If you have bad credit, it’s a good idea to start working to get it fixed now. Regardless if your credit problems are because of mistakes on your credit report, a poor credit history from not paying your bills, or stolen identity, there are several steps you can take to fix your credit. And they do not require you to hire a bad credit repair counselor.
In fact, using a bad credit counselor can hurt you. While they can help you settle debts and get your credit score increased, there will be a notation on your credit report that you used a credit counselor in order to help close out your loans. While this in itself does not have any impact on your credit score, a lender who reviews your credit report will certainly see this as a red flag.
So the first thing to do in order to fix your credit yourself is to get a copy of your credit report. By law, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report a year from each of the 3 credit reporting agencies; Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.
Once you receive a copy of your credit report, scan it for potential errors. Chances are you will find some, as 75% of credit reports include false information and 25% include false information that will actually effect your credit score in a negative way.
Once you have identified all of the errors on your credit report, you will then need to outline a bad credit repair plan in order to quickly erase those errors and get a clean credit report. And even if some of the negative credit marks are actually true, there are tricks to get them cleared off your credit report and immediately increase your credit score.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Deed in lieu of foreclosure vs foreclosure
By: Leaving | 15-08-2008
Is deed in lieu of foreclosure hard to get? How long will it show on my credit report?
Neighbor makes 5 false police reports
By: Elaine | 15-08-2008
my neighbor in our apartment building has filed 5 false police reports in the last 7 months. Allegations include drug dealing, guns, elder abuse, ect. All untrue. We have to go through the whole imbarrassing proceedures, she also has gone so far as to tell these things to the new owner of the building. He has accused me and threatened to evict me. What can I do?
False police reports
By: Elaine | 15-08-2008
can i file suit against my neighbor in my apartment building for filing 5 false police reports in the last 7 months? The allegations range from being a drug dealer, elder abuse, guns, ect.. I was never arrested for anything.
Domesticating a Default Judgment in FL and Car Lien from Creditor
By: Sharonzzzzz | 03-08-2008
I have a default judgemnt and the attorney for the creditor (Cach LLC) said he is going to domesticate the default judgment in Florida and then put a lien on our house and cars. The default judgment is in my name only (not my husbands). First...can you domesticate a default in Florida? I've heard you can't. Second...can they put a lien on my husbands car? The title says both our names with OR (not AND). They are both paid off in full. Third...if they do put a lien on the cars, can they then come and get them or do they have to wait until we try to sell them. Thank you.
Credit Report Question
By: Hello, Chad! | 29-07-2008
How Long Do Previous Addresses Stay On Your Credit Report?qt=q
Hard Inquiry - Employer's Creditor - Possible ID Theft?
By: Just a Staffer | 27-07-2008
I have credit monitoring. I just found out (1 week later) about a Hard Inquiry from an internet reseller. I sent certified mail to both the reseller & Equifax (the reporting agency) requesting the identity of the end user not disclosed by my monitoring service. I also requested a copy of my Equifax report. The Equifax report came in the same day as the green return mail receipt cards. The report shows the end user as a company my employer has previously used and I contacted for my employer's business. I work for a law firm and the end user is a private process service. My employer gets and (hopefully pays) the bills. I am calling the end user tomorrow to ask: Why did you pull my personal credit report?
I am becoming increasingly concerned that this maybe the beginning of ID theft. I did some checking (without leaving footprints) and discovered the owner of the end user has about $150k in tax liens, is in the midst of a 4 year custody battle and just got a traffic ticket last month for driving an unregistered vehicle.
How can I get this Hard inquiry off my credit report?
Should I institute a credit freeze?
Should I change credit monitoring services? Since the info provided did not disclose the end user, I still have not been e-notified (I found it by happenstance) and all the "Breaking News" on their website is at least 5 years old.
Thank You in advance for any insights I have not even begun to think about
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