How to Spot a Credit-Repair Scam

The short answer: what a scam looks like

A real credit-repair company cannot promise results. No one can guarantee that your score will go up, or that accurate negative items will disappear.

If someone says they can “wipe out” true late payments, collections, charge-offs, or bankruptcies, that is a red flag. The same is true if they ask you to lie, dispute items you know are true, or create a new credit identity.

Credit Footing is not a credit-repair company. We are a free matching service that can connect you with a credit-repair or nonprofit credit-counseling provider if you want help, but you always have the right to handle disputes yourself for free.

Red flags that usually mean scam

Watch for these warning signs:

• They promise to remove all negative items.
• They say they can raise your score by a set number of points.
• They want payment before any work is done.
• They tell you to dispute true information.
• They suggest a “new credit identity” or CPN.
• They will not give you a written contract.
• They pressure you to sign right away.

A trustworthy provider should explain what they will do, what may happen, what it costs, and what they cannot promise. Results depend on your own credit file, the facts, and how quickly creditors or bureaus respond.

What the law says in plain English

Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, a credit-repair company cannot charge you before it has performed the promised work. It also cannot promise to remove accurate negative information just because you pay them.

If you do choose a credit-repair company, it must give you a written contract. You usually have three business days to cancel that contract after signing.

Rules and timelines can vary by state, so read the contract carefully and keep a copy. If something is not clear, ask for it in writing before you agree.

What you can do for free on your own

You do not have to pay anyone to start fixing a credit report error. Under the FCRA, you can get your credit reports for free and dispute errors yourself at no cost.

A simple first step is to review your reports, mark anything that looks wrong, and gather any papers that support your case. If you want a step-by-step guide, see how to dispute credit report errors.

If you are new to the system, our guides page explains credit basics in plain language.

If you want help, how matching works

If you decide you want outside help, Credit Footing can match you for free with a provider that fits your goal. We are not the repair company, and we do not fix credit ourselves.

When you ask to get matched, we only collect basic contact and goal information such as your first name, phone number, optional email, ZIP code, and preferred language. We do not ask for Social Security numbers, account numbers, full credit reports, income, or date of birth.

If you choose to be matched, you must give separate permission for calls or texts, including automated ones. That consent is not required to use the site.

What to do today

1. Get your free credit reports and look for anything wrong.
2. Save letters, statements, or other proof.
3. Ignore anyone who says they can erase true negative information.
4. Do not pay upfront for promises.
5. If you want help, compare providers carefully or get matched with a provider that meets your goal.

If the situation feels urgent or confusing, a nonprofit credit counselor may be a good place to start. They can help you understand your options without promising a magic fix.