Credit Repair Violations: Know Your CROA Rights

Common Credit Repair Violations

The federal Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) and the California Credit Services Act protect consumers from deceptive credit repair. Warning signs include:

• Charging upfront fees before services are fully performed
• Guaranteeing a score increase or the removal of accurate negative information
• Suggesting a CPN, a new EIN or a "new credit identity" in place of your Social Security number
• Telling you to dispute accurate information as inaccurate
• No written contract, or no notice of your right to cancel within three business days
• Advising you not to contact the credit bureaus yourself

Your Rights Under CROA And The FCRA

You have the right to a written contract that explains the services, total cost and timeline. You can cancel within three business days without charge. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you can dispute inaccurate or unverifiable information yourself, for free, directly with Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

What To Do If You Were Misled

• Keep copies of your contract, receipts and any messages
• Request copies of every dispute submitted in your name
• Pull current reports from all three bureaus to see what changed
• Report the company to the CFPB, the FTC or the California DFPI

How Legitimate Credit Help Works

A lawful credit review starts with your actual reports. It focuses on items that may be inaccurate, incomplete or unverifiable, explains what accurate information means for your goals and gives you a clear written agreement before any paid service begins.