Best Credit Repair Companies in Centreville

A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can stay on someone's credit report for up to 10 years from the original petition date. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy can stay on someone's credit report for up to 7 years from the original petition date. Credit repair companies may be able to dispute a bankruptcy reported on someone's credit history if it's not their bankruptcy or if it's appearing outside of the date range stated above.

Repairing credit following identity theft can be complex. Here are some important steps to follow in addition to hiring professional help.

• Notify creditors and banks as soon as possible. Many may provide protections that limit a person's liability, but the coverage works best when issues are reported right away.
• Report the issue to the Federal Trade Commission.
• Make a report to the local police to get an official report document.
• Request a credit freeze so the fraudsters can't get credit in the person's name in the future.
• Check credit reports and look for inaccurate information related to the fraud.
• Work with a credit repair company to dispute that information.

Yes, credit repair is legal. In fact, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, people have a right to an accurate credit report. Companies that legitimately help achieve this are simply supporting those rights with experience and professional guidance. That being said, there are companies that run credit repair scams. Companies that ask for large payments up front or guarantee a clean credit report or improved credit score may not be legitimate. It's illegal for a credit repair company to make a guarantee.