Fix Credit

Millions of Americans suffer with sub-prime or just downright bad credit. Is it possible to fix credit, you may ask. The answer is a resounding YES!!! Thousands of consumers just like yourself have improved their credit or are in the process of doing so by fixing erroneous and/or negative information on their credit reports. Keep in mind the better your credit report looks, the higher your credit score will be which means an overall better life for you.

Fix Credit - everyone should consider it:

Your credit doesn't necessarily have to be bad in order to fix it. Even if your credit is good, chances are there is something on your report that could be fixed. This will only enhance your credit score which in-turn enables you to apply for credit and loans with prime rates and terms. Most people don't realize how much money they save overtime with better interest rates just by cleaning up a few dings on their credit report.

1st step to fix credit:

Order a copy of your credit report. Remember to order a copy from each of the three bureaus; each bureau reports different information. You can order each individually or order a three-in-one. You will be charged a fee in either case.

There are circumstances that qualify you to receive a free credit report. If you have been denied credit you have 60 days to request a free credit report from the bureau who reported the negative information. You can also qualify for a free report if you are seeking employment. Not to mention new legislation passed that entitles all consumers to one free credit report within a 12-month period.

2nd step to fix credit:

Review all of the information in your credit report carefully. Make sure the following items are accurate:

• Your full name (and any previous names)
• Social security number
• Public records - lawsuits, liens, judgments, bankruptcies, etc
• Credit history
• Current and previous address
• Employment history
• Current and past marital status

The following are examples of things that may need fixing:

3rd step to fix credit:

Write a letter to the bureaus that states what information you believe to be inaccurate. Clearly identify the items by naming who the account is with and providing an account number. Explain why you are disputing the item and request that it be corrected or deleted. In your letter you also need to include your complete name, address, social security number, and date. Send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you will have a record that your letter was received. Keep copies of your dispute letters and any other documents that support your position.

Your dispute must be investigated within 30 days, unless your dispute is considered frivolous. The CRA will investigate with the information provider. If the information provider cannot produce valid proof of the data in question then they must notify all nationwide CRAs to correct information in your file and fix your credit report.

These are the general guidelines CRAs must follow to fix credit:

• Disputed information that cannot be verified must be deleted from your file
• Inaccurate information must be corrected
• Incomplete items must be completed.
• If there is an account that does not belong to you it must be deleted.

Upon completion of the investigation, the CRA must provide you with written copies of the results. If your dispute results in a change, they must also provide a free copy of your fixed credit report. Once an item is corrected or deleted, it cannot be placed back on your report unless the information provider proves its validity. If it is verified as accurate, the CRA must provide the name, address, and phone number of the information provider so you can take matters up with them.

Upon your request, the CRA must send notices to anyone who received a copy of your report within the past 6 months. You can also request that your fixed credit report be sent to anyone who received a copy within the last two years for employment purposes.

The protocol to fix credit can be simple and may produce desired improvements. However, many times the CRAs and information providers can be uncooperative by using a number of stall tactics intended to intimidate and frustrate you. There are many ways to combat these tactics. Learning them, however, can be daunting and time consuming. You may consider letting those who are well seasoned in the credit repair industry fix your credit report for you.

The team of experts at Legacy Legal Services has a thorough knowledge of the laws that work in your favor and how to effectively implement them in the dispute process. They have an arsenal of methods to thwart the ploys of the CRAs, producing remarkable results. They have seen a great deal of success in fixing credit reports of thousands of clients. You could be their next success story. If you want to effectively improve your credit, but don't want to deal with the headache and the hassle, contact Legacy Legal Services. They will do the work for you.