The truth is, these companies can’t deliver an improved credit report for you using the tactics they promote. It’s illegal: No one can remove accurate negative information from your credit report. So after you pay them hundreds or thousands of dollars in fees, you’re left with the same credit report and someone else has your money.
If you see a credit repair offer, here’s how to tell if there are signs of untruths:The company wants you to pay for credit repair services before they provide any services. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, credit repair companies cannot require you to pay until they have completed the services they have promised.
The company doesn’t tell you your rights and what you can do for yourself for free.
The company recommends that you do not contact any of the three major national credit reporting companies directly.
The company tells you they can get rid of most or all the negative credit information in your credit report, even if that information is accurate and current.
The company suggests that you try to invent a “new” credit identity — and then, a new credit report — by applying for an Employer Identification Number to use instead of your Social Security number.If you follow illegal advice and commit fraud, you may find yourself in legal hot water, too: It’s a federal crime to lie on a loan or credit application, to misrepresent your Social Security number, and to obtain an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service under false pretenses. You could be charged and prosecuted for mail or wire fraud if you use the mail, telephone, or Internet to apply for credit and provide false information.
The Credit Repair Organizations Act
Credit repair organizations must give you a copy of the “Consumer Credit File Rights Under State and Federal Law” before you sign a contract. They also must give you a written contract that spells out your rights and obligations. Read these documents before you sign anything. And before signing, know that a credit repair company cannot:*make false claims about their services
*charge you until they have completed the promised services
*perform any services until they have your signature on a written contract and have completed a three-day waiting period. During this time, you can cancel the contract without paying any fees.Before you sign a contract, be sure it specifies:
*the payment terms for services, including the total cost
*a detailed description of the services the company will perform
*how long it will take to achieve the result
*any guarantees the company offer
*the company’s name and business addressMost credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Your BBB, financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, be aware that bankruptcy laws require that you get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within six months before you file for bankruptcy relief. You can find a state-by-state list of government-approved organizations atwww.usdoj.gov/ust, the website of the U.S. Trustee Program. That’s the organization within the U.S. Department of Justice that supervises bankruptcy cases and trustees.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and can help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.
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