Recognize credit-repair scams

Stop when the pitch outruns reality

Beware guaranteed points or deletions, government-affiliation claims, and demands for payment before promised repair work. Other warnings include instructions not to contact bureaus, to dispute all negative items regardless of accuracy, or to omit truth on an application.

A so-called credit privacy number or new profile is not a legitimate Social Security number replacement. It may be stolen or part of an illegal scheme. Never use a false number, identity-theft report, or identity to apply; that can harm victims and bring serious consequences.

• A sales badge is not government endorsement.
• Demand written services, costs, timing, and cancellation rights.
• Walk away from secrecy and pressure.

Protect records and report

If you paid, contact the card issuer, bank, app, wire company, or gift-card issuer immediately and ask about reversal or a fraud flag. Preserve ads and messages. Acting quickly may help, but a refund is not guaranteed.

Change compromised passwords. If identity data was exposed, use IdentityTheft.gov and consider three bureau freezes. Report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reports support enforcement even when the FTC cannot recover an individual's money.

• Save receipts and screenshots.
• Never pay for a false dispute.
• Use the fixing-credit hub for lawful help.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• FTC: Fixing Your Credit FAQs
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov