Credit repair companies can provide valuable services, but some are less reputable than others. If a credit repair company does the following, think twice about engaging their services:

• They request payment up front before any services are provided. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), credit repair companies cannot require you to make payment until they complete the services promised.
• They do not inform you of your rights and about what steps you can perform on your own at no cost.
• They ask you not to contact the major credit reporting agencies – Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian – directly.
• They claim they can eliminate most or all of the negative entries on your credit report even if those entries are accurate.
• They claim you should dispute all entries on your credit report.

If a credit repair firm asks for or claims any of the above – find another agency to work with or consider repairing your credit on your own.