Credit Repair Myths and Facts

Jason A. Martin

There are no secrets to repairing your credit. Many shady credit repair agencies would love you to think the contrary. Negative items can be removed from your credit report and you can do it yourself. One does not need a credit repair “expert” or “law firm” to do it either. While the credit world can seem complex to the average individual, the basics are really simple once you know them.

Fact: You can remove negative items from your credit report.

According to the FCRA, you have the legal right to dispute any piece of information with a credit bureau. Upon doing so, the credit bureau then has 30 calendar days to investigate the item(s). After that time, the credit bureau will either update the item as you request or leave it alone if they proved it was correct to begin with. If you submit additional information on the dispute during the 30 days, the credit bureau is allowed to take an additional 15 days. Disputes can be submitted online at the credit bureau’s site or simply sent via postal mail, which happens to be my recommendation. Disputes sent in based on the free credit report now provided under FACTA are given 45 days to resolve.

Myth: Collection agencies can call you anytime and do as they please.

To stop collection agencies from calling you, simply send them a cease and desist letter stating they are only allowed to contact you via postal mail. This ability is afforded you via the FDCPA. Collection agencies have a series of actions they must do to be in compliance. You would be surprised at just how many FCRA and FDCPA violations are committed on a daily basis by many collection agencies. Never speak with a collection agency over the phone. Conducting discussions via written form is best because you have proof.