Know Your Rights
Federal law protects you. Understanding your rights is the first step toward fair credit.
CROA
Credit Repair Organizations Act
The federal law that governs credit repair companies, setting strict rules on how they must operate and what they must disclose to you.
Enforced by: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Your Rights
- You have the right to dispute inaccurate information directly with credit bureaus at no charge
- You have the right to cancel your contract within 3 business days
- Credit repair companies cannot collect payment before services are fully performed
- No one can legally guarantee to remove accurate negative information
- You must receive a written contract before any services begin
FCRA
Fair Credit Reporting Act
Ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy in the information collected by credit reporting agencies. It is the foundation of your credit rights.
Enforced by: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Your Rights
- You must be told when information in your file is used against you
- You have the right to know what is in your file
- You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information
- Credit bureaus must investigate disputes within 30 days
- Outdated negative information must be removed (7 years for most items, 10 for bankruptcy)
FDCPA
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
Protects consumers from abusive, deceptive, and unfair debt collection practices by third-party collectors.
Enforced by: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Your Rights
- Debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or use unfair practices
- You can request debt validation in writing
- Collectors must stop contacting you if you send a cease-and-desist letter
- You can sue collectors who violate the FDCPA
TSR
Telemarketing Sales Rule
An FTC rule that applies to telemarketing transactions, including credit repair services sold over the phone.
Enforced by: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Key Provisions
- Credit repair companies cannot charge upfront fees
- Payment only after services have been performed
- Required disclosures before payment
What Credit Repair Companies Cannot Do
Federal law prohibits any credit repair organization from the following. If a company promises otherwise, walk away.
Create a new credit identity (a federal crime)
Guarantee specific results
Remove accurate, timely, verifiable information
Charge before performing services
Lie about services or results
What You Can Do Yourself — For Free
Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, we are required to inform you that you have the right to perform the following actions on your own, at no cost.
- Obtain your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com
- File disputes directly with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Send debt validation letters to collectors
- Place fraud alerts on your credit file
- Freeze your credit for free
Official Resources
These links open official government websites in a new tab.
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