How to Fix Your Credit

The first thing you should do when you want to Fix Your Credit is request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. The credit report will detail what outstanding debts you owe. If an error is on the report, you can dispute the information in an effort to Fix Your Credit. All consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus once every 12 months.

When you decide to fix your credit so you can improve your chances of receiving approval for credit cards, home or auto loans, the Federal Trade Commission, FTC, has a

 few guidelines to follow.

The FTC advises consumers to learn how to recognize credit repair company scams. There are few signs to look for. Avoid companies that may ask you pay to Fix Your Credit before they provide you with services. The Credit Repair Organizations Act prohibits credit repair companies from requiring payment before delivering services.

Beware of companies who don't tell you what your rights are and what you can do to fix your credit for free. Don't do business with a credit repair company that advises you to not contact any of the three major credit reporting agencies directly. Don't trust a company that tells you that you can get rid of the negative information on your credit report, even if it's accurate and current.

Some companies may advise consumers to apply for an employer identification number instead of using their Social Security Number before disputing the information in a credit report, regardless of its accuracy.

How to initiate a credit report dispute to Fix Your Credit

Sometimes the credit reporting bureaus make mistakes. The information on the credit report may be inaccurate or out of date. The erroneous information could be as minor as outdated contact information or as serious as debt that shows up but has been paid. If a consumer wants to dispute the information in their credit report, they must submit the information they want to dispute in writing to the credit agency bureau that is reporting the inaccurate  information. The credit reporting bureaus have to investigate the consumer's claim within 30 days after receipt, unless they consider the dispute frivolous.

If you want more information on how to Fix Your Credit, contact any one of the three major credit report agencies. Consumers looking for information regarding debt related matters, can contact NCO Financial Systems, Inc. Contact information for NCO Financial System, Inc. can be found on every page of our  consumer help unit website.

We are required under state and federal law to notify consumers of the following rights. This list does not contain a complete list of the rights consumers have under state and Federal law. Please click this link for important information about your rights. State and Federal Disclosure Link.