Answers to Some Common Questions That May Be On Your Mind

Q: Is Credit Repair Legal?

- Surprisingly, this is still often asked. It is because of consumer complaints about inaccuracies and incomplete credit reports that congress passed laws allowing for, and specifying the procedures, for credit repair. Best Credit Score’s credit repair process is 100% legal. In fact, one of the key laws (The Fair And Accurate Credit Transactions Act) was recently updated with many important provisions. Congress has also created law, The Credit Repair Organizations Act, which authorizes a third party to assist you in challenging inaccurate credit reports.

Q: How Does The Credit Repair Process Work?

- The credit bureaus, as well as creditors, are required to follow accuracy procedures before they can legally place information on your credit report. Any information that is not complete, or not accurate, or not verifiable is not supposed to remain. During the process we force the creditors and credit bureaus to back up their claims of accuracy. Once an error is identified, if it can't be proven 100% accurate, the item must be removed.

There are other methods also used in special situations. These are explained on a case-by-case basis.

We start by examining our client’s personal credit file held by each of the major credit reporting bureaus (Trans Union, Equifax and Experian). Then, we identify any accounts that contain information that could be considered adverse.

Next, upon the client’s request, we dispute all of the accounts that contain inaccurate, erroneous, or obsolete information on the client’s behalf and have the accounts deleted or updated accordingly. Finally we consult our clients on how to avoid future negative credit listings while educating them with helpful tips on how to use their credit to their advantage and reach their Best Credit Score.

Q: Does Paying Off Old Bills Repair My Credit?

- Old debts need to be handled very carefully. It would take too long to explain in detail here, but to summarize one key problem: When you pay an old debt off, it does NOT remove it from your credit report, as many consumers assume.

Instead, it is updated as a PAID collection or PAID charge-off, etc. This Is better than unpaid, but not as good as it being removed entirely. Sometimes PAID is the best you can do, other times you can do better.

There are other factors that need to be weighed before approaching old debts. Collection statues need be considered and will vary from state to state. Your Case Advisor can help you better understand some of the considerations.

Q: How Will I Know When The Negatives Come Off My Reports?

- You will receive an update from the credit bureaus themselves for each issue that we initiate an action on.

Q: How Long Will The Whole Process Take?

In the vast majority of cases, our clients see results in as little as 60 to 90 days. The length of time to complete the full program will vary from client to client. Each case is unique. The number of issues, the type of issues, and the participation level of the creditors and bureaus will all have an impact on the speed of the process. Typically, the range will be from 6-10 months. You can help insure the fastest process with timely participation when necessary.

Q: Is It Possible For An Item That Was Removed To Be Put Back On My Credit Report?

- It is possible, but extremely rare. The credit bureaus are required by law to send a 5-day notice before placing something back on a consumer’s credit report. In addition, there is a higher burden of verification placed on the credit bureau. Because of these added provisions, it is extremely rare for the same item to be reinserted. Naturally, if this situation ever occurred, you should forward any such notice to us.